Methods of emergency contraceptives
Emergency contraceptives is a method which can be used by either teenagers to avoid unwanted pregnancy or married couples who have not planned to have a child or more children.one of the emergency contraceptives methods which are mostly used around the globe in health centers ,hospitals free of charge is
1. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) is a pill which is taken orally by either a female teenager or a woman within 72 hours when that period elapses it is advised to see a doctor for advise and healthcare.
2. Intra-uterine devices (IUDs) is another device which is mostly inserted by a health proffesional within five days and continue for a long term either for five years or ten years.
Emergencies contraceptive pills
ECPs are defined as hormonal methods that can be used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected intercourse.We have different types of emergency contraceptives pills
- The first type of emergency contraceptive pill contains hormones called progestin.This pill is available over the counter in other countries compared to other countries where doctors prescription is needed it is less likely to have high doses of Progestogen-only Oral Contraceptive (POC) Pills: containing levenorgestrel only.The pill is mostly found in health care centers and hospitals for free of charge.
- The second type of emergency contraceptive pill contains ulipristal acetate, available at the hospitals and pharmacy with prescription from a doctor. It is said to be highly effective with no side effects unlike levenorgestrel ECPs.It is supposed be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
- The third type of emergency contraceptive pill is said to use both the hormones progestin and estrogen called combined Oral emergency contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levenorgestrel.This pill has more side effects like nausea and vomiting from women who have used the method.
- The fourth type of emergency contraceptive pill contains small doses of mifepristone. This pill is also said to be highly effective with less experience of side-effects. This type of emergency contraceptive pill is currently available only in China and Russia for now.
What is Plan B?
Levenorgestrel is a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Plan B is another method of emergency contraceptives widely used worldwide by mostly teenagers to avoid unwanted pregnancy because of its availability over the counter in pharmacy. Plan B is said to cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperms to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of other forms of birth control such as condom breakage,leakage or missing 2 or more birth control pills.
Important information women should know about Plan B
women should know that plan B should not be used if you are already pregnant and also it will not help you to terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has already attached itself to the uterus). Plan B is said not to be a routine form of birth control and should not be used in this manner because it is only an emergency method of contraceptives,many forms of birth control are available so Talk with your doctor or nurse to educate you on different varieties.
WARNING
It is said by health professional that Plan B should not be given to a young teen less than 17 years old instead you should Contact a doctor for medical advice.Before taking Plan B
Before using Plan B,inform your doctor of any drugs you are allergic to or any other conditions which a doctor should know about so that the doctor can assess if you are fit to use Plan B or not.
Using emergency contraception after birth
Emergency contraception can be used when one had unprotected sex after the baby is three weeks old and before that emergency contraceptive is not needed because you will not get pregnant.
The pill can be used after the 21 days while emergency IUD can be used on the 28th day.when using emergency contraception pill during breast feeding it will not harm your baby through breast milk.
Before using any contraceptive it is good to know forms of birth control which are available whether you want to become pregnant soon, in future or you are already pregnant.discuss with your partner and agree on the best contraceptive that suits your lifestyle.
SUITABLE CONTRACEPTIVE FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER
Depends on what you and your partner prefer, your medical history, problems you
had in your pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding.
Wanting to have another baby in the next one year all type of
contraceptives are good but when you prepare yourself mentally of wanting to
have another baby in ayear you are
advised to use the following contraceptives methods.
·
the
combined pill
·
the
contraceptive patch
·
the
contraceptive vaginal ring
·
the
progestogen-only pill
·
male
or female condoms
·
diaphragm
or cap with spermicide
·
natural
family planning.
If
you don’t want to get pregnant again for some years to come you may want to try
using one of the following long-acting reversible contraceptives:
·
the
contraceptive injection – lasts for 12 weeks (Depo-Provera) or eight weeks
(Noristerat)
·
the
contraceptive implant – lasts for up to three years
·
the
IUD – lasts for 5–10 years depending on type
·
the
IUS – lasts for five years
These
methods are very effective. You don’t need to remember to take or use them.
If
you use the Depo-Provera injection your fertility may not return for several
months after your last injection has worn off. Sometimes it can take up to one
year for your periods and fertility to get back to normal. So if you want to
get pregnant sooner this may not be the best method to choose.
The
implant, IUS and IUD can be taken out at any time you choose and your normal
fertility will return quickly.
Obtaining free contraceptives
Obtaining free contraception,
including emergency contraception, from nearby
Ø general practice, unless they
say they don’t provide contraception services contraception clinic or a sexual
health clinic.
Ø young people’s service.
Ø
Some
genitourinary medicine clinics.
Getting
emergency contraceptive pill Levonelle,
condoms, diaphragms, caps and spermicide free
from
·
Hospitals-in
centers.
·
Clinics
both private and public.
·
Some
pharmacies (there may be an age limit).
Teenagers
might need a prescription from a doctor before acquiring a particular contraceptive method.
These
are all effective methods of contraception if used according to the
instructions from a health proffesionaland also like the contraceptives pill you
have to use and think about them regularly or each time you have sex.
