What is this?
Emergency contraception includes methods used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. These methods are recommended for use within 5 days, but they are most effective when used as soon as possible after intercourse. Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation and do not cause abortion.
The three types of EC
pills are:
Some EC pills are available over the counter without a prescription, while others require one. The IUD must be inserted by an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care professional.
How does this work?
Using EC does not cause an abortion. An abortion ends an existing pregnancy. EC prevents pregnancy from occurring. EC must be used soon after unprotected sexual intercourse to be effective. It does not work if pregnancy has already occurred.
Efficacy:
The efficacy of
emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) varies based on the type of pill and the
timing of administration:
○
Effectiveness: Approximately 1.2% pregnancy rate.
○
Timing: Most effective within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected
intercourse, especially between 72–120 hours.
○
Effectiveness: Pregnancy rate ranges from 1.2% to 2.1%.
○
Timing: Should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72
hours (3 days) but effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.
○
Effectiveness: Varies, generally less effective than UPA and LNG.
○
Timing: Should be taken as soon as possible within 120 hours after
unprotected intercourse.
●
Early Use: The sooner ECPs are taken after unprotected sex, the more
effective they are.
●
Type of Pill: UPA is more effective than LNG between 72–120 hours
post-intercourse.
● No Effect on Established Pregnancy: ECPs do not interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.
Usage duration recommended:
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is most effective when used within three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.