The first thought that probably pops into one’s head after having sex is the thought of protection. Ideally, you should always wear a condom or use other contraception methods before having sex. What if the condom protection broke? However, what if you had a drunk night of sex without protection? There are solutions. Emergency Contraceptive Pills are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies in such cases. They are supposed to be taken within 5 days of the intercourse. However, they are much more effective if they are taken sooner. Victims of sexual assault and rape are also given emergency contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancies.
How does it Work?
Emergency contraceptive pills contain levonorgestrel, a man-made version of the progesterone hormone in women. It must be taken within 3 to 5 days of intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It stops the ovulation process, that is the release of the egg. Some emergency contraceptive pills contain ulipristal acetate, which also stops the progesterone to function properly.
Who Can Use the Emergency Contraceptive Pills?
Any woman who had unprotected sex and wants to prevent unwanted pregnancies can use emergency contraceptive pills. It is usually recommended for women above 16 years of age. Sexual assault and rape survivors are also recommended emergency contraceptive pills. If you feel that the condom broke, or your preferred contraceptive did not work, do not hesitate to take an emergency contraceptive pill. They do not interfere with your regular contraception choices.
Types of Emergency Contraception
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills containing Levonorgestrel
- Emergency Contraceptive Pills containing Ulipristal Acetate
- Combined oral Contraceptive pills
- Copper-bearing Intrauterine devices
Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills
- Nausea
- Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
There are no such adverse side effects for Emergency Contraceptive Pills and hence, are mostly recommended by doctors.
Shifting to Regular Contraception
The most common and most accessible types of birth control options available in India are condoms and birth control pills. It is a myth that condoms reduce pleasure. Use different types of condoms like ribbed or dotted ones to feel extra stimulation. However, there are other types of contraception you can avail, after a clinical consultation. IUDs, contraceptive implants, and sterilization require less monitoring and little effort on your part. Safer oral sex protection would be flavored condoms used as a dental dam. Playgard condom has around 5 different types of flavors-ice mint, butterscotch, strawberry, chocolate, orange.
What to Choose?
If you do not have plans of pregnancy for a longer time period, you may want to opt for a long-acting method like IUD, If you do not ever want to get pregnant, consider sterilization. If you plan to have a child with your partner sometime soon, consider a short-acting barrier method or hormonal methods. Barrier methods include male and female condoms like the diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, and cervical cap. Hormonal contraceptives include birth control pills, vaginal rings, contraceptive injections, skin patches, and many more.
Signing Off
If you are not yet comfortable with your present contraceptive option, you may want to pop in an Emergency Contraceptive Pill for safety. You should decide what kind of birth control option you want depending on how long do you want it for. This is why an honest and open conversation with your partner is important. However, make sure that you are not forced into anything. It is your body and your choice. Having said that, do not ever skip contraception, or condom protection if you want to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Apart from standard latex condoms, there are different types of condoms like flavored, ribbed, and dotted condoms, available from some of the best condom brands in India. Playgard condom, the best condom brand in India, also offers discreet home delivery options, making it the most accessible and affordable option for youngsters.