If you had sexual intercourse the night before and failed to use protection, you’re most likely to get pregnant. Today, many women fear of carrying a child in their womb.
Maybe because they don’t want to get into an unplanned pregnancy or are just too young to be mothers. Their best option to prevent getting pregnant is taking an emergency contraceptive like the following:
Morning after pill: This type of emergency contraceptive pill should be taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sex.
If possible, do this immediately and as indicated, the morning after. Continue taking this pill for the rest of the menstrual cycle to help delay and prevent ovulation.
IUD (Intrauterine device): An IUD is a device that you insert inside the uterus for long term contraception. It is also used as an emergency contraceptive device that blocks fertilization.
Series of birth control pills: Birth control pills that contain the hormones progestin and estrogen helps keep the egg from fertilizing in the uterus.
There are numerous risks associated with the use of an emergency contraceptive. Here are some of them:
- One can be allergic to certain contraceptive pills and can cause short and long term effects to the user.
- The use of IUD which injects copper may provide high risk of liver and other vital organ diseases.
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding happens to women who are not used to taking contraceptives.
People today are becoming more sexually active, especially the younger generation.
Despite the fact that emergency contraceptive is not totally reliable, many are still turning to it as their best way out of getting pregnant. Here’s where one can get emergency contraceptive:
- IUD should be done by your healthcare provider. Since the IUD is a long term contraception, a series of examinations must be administered like the pelvic examination before it is exerted. It is proven to prevent pregnancy and can last for up to ten years. Many women experience discomfort during the first few days but once their boy gets used to it, even having intercourse will be pleasurable.
- The morning after pill can be bought from your local pharmacy and is issued to women who are 17 years old and above. This emergency contraceptive pill needs a prescription from your health care provider if you are 16 years old and below.
- Birth control pills are the regular pills you take everyday and they can be bought in pharmacies even without a doctor’s prescription. However if you’re using this as an emergency contraceptive you will need your doctor’s advise on the right dosage as well as the schedule on when to take it.
Emergency contraceptive is not 100 percent guaranteed. Every woman should be aware of that regular contraception only guarantees 99% effectiveness and a 1% chance of getting pregnant.
To increase its effectiveness, you have to consult your doctor regarding the best contraceptive for you. Your age and overall health condition must be taken into consideration when selecting the most appropriate contraceptive.
