Have you ever gotten into the moment and just forgot about any sense of contraception? No worries, completely normal.
When you get into the mood and the intensity is just so hard to shrug off, you usually come to the moment unprepared. Most specifically during times unplanned and unwanted, but still, well… the libido calls for it.
Unfortunately, hasty decisions breeds risky situations. Unplanned actions cause unwanted consequences. If you do it due to rush of the moment, you may be wondering what to do after sex to prevent pregnancy. Lucky for you, this article will help you know what to do after sex to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception: What Is It?
After unprotected sex, pregnancy can be prevented with emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are pills that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after engaging in unprotected intercourse and are frequently referred to as the morning-after pill. Some emergency contraceptives function best when used within 72 hours (3 days) of sexual activity.
It is occasionally possible to utilize the copper IUD as an emergency contraceptive.
What’s the Process for Emergency Contraception?
By delaying ovulation, emergency contraceptive tablets function (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). ECPs won’t stop a pregnancy if fertilization and implantation have already taken place.
How Effective Is Emergency Contraception for Pregnancy Prevention?
Despite taking the pills within 72 hours after having unprotected sex, about 1 or 2 out of every 100 women who use ECPs will get pregnant.
You don’t have to wait until the morning to take ECPs, despite the “morning-after” moniker. After unprotected sex, emergency contraception is most effective when used as soon as possible.
If unprotected sex occurs after using emergency contraception, pregnancy cannot be prevented.
Not every pregnancy can be avoided using emergency contraception. So, if you stop getting your period after taking ECPs, consult a doctor.
Does Using Emergency Contraception Aid in STD Prevention?
No. Emergency contraception does not offer STD prevention. When having sex, couples must always wear condoms to prevent STDs, regardless of whether they are taking another kind of birth control.
Do Emergency Contraception Side Effects Exist?
For a few days, ECPs may result in a few modest adverse effects, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- breast sensitivity
- headaches
- spotting
These are often minor, and the majority go better in 1 to 2 days. After taking ECPs, a girl’s menstrual cycle may become temporarily irregular.
Who Is Eligible for Emergency Contraception?
For a pair, emergency contraception is an option if:
- A condom ruptures or comes loose.
- Diaphragm or cervical cap displacement
- The hormonal approach is improperly used (for example, birth control pills are missed for 2 days in a row)
- Young women who are required to have unprotected intercourse can also access ECPs.
The use of emergency contraception is not advised:
- for ladies who are aware of their pregnancy
- as a normal way of birth control (it’s made for emergencies)
Where Can I Find Emergency Contraception?
Without a prescription, some emergency contraceptive tablets can be purchased over-the-counter at drugstores and pharmacies by anybody, regardless of age.
Only by prescription is one type of emergency contraception available that is effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
A doctor or nurse practitioner must insert a copper IUD used for emergency contraception. This can be done at a medical facility like Planned Parenthood or a doctor’s office.
What is the price of emergency contraception?
ECPs range in price from $15 to $70 depending on the kind of medication recommended. Emergency contraception is frequently covered by health insurance policies, and family planning clinics (like Planned Parenthood) typically charge significantly less.
When Should I Contact a Physician?
If you take emergency contraception, you should contact your doctor if you:
- perhaps pregnant
- have a change in the tone or scent of her urination
- experience chills or a fever without a cause
- experience tummy or pelvic pain
- ache while having sex
- have persistent or heavy vaginal bleeding
- after utilizing emergency contraception for 4 weeks, they fail to get their period
Conclusion
Here’s what to do after sex to prevent pregnancy: drink some emergency contraceptives. Emergency contraception can stop pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), sometimes known as the morning-after pill, are pills that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex. Using some emergency contraceptives within 72 hours (3 days) of sexual activity improves their effectiveness.
