Worried couple in bed - emergency contraception
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What is Emergency contraception/I-pill /Unwanted 72?

You’ve had intercourse without using contraception, even though you don’t want to be pregnant. Or you think something could have gone wrong with your contraception – perhaps you forgot to take your pill, or a condom burst. What can you do?

If you really don’t want to get pregnant, all is not lost. If you act fast you can use emergency contraception. One possibility is to take an ECP or ‘morning after’ pill. You can also get an IUD fitted.

Emergency contraceptive pill

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs), also known as morning-after pills or e-pills, are drugs you can take when you have had unprotected sex but want to prevent pregnancy.

For the ECP's to be effective, it is recommended that it’s taken as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse, and at most within 5 days or 120 hours since the unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of contraceptive method. However, the sooner it’s taken after sexual intercourse, the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy. In fact, they can prevent 95% of pregnancies if taken within 5 days of the sexual intercourse.

ECPs are available over the counter, which means you can go straight to the pharmacy and get it without a doctor's prescription.

There are four methods of EC: 

  • EC pills containing ulipristal acetate (UPA): taken as a single dose of 30 mg
  • EC pills containing levonorgestrel (LNG): taken as a single dose of 1.5 mg OR taken in two doses of 0.75 mg, 12 hours apart
  • Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs): taken as a split dose – one dose of 100 μg of ethinyl estradiol + 0.50 mg of LNG, followed by a second dose of 100 μg of ethinyl estradiol + 0.50 mg of LNG 12 hours later (Also referred to as the Yuzpe method)
  • Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs): inserted into the uterus through vagina and cervix within 5 days of the unprotected sexual intercourse

Availability in India

There are two types of emergency contraception pills however only one is currently available in India. The available pill is progestogen-only (using the hormone levonorgestrel) generally called Ipill or Unwanted 72.

How do they work? 

  • ECPs and COCs prevent or delay ovulation. 
  • Copper bearing IUDs prevents fertilisation or pregnancy by causing a chemical change in sperm and egg before they meet.

ECPs prevent or delay ovulation. Emergency contraceptives do not end an already established pregnancy or cause an abortion. They also don’t harm a developing embryo. 

To know how to terminate a pregnancy, check abortion. 

Who can use the EC? 

Any person with female biological reproductive organs (cis-women, trans-men*, non-binary people*) and of reproductive age can use an ECP to prevent a pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of contraception. No age limits (as long as within the reproductive age) or other restrictions are applicable for use of EC methods, especially for progestin-only pills (single dose EC pill of 30 mg or pills that contain UPA)..

EC pills are safe to use even if one has never used any other form of hormonal contraception before. However, whenever in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Self-medication without having informed knowledge about using ECs for one’s particular context is not advisable.

When to use an EC? 

  • When no contraceptive has been used – unprotected sexual intercourse. 
  • Sexual assault when the person was not protected by an effective contraceptive method.
  • When there is concern of possible contraceptive failure, from improper or incorrect use. It is important to consult with your doctor to know which form of emergency contraception is best to use in this case.

Pros

  • Helps prevent pregnancy in cases of failed or forgotten contraception, or rape
  • Gives peace of mind
  • Easy to get

Cons

  • Can change timing of next period (early or late)
  • No STD protection
  • Needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex

ECPs are not for regular contraception

There is no limit as to how many times you can use the emergency-pill in a year. However, the ECP does have short-term side effects. That means it should not be used as a normal form of contraception, but only in case of emergency. Look for a form of contraception that suits you: see types of birth control.

The 'morning after' IUD

Another kind of emergency contraception is the ‘morning after IUD’. You have to have it fitted by a doctor. This is possible upto five days after you’ve had unprotected sex. You can find more information here.

This is actually just the same as having an IUD fitted as a contraceptive. Once it’s in, you can just leave it in place to stop you getting pregnant in future. But you need to think whether it’s the right kind of contraception to suit you – see the section on birth control.

