Morning after contraception

EC is defined as the use of drugs or devices to prevent pregnancy within a few days of unprotected coitus.It is also called “morning after” contraception .It is very safe method and prevents 75%of expected pregnancies resulting from unprotected intercourse.

When to use Emergency Contraception (EC)

  • When OCP users forget to take pills for two consecutive days
  • When condoms break or slip 
  • Diaphragm or cervical cap moves out of the place
  • Women using calendar method and if there is any miscalculation of the dates

Drugs used for EC are

1) YUZPE REGIME

Two doses of 100 micrograms of ethinyl oestradiol and 0.5mg of levonorgestrel. First dose is given within 72 hours of the intercourse. Second dose is given 12 hours after the first dose.

Side effects are nausea and vomiting in 20 to 50 % of cases. This regime is usually not given due to its side effects.

2) LEVONORGESTREL REGIME

It is the commonly used drug for EC due to lesser side effects and cost effectiveness.

0.75mg of levonorgestrel is taken 12 hrs apart starting within 72 hrs of the unprotected coitus. This is a better tolerated regime.

Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus and prevents the implantation of the embryo.

3) IUCD LIKE U-KARE or CUT  

Within 3 days is applied. Failure rate is less than 1%. It is a long term contraceptive method.

4) MIFEPRISTONE (RU486) 

600mgm within 72 hrs

Some of the drugs containing levonorgestrel are PILL 72  contains LEVONORGESTREL 750mcg. 2 TABLETS are to be taken within 72 Hrs .Second tablet is taken 12 hrs after the first dose.

Ecee-2 PILL contains 750 MCG OF LEVONORGESTREL. TWO TABLETS ARE TO BE TAKEN WITHIN 72 Hrs.Second tablet is taken 12 hrs after the first dose.

NORLEVO also contains 750 microgram OF LEVONORGESTREL.

DOSE is also the same

I-PILL contains1500 mcg .SINGLE DOSE IS GIVEN WITHIN 72 hr

Vomiting with1500 mcg is more than with 750 mcg dose

MIFEPRISTONE COMES IN A PACK OF 200 mgm DRUGS HAVING MIFEPRISTONE ARE UNWANTED

It is a synthetic steroid and if taken after intercourse and before ovulation , prevents ovulation even if taken in smaller doses. IT IS AN ABORTION PILL AND NOWHERE IN THE WORLD IT IS REGISTERED AS AN EC PILL.

WOMAN MUST BE AWARE OF THESE DRUGS, THEIR MECHANISM OF ACTION, SIDE EFFECTS, FAILURE RATES AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ABORTION PILL AND “MORNING AFTER PILL” OR AN “EMERGENCY PILL”.