Emergency pills are also known as morning-after pills. They are very instrumental in making sure that one is not a victim of an unintentional pregnancy. This extensive guide will shed light on the importance, uses, risks, as well as benefits of using emergency pills.

Emergency pills are instrumental in reproductive health, as they are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of contraceptives. The concept aims to reduce the possibility of conception at a time when contraceptive methods that should have been used by an individual were either not used at all or they failed.

Emergency contraception essentially works through ovulation delay, preventing fertilization and alteration of the uterine environment to be less than favorable for implantation. This ability to interfere shortly after unprotected sex is very important to those individuals who do not want the aftermath of an unplanned pregnancy.


Uses Of The Emergency Pills

The utilization of emergency pills relate to cases wherein unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failures somehow happened. Here are some important cases where emergency contraception is usually suggested:


After Unprotected Intercourse

When no contraception was used during sex.


Failure of Contraception

If the condom falls off, tears, or gets lost, or when the IUD shifts out of place.


Missed Birth Control Pills

When the habitual method of contraception fails because of missed doses or irregular usage.


Sexual Assault or Coerced Unprotected Intercourse: 

An emergency pill could then offer a very important preventive about pregnancy.


Wrong Use of Contraception

Sometimes, contraception is used inconsistently and badly, such as in taking oral contraceptives at the wrong time or not inserting properly contraceptive rings. They can step in, in such cases, to reduce the risk.


Doubt on the Effective Function of Contraceptives

At times, users are not sure that they are doing the right things with their chosen method of contraception, such as a partner fertility state being indefinite or no reliability of the natural methods of family planning. 

It is also important to take note that emergency pills, because it is an intervention type of birth control, is not to be taken regularly as a primary mode of contraception. This pill works as a backup in case hurdles come.


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Risks Associated With Emergency Pills

While the emergency pill is safe for most, there remain areas of potential side effects and risks


Nausea and Vomiting

These are some of the side effects reported for emergency pills. Nausea is more common than vomiting and can range in intensity from rather bothersome to nauseous. It frequently occurs shortly after taking the pill and sometimes subsides several hours afterward. For some women, taking the pill with food or before bedtime diminishes the sensation.


Weakness and Dizziness

A person may experience symptoms of weariness after taking emergency contraception. This includes symptoms of tiredness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of unsteadiness. These are relatively mild to moderate and generally tend to pass with time as the body's condition gets adapted. It is highly suggested to rest during this time and shun all alert activities.


Headaches

Emergency pills have the potential for mild to moderate headaches as one of the side effects. It can be caused by a probable change in hormone reactions after the pill. They are generally transient and can quite effectively be dealt with by over-the-counter painkillers if needed. Proper hydration and rest also ensure that headaches are kept at bay.


Abdominal Pain

Some women who take the morning-after pills have been known to complain about temporary pain, attended by a cramp-like sensation in the abdomen. It is usually mild and resolves very quickly. Many women like to apply a heating pad over the abdomen or take a warm tub bath.


Changes in the Menstrual Cycle

Emergency pills can cause changes in the menstrual cycle to the extent that one's period is coming a day or two early or late, a bit lighter or heavier than usual or a person is spotting in between one's periods. These changes are temporary and should resume to normal within a few menstrual cycles.

These side effects are temporary, i.e. they only last for a few days or weeks, as well as not cause any long-term effect on fertility or future pregnancies.


Benefits Of Emergency Pills

The wide usage and high availability of emergency contraceptives are because they provide various benefits along with the above-mentioned side effects or disadvantages. These pros of emergency contraceptives include: 


Prevention of Pregnancy

 The chances of getting pregnant by having unprotected sex are highly reduced if the tablets are consumed according to the proper timing.


Accessibility

Emergency pills are available without a prescription in most countries and thus can be easily accessed in times of emergencies.


Effectiveness

Emergency pills are very useful in preventing pregnancy among women if taken correctly and in time.


How Do You Use Emergency Pills?

However, here are several directions that are very majorly in making emergency contraception a success and with the least side effects: 


  • Emergency pills should be taken ASAP after having unprotected intercourse.
  • Go through all the cautions on the package properly before taking it.
  • The tablets work to some extent on their own, but it is advisable to consult a health worker for more advice on future contraception and other related advice.
  • The commonest are nausea and headache. If these are severe and persistent, one should consult a health worker.


Some Myths Related To Emergency Pills

There are some myths connected with emergency contraception which need to be eliminated:


They Cause Abortion

Emergency contraceptives prevent pregnancy, but they do not cause an abortion if a person is already pregnant.


They Will Endanger the Health

Emergency contraceptives are safe for most people and they don't cause future poor health or infertility.


Conclusion

Emergency contraceptive pills are taken as the fast, effective solution in reproductive health. Emergency contraceptive pills prevent an unplanned pregnancy in a promiscuous condition or in cases of failure of the contraceptive measure. If that is understood and its importance and uses are known properly, then any individual can take informed decisions related to reproductive choice.

To obtain more detailed information on these and to discuss your contraceptive needs, you need to refer to a healthcare provider or a pharmacist. Know your rights, be proactive, and in complete charge in your sexual life.


Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.