Emergency Contraception!

Emergency contraception refers to method of contraception that can be used after sexual intercourse

Methods of emergency contraception are

• 1insertion of cu-t within 5 days of sexual contact
• 2 emergency contraceptive pills --tab levonorgesterol (i-pill, unwanted 72) to be taken within 72 hours but are more effective if taken within 24 hours
• Tab ulipristal acetate 30 mg
•  3.3-5 tablets of oral contraceptive pill.

Tab levonorgesterol 1.5 mg single dose is most commonly used emergency contraception. Here we will be discussing emergency contraceptive pill -levonorgesterol (ecp)
 
Ecp prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation (egg release). It does not interrupt an existing pregnancy

 Ecp should be used in following conditions -

• Unprotected intercourse
• Concerned about regular contraceptive failure. Like condom tears or slips. Missed pill for regular 3 days etc
• Incorrect use of contraceptive
• Sexual assault

Ecp prevents 95% of pregnancy if taken within 72hours of unprotected intercourse

There are no medical contraindication to use of ecp but it should not be used regularly, after the use of ecp a regular contraceptive method should be resumed. Like oral contraceptive pill or iucd or injectable contraceptives

Side effects of ecp use are-

• Nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness
• Regular intake of ecp may cause menstrual irregularities like--- 
• Inter menstrual spotting
• Delayed or early periods
• Heavy periods
• Amenorrhea

 If periods are delayed after intake of ecp urine pregnancy test should be done

Thus emergency contraceptive pill should not be considered an alternative to regular contraceptive method. Regular contraceptive method should be adopted and ecp should be used only in emergency.