The Pros and Cons of Emergency Contraception

Mar 29, 2023 Emergency Contraception

 

Thankfully modern medicine has progressed to the point where women and men have more options when it comes to contraception. This means that it is easier to find something that suits your individual needs. When regular contraception doesn’t work for any reason, such as a split condom, a missed pill or forgetting to use something, emergency contraception for women can be an effective way to stop pregnancy.

In this blog post, we look at what emergency contraception is, the pros and cons of emergency contraception or EC (the morning-after pill) and answer frequently asked questions. You can also find useful information via the NHS Sexual Health Services Portal.

 

What Is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy when you have had intercourse without effective protection. When your ovaries release an egg, usually every month, it can last for around twenty-four hours. Eggs are fertilised when sperm travels up the fallopian tube and “meets” an egg.  Sperm stays alive for up to five days so if an egg is released within this period of time it can still be fertilised. When you take the morning-after pill eggs aren’t released so there is nothing for the sperm to fertilise.

Emergency contraception is similar to regular birth control pills but contains higher hormone doses. It prevents ovulation so conception can’t occur. EllaOne and Levonelle are popular emergency contraception brands available here at Simply Meds Online.

EllaOne can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex and Levonelle up to 72 hours. Both are most effective immediately after sex. Unless a doctor advises otherwise, these pills are considered safe to take.

 

The Pros of Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is a life saver for many who find themselves panicking after a condom catastrophe. The ‘Morning After Pill’, emergency contraception stops ovulation and prevents pregnancy.  There is a 72 to a 120-hour window to take (EC) but it is most effective the earlier you take it.  

Inserting an IUD or coil also acts as emergency contraception too. All of these methods prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg by making the environment too hostile for them. 

 Emergency contraception is an accessible method of preventing pregnancy for most women as it is considered safe.

 

The Cons of Emergency Contraception

One of the most important things to recognise is that emergency contraceptives are just that, for emergencies. When your regular contraceptives have failed for whatever reason, i.e. missing a pill or a broken condom it is ideal. It is not to be used as a regular form of contraception.

 

Side Effects from the Morning-After Pill

Most women don’t suffer any significant side effects after taking emergency contraception.  Some may feel nauseous, have mood swings and feel more tired than usual. This should go away after a day or two.

Please be aware that if you miss a period after using EC you may be pregnant and need to investigate this.

 

Morning-After Pill Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Why You Should Avoid Using Emergency Contraception Regularly

Medically there is no reason you can’t regularly take the morning-after pill, however it is not recommended and you shouldn’t keep this medication to hand for regular use like you do the regular pill or other barrier methods. If you find yourself using the emergency contraceptive pill regularly you aren’t in control of your regular or long-term safe sex regime. This includes preventing pregnancy and STIs. Oral contraceptives including emergency contraception don’t prevent STIs.  

 

Mood and Emotional Concerns after Using Emergency Contraception

There aren’t any major side effects expected when taking the morning-after pill. That said, some women may experience mood swings or find themselves feeling more emotional. This is not unexpected and is caused by the hormones in emergency contraception. If experienced at all this should fade after a few days at most.

If at any time you find yourself feeling very low or depressed and have ongoing mood swings please see your GP to discuss this.

 

Can the Morning-After Pill Cause Ovarian Cysts

According to the NHS, there are no long-term or serious side effects that come with taking the morning-after pill. There is no evidence that emergency contraception can cause or contribute to ovarian cysts.

 

Can the Morning-after Pill Cause Thrush?

No, emergency contraception does not cause thrush. It can, however, increase your risk of a yeast infection if the conditions are right. Some people are more prone to yeast infections and as the morning-after pill is a hormonal treatment it can contribute to temporary hormonal changes.

 

Regular Forms Of Contraception

There are many forms of contraception. Hormonal-based options include the pill, mini pill, injection, Mirena Coil and an implant.  If you want to avoid hormones the following may be worth considering; the copper coil, condoms, female condoms, diaphragm and cap.  Again, the morning-after pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases so you will need to take that into consideration when choosing contraception.

 All contraception when used properly is effective but not fail-safe. Speak to your family planning clinic or sexual health clinic about finding the best regular contraception for your needs.

 

Emergency Contraception - In Conclusion

For most people, the morning-after pill is considered a safe and easy-to-access method of preventing pregnancy when long-term contraception has failed or when you haven’t used a barrier method. There are a few “cons” and many pros to using emergency contraception.

 We hope that this blog post has answered any questions you might have about EC and your suitability. Our online pharmacy can ship the morning-after pill to you directly and discreetly with next day delivery available, and same day delivery within parts of Essex and London. Please remember to speak to your GP or sexual health clinic for longer-term ways to enjoy safe sex.