The “morning-after pill” is marketed as a type of “emergency contraception,” used after you have had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure such as a condom breaking. It contains the hormone Levonorgestrel, a Progestin, or Ulipristal acetate, a progesterone agonist-antagonist.
Because “the morning-after pill” does not necessarily prevent fertilization but may prevent the new life from settling or implanting into the womb and continuing to grow there, many consider it an early abortion drug. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and should not be taken if you are already pregnant as it may cause harm.
Emergency Contraception isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking contraceptives to learn more about the risk factors. You can also contact a Pregnancy Center to discuss your situation.
How does “emergency contraception” work?
Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the morning-after pill can work in one of 3 ways:
1. Prevent or delay ovulation
2. Thicken the cervical mucus, decreasing the chance of the sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg
3. Change the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. (Also considered an early abortion.)
Using the morning-after pill may delay your period by up to one week. If your period is more than one week late, take a pregnancy test. If you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the pill, contact your health care provider. These may be signs or symptoms of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy - when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
An estimated 1 to 2 out of 100 women who have unprotected sex one time and correctly use the pill will get pregnant. Emergency contraception doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Because “the morning-after pill” does not necessarily prevent fertilization but may prevent the new life from settling or implanting into the womb and continuing to grow there, many consider it an early abortion drug. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and should not be taken if you are already pregnant as it may cause harm.
Emergency Contraception isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking contraceptives to learn more about the risk factors. You can also contact a Pregnancy Center to discuss your situation.
How does “emergency contraception” work?
Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the morning-after pill can work in one of 3 ways:
1. Prevent or delay ovulation
2. Thicken the cervical mucus, decreasing the chance of the sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg
3. Change the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. (Also considered an early abortion.)
Are
there any side effects or health risks?
Your health care provider may
discourage use of the contraceptive pills if:
- You’re allergic to any component of the pill
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Taking certain medications that may decrease the effectiveness of the morning-after pill, such as barbiturates or St. John’s wort.
Side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhea
Using the morning-after pill may delay your period by up to one week. If your period is more than one week late, take a pregnancy test. If you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the pill, contact your health care provider. These may be signs or symptoms of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy - when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.
An estimated 1 to 2 out of 100 women who have unprotected sex one time and correctly use the pill will get pregnant. Emergency contraception doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.
No comments:
Post a Comment