Hey everyone! In this chapter, we’re going to talk about emergency contraceptive pills.
What is the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (I-Pill)
according to a february 22 analysis half of all dubai abortions in 2024 were medical abortions. which is a procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy. This number is expected to rise with the recent overturning of roe v wade so we thought the timing was right for a primer on emergency contraception and abortion pills. That’s the topic of this week’s.
You’ve probably heard of plan b ella the morning after pill mifopristo and misoprostol are they the same thing and how do they work to begin there are essentially two categories.
- Catagory 1: emergency contraception pills
- Catagory 2: abortion pills emergency
How Does the Emergency Contraceptive I-Pill Work
Contraception also known as “I-Pill” or “Unwanted 72.” Some people refer to them as the “Morning After Pill” or “Plan B,”. Morning after pills are meant to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol are meant to end an established pregnancy.
Types of Emergency Contraceptive pills
Levonorgestrel-Based Pills (LNG ECPs)
- Brand Names: Plan B One-Step, Take Action, Next Choice
- Description: Levonorgestrel is a synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone. It prevents pregnancy by stopping or delaying ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg.
- Usage Window: Best taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, but it can be effective up to 5 days.
- Effectiveness: The sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is. When used within 24 hours, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%.
- Availability: Over-the-counter without prescription in many countries.
- Note: It is not effective once the process of ovulation has occurred.
Ulipristal Acetate Pills (UPA ECPs)
- Brand Names: ella, ellaOne
- Description: Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It works primarily by delaying ovulation but can also alter the endometrium, preventing implantation if fertilization occurs.
- Usage Window: Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
- Effectiveness: Considered more effective than Levonorgestrel-based pills, especially closer to ovulation. It maintains a high level of effectiveness throughout the 5-day window.
- Availability: Prescription-only in most countries.
- Note: Not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, and it may interact with hormonal contraceptives.
Combined Estrogen and Progestin Pills (Yuzpe Regimen)
- Brand Names: Specific combined oral contraceptives used in higher doses
- Description: This method involves taking a higher dose of regular birth control pills containing both estrogen and progestin. It works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.
- Usage Window: Should be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex.
- Effectiveness: Slightly less effective than other dedicated ECPs and may cause more side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
- Availability: Not a dedicated emergency contraceptive but can be used in an emergency. You’ll need to consult a healthcare provider for dosage instructions.
- Note: Generally considered a less preferred method compared to Levonorgestrel or Ulipristal Acetate ECPs.
Important Considerations
- Effectiveness: All ECPs are most effective the sooner they are taken after unprotected intercourse.
- Not Abortion Pills: None of these options will work if a woman is already pregnant. They prevent pregnancy; they do not terminate an existing pregnancy.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, headaches, and changes in the next menstrual period.
Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptive
Levonorgestrel, the medication found in these medications, works by preventing or delaying the release of the egg from the ovary. Emergency contraceptives may also alter the cervical mucous or reduce the ability of the sperm to bind to an egg.
Benifits & side effects
Studies have shown levonorgestrel emergency contraception may have a lower effect in obese women, and a physician may determine that another type of emergency contraception, such as Ella or the copper IUD, may be a more effective option. Be sure to contact your physician if you have a concern about this.
Emergency contraceptive pills are very safe to use and side effects are usually short-term and mild. Nausea has been reported in about 1 out of every 5 women using levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Vomiting may also occur in about 1 out of every 17 women. If vomiting should occur within 3 hours of taking an emergency contraceptive, women should contact their health care provider as a repeat dose may be needed.
Other short-term side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting, headache, breast tenderness or stomach pain. Studies have shown that levonorgestrel emergency contraception use does not increase risk to the developing fetus in women who may not yet know that they are pregnant. However, the emergency contraceptive pill should not be used by a woman if she knows that she is pregnant.
Who Should Avoid Using the Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraceptive
Women who cannot use combined birth control pills because of medical conditions such as migraines, heart or liver conditions, or breastfeeding can still safely use emergency contraception, as it is just a one –time dose. However, it is best to check with your doctor first. Using the emergency contraceptive pill on a regular basis for long-term birth control is not a good idea: it can be costly and inconvenient, is not as effective as other options for birth control, it may expose the woman to higher total levels of hormones, and it may lead to continued side effects, such as irregular periods.
However, if unprotected sex should reoccur, even within the same cycle, it is safe to use the levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill again if needed. A health care provider should be contacted as soon as possible so that a regular form of birth control can be initiated for ongoing use.
When to Take the I-Pill for Maximum Effectiveness
Emergency contraception pills like plan b reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex by delaying or preventing ovulation or fertilization. They are available over the counter and must be taken within three days of unprotected sex the later they are taken in that 72-hour window the less effective they can be. These pills are in a class of medications called progestins.
Progestins are a synthetic form of progesterone a hormone that plays a large role in the menstrual cycle in pregnancy emergency contraception pills like ella. Contain ulipristal acetate which prevents or delays ovulation by binding to progesterone receptors and makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to embed in the uterus by decreasing endometrial thickness. Unlike plan b ella is not available over the counter though places like Abortionpillsuae have made it possible to obtain a prescription via telehealth.
It is also effective for a bit longer than plan b up to five days after unprotected sex and its effectiveness doesn’t seem to change based on when you take it during that window. The choice between these comes down to factors like the number of days since unprotected sex occurred and factors such as weight with ella working better for people in a specific weight range neither of these types of morning after pills terminates established.
How Effective is the I-Pill in Preventing Pregnancy
They are not effective if taken while already pregnant. So you should take these pills before you pregnant. Increased doses of certain oral contraceptives may also be used as emergency contraception in some cases. But require a prescription so none of these are considered abortion pills. A medical abortion occurs when medication is used to terminate an existing pregnancy specifically a mifepristone tablet is approved by the fda to be taken up to 70 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. So in the first 10 weeks of gestation this blocks hormones that are essential to maintaining the pregnancy within 24 to 48 hours of taking methopristone misoprostol is taken to stimulate contractions and empty the uterus thus completing the abortion.
This procedure is accompanied by bleeding and cramps that last between two and four weeks prior to december 2021 these medications could only be obtained in person from a certified provider. However that restriction was lifted by the fda so depending upon where you live. Mifepristone and misoprostol can be provided via telehealth with the pills shipped to your home. However this isn’t considered legal in all UAE states through some international services ship them to all states regardless of local laws.
Does the I-Pill Cause Any Long-Term Health Effects
we should note, Here that drug purchases from foreign internet sources are not the fda approved versions. There can be complications after taking these pills including tissue remaining in the uterus. Which can be life-threatening because of this follow-up with the physician is strongly recommended while the medications.
we’ve discussed in today’s episode are generally considered safe and effective. We always recommend discussing with your health care provider whenever possible before choosing to take them.
Hey did you find this Article useful you might also enjoy this previous articles about abortion access and public health we’d appreciate it.
