CONTRACEPTION

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION: (EC)

This is a method of contraception used before menstruation is missed as an emergency procedure to prevent pregnancy following:

• Unprotected inter course.
• Expected failure of contraceptive method like slippage of condom, bursting of condom, forgotten to take two or more contraceptive pills, premature ejaculation in couples practicing coitus interrupts Link to Natural Family Planning methods regularly.
• When unprotected isolated intercourse happens at some odd moments in couples otherwise using conventional contraceptives.
• In cases of rapes and incest.
• Following a single act of sexual exposure in young girls, as happens sometimes among college and university girls.

The method should be reserved for emergency situations and should not be used as an ongoing method of contraception on regular basis. This is so because of relatively high failure rate and high incidences of irregular bleeding.

How effective is the Morning after Pill?
When you have sex without birth control, your risk of becoming pregnant depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle. During your most fertile days – midway between two menstrual periods – the risk of becoming pregnant could be as high as 30%.

In a multi center study, following the standard YUZPE Regina the WHO has found a failure rate of about 10%. (? Is it 5%)If you are already pregnant, or had unprotected intercourse within the 10 days prior to the current 72-hour period you are NOT a candidate for the Morning after Pill.

Various methods are

• Standard Regime
  Combination of ethinyl estradiol 0.1 mg with 1mg of db- norgestrel, taken twice – 12 hours apart i.e. ‘Oral’ 2 tablets stat and repeat after 12 hours. The drugs should be taken within (ads) 72 hours of unprotected coitus (if you are late, not more than 5 days visit to a health care professional, he/she can help you out by insertion an IUD).

• IUCD insertion

The risks to the foetus following failure are

• Development of limb defect and cardiovascular defect, but the chances are very remote or nil.
• Development of vaginal adenosis and adenocarcinoma in the children. (rare) Due to pressure of tube risks it is suggested that in case the method fails, it is better to undergo early p-------- of pregnancy. Link to Abortion.

Where can I get the Morning after Pill?
You can receive the Morning after Pill at the Family Planning Center or with the Gynecologist. Go as soon as possible since the medication must be started within 72 hours after intercourse.

What are the si d e effects of the Morning after Pill?
Common side effects during MAP treatment are nausea or vomiting. Less common are headache, breast tenderness, dizziness, and fluid retention. For most women the MAP is a simple and safe option for reducing the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. However, if you should experience any of the following symptoms on the "ACHES" list, contact your health care provider immediately.

• A abdominal pain (severe).
• C hest pain (severe), cough, or shortness of breath.
• H eadache (severe), dizziness, weakness, or numbness.
• E ye problems (vision loss or blurring), speech problems.
• S evere leg pain (calf or thigh).

How soon will I get my period?
About 50% of women will have a period within a week of taking the MAP. Most of the remaining 50% will menstruate within 21 days. Remember that your next menstrual period may be irregular, heavy. If you do not get your period after three weeks, it will be important for you to return to the health care personnel for an examination and pregnancy test.

When should I start using birth control?
Start using an effective ongoing method of birth control immediately. The morning after pill is meant only for onetime protection. Also protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by using a condom every time you have sex.