Is an ECP the same as an abortion pill?

ECPs are not abortion pills. The ECP works in various ways, but can't do anything if an egg is already fertilized. If you are already pregnant and take the ECP, it will have no negative effects on your pregnancy.

How do I get an ECP?

You can get the ECP over the counter or from your healthcare provider. Because it is most effective the faster you take it, many health care providers even suggest getting an emergency pill and keeping it at home just in case. Studies have found that keeping an ECP at home doesn't mean you are more likely to have unprotected sex.

What are the side-effects of ECPs?

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Dizziness

How safe are ECPs?

While frequent use of ECPs can lead to more side effects, these side effects are not harmful. The primary reason that ECPs are not recommended as regular contraception is that they may not be as effective.

There seem to be no long-term side-effects known for emergency-contraception pills.

There are some cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) reported with the use of the ECPs.

Who shouldn't use ECPs?

Because ECPs are not used daily, there are no restrictions on who can use them. Even women who cannot use on-going hormonal contraception can use ECPs safely. However, keep in mind the following: 

  • Women with undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Women with acute migraines
  • People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher than 25

What can stop ECPs from working properly?

If you vomit soon after taking the pill, it may be less effective. Talk to a healthcare provider as soon as possible to find out what your options are.

In both cases ( when yo have had unprotected sex and/or vomited after ECP), consider the Copper-T IUD as emergency contraception. The IUD can be inserted within 5 days after unprotected sex. 

How does I-pill / Unwanted 72 work?

The progestogen-only pill stops ovulation while also releasing a hormone that makes it harder for sperm to travel up towards the egg. You get either two doses of 0.75 mg each that you have to take 12 hours apart, or one dose of 1.5mg.

If taken within 24 hours it is 95% effective. The longer you wait before taking ECPs, the less effective they are. They are most effective if taken between 12 and 24 hours after unprotected sex. If taken later, they can still be effective for 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse, but then your chances of getting pregnant are higher. If taken between 49-72 hours the pill is only 58% effective.

Progestogen-only pills work less well for women who are overweight. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 then it is suggested to use the Copper IUD as emergency contraception.

Progestogen-only pills can even be used several times in one cycle if needed, though should not be used as a normal form of birth control. For more regular forms of birth control check out Birth Control Methods.

Privacy and ECP: 

Given that emergency contraceptive is usually available over the counter and in the form of pills, it can be accessed directly or indirectly (via partner/friends) without having to compromise one’s privacy. Moreover, they can be taken in the privacy of any space you deem as “safe” and “private” and at a time convenient for you (but within 5 days of unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of contraceptive). 

However, this is not the case if using a copper IUD as a form of emergency contraceptive. If using an IUD, you would need to access and interact with a healthcare provider (and health clinic staff and environment). Although a safer option, concerns around privacy may be an important aspect for you to consider depending on your context and situation. 

When in doubt, remember to always consult a doctor! 

Switching to regular contraception after using EC: 

  • After using ECPs, a person can resume their prior contraceptive method or begin any contraceptive method immediately, including copper-bearing IUD. However, it is always important to consult your doctor to ensure you are using a form of regular contraception best suited for you.
  • If a copper IUD is used for emergency contraception, no additional contraceptive protection is needed.

Myths and Facts about ECPS: 

Myth:EC harms future fertility

FactThere is no delay in returning to fertility after use of ECs. There is also no known negative impact on future fertility after using ECs.

Myth: There is only one form of EC 

FactThere are four methods of EC (outlined above) 

Myth: EC induces an abortion or terminates a pregnancy

FactECs prevent a pregnancy. They do not end an already established pregnancy and do not harm a developing embryo. 

Myth: Frequent and repeated use of ECs can pose health risks for the person taking them

FactFrequent use of emergency contraception can result in increased side-effects, such as menstrual irregularities, but their repeated use poses NO known health risks. However, it is recommended to always consult your doctor when in doubt. 

