Emergecy Contraceptive Pill

Some women are not aware of the fact that emergency contraceptive pill is neither a replacement for regular birth control, nor does it protect  against venereal diseases. Women today are many times faced with situation of an unwanted pregnancy. Though there are many contraceptives available in the market to battle the problem, but most of these methods are meant to be used in a regular and planned way.

One can have an emergency contraceptive pill right away-or up to 72 hours. Emergency Contraceptive Pill is used as a backup method to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected intercourse. It is a hormonal pill and hence should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. If one is willing to have sex again and does not want to get pregnant then it is highly recommended that one uses regular contraceptives. ECP is not recommended for regular birth control. Since it is a very high dose pill using it regularly can cause hormonal imbalance and breakthrough bleeding.

An emergency contraceptive pill contains  Levenorgestrel, a progestogen, which prevents implantation of the egg in the uterus and avoids the beginning of pregnancy. ECP works in different ways. It may stop the release of an egg from the ovary. If an egg has been released, the pill may prevent the sperm from fertilizing it. It also prevents the egg from attaching itself to the lining of the womb.

ECP is ineffective if you are already pregnant.  It should not be used as a regular birth control measure. It does not offer protection against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.