People can prevent unwanted pregnancies in many different ways. They can use condoms, oral contraceptives, injected contraceptives, IUDs, sponges and more. All of these methods can significantly reduce the chance of pregnancy. For example, condoms, when used properly, reduce the chances of pregnancy by 90 to 95 percent.
But if a couple has sex without using a contraceptive, or if the contraceptive fails (for example, a condom breaks), and the woman has no desire to become pregnant, what can she do?
The generic name for this contraceptive is levonorgestrel. It’s also known by the name morning after pill.
If you take it within 72 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex, the morning after pill can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. If you take the morning after pill within 24 hours, it is about 95% effective.
But you should know that the morning after pill is not as effective as regular contraception. So don’t take it as your main form of birth control. And, it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Think of it as a backup — not for routine use. That’s why it’s called morning after pill.
The morning after pill can be purchased over the counter at drugstores without a prescription or proof of age. Because it is most effective when taken as soon as possible (up to 72 hours after sex), consider having a ready supply in your medicine cabinet.
You can take the morning after pill if:
• The condom came off or broke.
• The diaphragm slipped out of place.
• You didn’t use any birth control.
• You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row.
• You forgot to insert your ring or apply your patch.
• Your partner didn’t pull out in time.
• You have another reason to think your birth control might not have worked.
• You were forced to have sex.
Remember: the morning after pill will not protect you from getting pregnant if you have sex after taking the pills. Instead, you need to take it right after you have unprotected sex.
Do not take the morning after pill if:
• You know you are pregnant or suspect you might be.
• You have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to its ingredients.
• You have a history of recent abnormal vaginal bleeding that your doctor has not yet evaluated.
Some Side Effects of the morning after pill
Many women have taken emergency contraception without serious complications. But it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about possible interactions with other medications.
The morning after pill is considered safe for most women. You should not take it if you are pregnant because it will not end the pregnancy.
Potential side effects of the morning after pill include:
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• headache
• menstrual changes
• dizziness
• breast tenderness
• vomiting
If you vomit within two hours after taking the drug, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.
With the morning after pill , you may also have some unexpected bleeding. It should go away by the time of your next period. However, it is possible that the pill may cause your next period to be heavier or lighter than usual. It may also come earlier or later than is normal for you. If you don’t get your period within three weeks, get a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant.
@woman health
Omar
Kigalihe.com
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