Myth: Obese persons (women) should not take ECs

FactAny person with female biological reproductive organs (cis-women, trans-men, non-binary people) and of reproductive age can use an ECP to prevent a pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of contraception. No age limits (as long as within the reproductive age) or other restrictions are applicable for use of EC methods, especially for progestin-only pills. 

Myth: Access to EC should be restricted as much as possible. Only certain groups of people can use ECs

Facts: EC pills are safe to use even if one has never used any other form of hormonal contraception before.However, whenever in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Self-medication without having informed knowledge about using ECs for one’s particular context is not advisable.

Did you find this useful?

Comments
Hmm! Relax pregnancy ke liye ek shukranu bhee bohot kaafi hai. Kya aap is bare mein abhi tak Kisi doctor se millein hai? Ek vishagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se consult kijiye. Aur Jaldi pregnancy ke tips yaha pahdiye: http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/tips
i had sex with my girlfriend first time on last monday without condom i had not broken her fallopian tube due to pain that she was having then also i had given him unwanted72 becoz dont want to take risk but she is not having her periods as periods had to take place in 7 days after taking pill can u help me is she pregnant ???
Safe sex ke liey condom ka istemal kiya jaata hai naa ki emergency pills ka bête, Aur sabse ehm baat yeh ki isse kewal 72 gnaton ke andar hee lena hota hai. yaha padho zara: http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex yeh emergency goli hai aur yeh mahila ke masik dharm par asar kar saktee hai.. PLEASE in goliyoun ko laparvahi se istemaal mat keejiye. Ek home pregnancy test le lijiye.
Hello bete, if there was unsafe sex then there are chances of pregnancy. To confirm the situation, you can take a home pregnancy test which is usually taken 10 days after unprotected sex. If the result is positive, please consult a doctor immediately. Don't try to take any medicines by self. Only doctors. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask" . https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Bete yadi yeh sex unsafe tha toh yes ismein pregnancy ke chances ho skate hain. Iske liye phoren ek home pregnancy test lijiye jo ki unsafe sex ke 10 din ke baad lete hai. Aur morning urine sample zyada behtar maana jata hai. Phir kisi vishagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai. Iske illava aap FPAI clinic se bhee sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain toh hamare disccsion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil hon! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
17th march mere husbend ne unsafe sex kiya mere perioud 8th april ko ana tha abi tak nahi aya kya mai pregnent hu mujhe pregnent nahi hona abi pls koi solution btaiye
Bete yadi yeh sex unsafe tha toh yes ismein pregnancy ke chances ho skate hain. Iske liye phoren ek home pregnancy test lijiye jo ki unsafe sex ke 10 din ke baad lete hai. Aur morning urine sample zyada behtar maana jata hai. Phir kisi vishagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai. Iske illava aap FPAI clinic se bhee sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain toh hamare disccsion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil hon! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Relax! Hastmaithun ek safe /surakshit tareek ahai apni santushti karne ka. Isse koi nuksaan ya beemari nahin hoti . yadi chahein toh bahut see activities hain, jaise ki khel – games, gym ya koi hobbies… ok? http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/men-masturbating
Kya aapka matlab pregnancy se hai? Yadi haan toh, bête issay bachnnay ke lie aapko safe sex karna padega aur karna chhaiey, garbhnirodhan ke kai saaray options mojjud hain jismein se condom ka istemal sabse uchit aur easy option hai. http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex Wasie aapka sawaal samjh nahi aaya!!
Relax bete Hastmaithun ek safe /surakshit tareek ahai apni santushti karne ka. Isse koi nuksaan ya beemari nahin hoti . yadi chahein toh bahut see activities hain, jaise ki khel – games, gym ya koi hobbies… ok? http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/men-masturbating
Periods ke duran sez mein koi dikatt nahi jab tak dono partners ki isse karne mein barabar ki marzi shamil ho Lekin yaad rakhiye is duran condom ka istemal anivarya hai taaki kisi bhi sankarman se bachha ja sake.
