How does the emergency contraceptive pill work?

So, you had a wild night of uninhibited pleasure with your partner and now you’re worried about pregnancy. Fear not, for we have an ace up our sleeve – emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)! However, before popping one like there’s no tomorrow (just kidding, please follow dosage guidelines), let’s unravel the mechanisms behind how it works.

What is ECP?

First things first, what exactly are we talking about? ECP (also known as morning-after pill) is a type of birth control that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when contraception fails (which happens more often than we’d like to admit). It contains synthetic hormones that hinder ovulation (the release of egg from ovaries) or fertilization (when sperm meets egg)or implantation (when fertilized egg attaches to uterus wall).

The Chemistry Behind It All!

The active ingredients present in ECPs are progestins and/or estrogen. Progestins mimic progesterone i.e. natural hormone produced by female body which plays a pivotal role in menstrual cycle regulation along with preparing uterus lining for successful implantation if fertilization occurs.

How Do These Hormones Prevent Pregnancy?

Interfering With Ovulation

Progestin makes sure that ovary doesn’t release an egg while Estrogen regulates hypothalamus ie., part of brain responsible for releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which helps in producing eggs.Thus inhibiting them ultimately leads to infertility Thus avoiding Any meeting between sperm and the “proverbial”egg.

Other Ways To Stop Pregnancy

In case the above armoury fails then these extra measures help bring battle plan into motion:-

  • Thickening cervical mucus making it difficult for sperms
    to enter.

  • Slows down movement of Fallopian tubes which connect ovaries,
    to uterus thus Depriving egg from meeting sperm.

How and When to Take ECP

Now that we’ve comprehended how ECPs work, it’s vital to know when and how should you take one. ECP is not a daily pill; rather, it’s used as backup contraception after unprotected sex or any mishaps with your primary birth control. You can consume the pill up to five days after having sex (but quicker the better).

Types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

The Progestin-Only EC pills (POEC)

This variant is often known as “Plan B” — probably ