Emergency Contraception: Types, Effectiveness, and Considerations
Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency contraception includes "morning-after pills" and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs). Hormones in emergency contraceptive tablets delay or prevent ovulation, fertilization, and uterine implantation. They should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, but they can work up to 120 hours later. A doctor inserts the T-shaped copper IUD into the uterus. It prevents fertilization and implantation of fertilized eggs for five days following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is also a long-term contraceptive. Emergency contraception does not prevent STIs or prevent pregnancy. Discuss emergency contraceptive issues with a doctor. Emergency contraception is not the abortion pill. Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate are emergency contraceptives. Many pharmacies sell emergency contraception over-the-counter and prescribe it. Em...