Dekho bete yadi aap pregnancy ke risk se bachna chatay hai to kisi aur tarikay kay mukabley Condom ka istemal hi easy aur safe tarika hai http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/fertility
Beta yeh bohot serious situation ho sakti hai jismein gharelu upchaar sochna bhi uchit baat nahi hai. isliye jaldi kisi achhay doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai, agar jyada time nahi hua hoga to aap MTP ki maang kar saktey hain. Kisis neem hakeem ya chemist ke paas mat pahuch jaana, DOCTOR ONLY!! Jaldi karo samjhay? http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy
Hmmmm! Pregnancy pata karne ke liye ek home pregnancy test, ya kisi doctor se milkar ye test lena chahiye. Saath hi mahavari ki nirdharit date ka bhi dhyan rakhna chahiye.Aur bete pregnancy se bachne ke liye Suno jaldi kisi achhay doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai, agar jyada time nahi hua hoga to aap MTP ki maang kar saktey hain. Kisis neem hakeem ya chemist ke paas mat pahuch jaana, DOCTOR ONLY!! Jaldi karo samjhay? http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy
Dekho bete pregnant honey ke liey ek shuranu bhi bohot kaafi hota hai, aur sex ke liye condom ka isteaml anivrya hai bête. ab suno jaldi kisi achhay doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai, agar jyada time nahi hua hoga to aap MTP ki maang kar saktey hain. Kisis neem hakeem ya chemist ke paas mat pahuch jaana, DOCTOR ONLY!! Jaldi karo samjhay?http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy
Yadd rakhiye chahye ling kitni der ke liye bhi andar gaya bina condom ke wo unsafe hai kyunki pregnant hone ke liey ek shuranu bhi kaafi hota hai. Ab jaldi se ek home pregnancy test lo ya kisi achhay doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai. Yeh bhi padho madd ke liye : http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy
Hmmm! sex ki ichha hona bohot hi common hai par hum aapki ismein koi sahyata nahi kar saktay aap chhahein toh masturbation yani hastmethun try kar sakte hain joki ek safe /surakshit tareeka hai apni santushti karne ka. http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/men-masturbating
Hmmm! beta ab kya sthithi hai? Suno jaldi kisi achhay doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai, agar jyada time nahi hua hoga to aap MTP ki maang kar saktey hain. Kisis neem hakeem ya chemist ke paas mat pahuch jaana, DOCTOR ONLY!! Jaldi karo samjhay?http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy
Dekho bête yeh keh pana Ki kaun kab aur kiss din garb dharan kar leyga ya falana din mein koi garbh dharn kar leta hai zara mushkil hai kyunki yeh Har kisi ke liye alag hai. is baaray mein aur jyada detail mein yah padhiye saath hi jaldi pregnancy ke tips bhi yaha padh lijiye: http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/tips http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/pregnancy
Hmmm! Ab kitna samye hua hai? jaldi kisi vishagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai, agar jyada time nahi hua hoga to aap MTP ki maang kar saktey hain. Kisi neem hakeem ya chemist ke paas mat pahuch jaana, DOCTOR ONLY!! Iske alawa aap FPAI clinic se sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi.http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy http://www.fpaindia.org/
Actually yeh poori tareh se Na, mahila kee mahavari pe depend hota hai, yadi who bilkul nirdharit hai ya nahin jiski vajeh se bahut hee risk ka kaam bhi hai. Yadi aap bina kisi protection key ya bina surakhsha ke sex ki soch rahe hai toh shayad aap un dino ki baat kar rahe hain jin mein bachcha rukna mushkil hai. Yeh ho toh sakta hai lekin yeh poori terh se surakshit nahin mana jaata hai. Yadi aap pregnancy ke risk se bachna chatay hai to kisi aur tarikay kay mukabley Condom ka istemal hi easy aur safe tarika hai. http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex http://lovematters.in/hi/resource/fertility
Suniye yeh ek bohot badi mithya hai ki sperm bahar nikalne se garbhdharn nahi hota hai kyunk pregnant hone ke liye ek shukranu bhi bohot kaafi hota hai. Zara yeh padhiye: https://lovematters.in/hi/news/10-most-common-contraception-myths Aur After 10 days aap ek home test kar saktey hain. Morning urine sample is much better for this.
