How to stop pregnancy after one day?
An unplanned pregnancy can happen to anyone. Despite all the contraceptive options available today, sometimes the methods can fail or a person may have forgotten to use protection during sexual intercourse. In such a situation, it is essential to know what options are available to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. One option is to use emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, which can be effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within a day of unprotected intercourse.
What is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is a form of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common form of emergency contraception is the morning-after pill, which contains a high dose of synthetic hormones that work to prevent ovulation or fertilization of the egg.
How effective is emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The morning after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse, but is most effective if taken within 24 hours. Ella, the combined pill, can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse, but is most effective within the first 24 hours.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. However, it is important to note that emergency contraception is not 100% effective and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
How to get emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is available without a prescription at most pharmacies and drug stores. However, depending on your state or country, there may be age restrictions on purchasing emergency contraceptives without a prescription.
If you can’t get emergency contraception at a pharmacy, you can also talk to your doctor or visit a reproductive health clinic to get a prescription or more information.
Side effects of emergency contraception
Like all medications, emergency contraception can have side effects. The most common side effects include:
nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Fatigue
breast tenderness
Irregular or spotting bleeding
These side effects are usually mild and disappear within a few days. If you experience serious side effects or are concerned about taking emergency contraception, you should talk to your doctor.
Other options for pregnancy prevention
While emergency contraception is an effective option to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, there are other methods of birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy before it occurs. Some of these methods include:
Birth control pills: Daily pill that contains synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation.
Condoms: A barrier method of contraception that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): A small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus and can provide long-term contraception.
Implants: A small rod that is inserted into the arm and releases hormones to prevent ovulation.
It’s important to talk with your doctor to determine which birth control method is right for you based on your medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Barrier methods of birth control are birth control methods that physically prevent sperm from reaching the egg. They include methods such as male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms. Let’s take a closer look at these methods and how they work:
Male condoms: A male condom is a sheath made of latex or polyurethane that is slipped over the penis during sexual intercourse. It works by physically blocking sperm from entering the vagina. Male condoms are also effective in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Female condoms: A female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane that is inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. It works by physically blocking sperm from entering the cervix. Like male condoms, female condoms are also effective in preventing the spread of STIs.
Cervical Cap: A cervical cap is a small silicone or rubber cup that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix before intercourse. It works by physically blocking sperm from entering the uterus. Cervical caps must be fitted by a doctor and used with spermicide to be effective.
Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills are hormonal medications that are taken daily to prevent ovulation. There are two types of birth control pills: combined estrogen and progestin pills and progestin-only pills. These pills are very effective when used correctly, but they do not protect against STIs.
IUD: An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a doctor. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal and work by preventing fertilization or implantation of the egg. They are very effective and can provide long-term contraception.
