When to Use Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), also known as morning-after pills, are hormonal birth control pills that can be used after sexual intercourse. These pills prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation. 

Read on to know more about emergency contraceptive pills.

How Do Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work?

Emergency contraceptive pills or morning-after pills function via 2 mechanisms:

1. Prevents ovulation: The primary way emergency contraceptive pills work is by preventing ovulation. Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg each month, which can be fertilised by sperm. 
2. Prevents fertilisation: ECPs can also prevent fertilisation by thickening cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. 

How Effective Is an Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the success rate of emergency contraceptive pills is over 95% as long as it is taken within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. In general, ECPs are more effective the sooner they are taken or within 24 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Levonorgestrel (a commonly used morning-after pill) is slightly less effective than the ulipristal acetate pill in protecting against unwanted pregnancy. 

As emergency contraception is not 100% effective, if you wish to avoid getting pregnant, it is important to use a regular form of birth control (i.e. condoms, birth control pills, IUD) in addition to ECPs.

How and When Should You Take the Morning-After Pill?

Emergency contraceptive pills are usually available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and can be taken without a prescription.

Note that it is important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the pill package, as dosages and timing may vary depending on the brand.

Here are some scenarios in which you may need to take an emergency contraceptive pill:

• You had unprotected vaginal sex within the last 5 days (120 hours).
• Your regular birth control method might have failed within the last five days, or you may have used your regular method incorrectly. Possible factors contributing to the failure:
  • Forgot or missed a dose of combined birth control pills for two or more days in a row.
  • Took a progestin-only pill more than three hours late.
  • A condom was forgotten or broken during intercourse.
  • The pull-out method failed (your partner accidentally ejaculated inside).
  • Any method of birth control that was not used correctly.

What Are the Side Effects of Morning-After Pill?

Like any medication, ECPs can also cause side effects, including:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Breast tenderness.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Fatigue.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.

When Should I See a Doctor?

While emergency contraceptive pills are generally safe and effective, there are some situations where seeking medical attention is vital.

You should consult a doctor if:

• You experience severe abdominal pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Your next period is delayed or abnormal after taking the ECP.

What Are the Most Asked Questions About the Morning-After Pill?

1. How many times can I take emergency contraceptive pills?

Emergency contraceptive pills are meant to be used as a backup form of birth control during an emergency. They should not be relied upon as a regular method of contraception.

It is crucial to use birth control regularly to prevent unintended pregnancy. However, if you find yourself needing to use emergency contraceptives frequently, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider about your options for regular birth control.

2. How do you know that the pill has worked?

There may be no visible signs of the pill working. However, if you are concerned that the emergency contraceptive pill did not work, you may consider taking a pregnancy test.

3. Will my period be late if I take the emergency contraceptive pill?

Emergency contraceptive pills may cause changes to the menstrual cycle, including changes in the timing or flow of the menstrual period. As a result, some individuals may experience delayed periods for up to a week than usual after taking emergency contraceptives. This can be attributed to the hormonal effects of the pill. So, it is essential to give your body some time to adjust.

If you are concerned about abnormal changes in your cycle after three weeks of taking the pill, consider consulting your doctor.

4. Do emergency contraceptive pills prevent STDs?

Emergency contraceptive pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If you have had unprotected sex or think you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested and treated as soon as possible. Using condoms and getting regular STI screenings are pertinent steps in protecting your sexual health.

5. Can I use emergency contraceptive pills as a regular birth control method?

No, emergency contraceptive pills should only be used during emergencies as they are not designed to be used as regular birth control.

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Emergency contraceptive pills are an excellent option for individuals seeking backup birth control. However, its effectiveness largely depends on when it is unprotected sex - the sooner, the better.

Educating yourself about emergency contraception and speaking with a doctor about your options for regular birth control and STI prevention is vital.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.