Period itne late hona toh apne aap main chinta ki baat ho sakti hain. Phoren ek panjikrit doctor ko mil lijiye. Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain toh hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil hon! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Bathroom jaana garbhnirodhan ka upaay bilkul nahi hain. Bete yadi yeh sex unsafe tha toh yes ismein pregnancy ke chances ho sakte hain. Iske liye phoren ek home pregnancy test lijiye. Phir kisi vishagya ya achche panjikrit doctor se milo aur dekho kya ho sakta hai. Iske illava aap FPAI clinic se bhee sampark kar sakety hai jiski jaankari aaapko iski website pe mil jayegi. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ Yadi aap is mudde par humse aur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain toh hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil hon! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
i had sex with my girlfriend first time today without condom i had not broken her fallopian tube due to pain that she was having then also i had given him unwanted72 becoz dont want to take risk, and I'm not sure my sperm was not entered into the vagina.
Even if the penis was in vagina for a short period of time, it’s still unsafe because a single sperm is enough for pregnancy. Take a home pregnancy test at the earliest or see a registered doctor or specialist, and see what can be done. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had sex with my gf yesterday with condom @ 5 a.m and i gave her i pill and had sex again the nxt day @ 5 a.m but this time without a condom ! How to stop her from getting pregnant! Can i give her unwanted 72 after giving her i pill which i gave her yesterday or i should give her i pill again . Maam pls help I'm scared and i love her and nvr want to get seperated becasue of this prblm .
These pills have to be taken within 72 hours, the sooner, the better. Emergency contraceptive pills only protect against pregnancy when taken after sex. That means a woman can still get pregnant if she takes emergency contraception and then have sex again without using another kind of contraception. BUT remember these are supposed to be taken in emergencies only. Do not use them for everyday use or when you being careless with protection. These pills affect the menstrual cycle of a woman. So PLEASE don't misuse these pills. You claim to love her, respect her and her body, also. From today onwards, please use a condom for both of yours sake. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/safe-sex If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had a protected sex with my bf on 9 january.....i had my periods on 24 december ....is there any chances of pregnancy?what can i do to make myself sure
If protection was used, and there was no breaking/slipping of condom, the chances of pregnancy are negligible. If you want to be completely sure, you can take a home pregnancy test after 10 days of this incident. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/safe-sex https://lovematters.in/en/resource/fertility If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had sex with my gf but before cuming I took out my dick out of her vagina and next day I gave her unwanted 72 and after taking the tab she went to potty after 10 min. Will the tab work??
These emergency pills are supposed to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Since your gf took the pill the very next day, it can be considered safe. But these pills also affect the menstrual cycle of a woman so be ready for that. Do not use these pills carelessly. These are to be taken only in emergency. For safe sex, use condoms and not the pill. You make promises to love your girlfriend, respect her and her body, too. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/safe-sex If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
This pill is to be taken within 72 hours of unsafe sex. The sooner, the better. But remember, these also affect the menstrual cycle of a woman so please use them with discretion, only in EMERGENCIES. Condom is used for safe sex, not these pills. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/safe-sex https://lovematters.in/en/news/safe-sex-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had unprotected sex with my bf and took ipills within 24 hrs, and I’m not on my periods, is it normal to miss periods after taking contraceptive? Plz help me out
Indeed beta, relax! Emergency contraceptive pills do affect the menstrual cycle so it's not surprising for periods to be irregular after the pill. These are for EMERGENCIES only. Please use a condom next time. If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
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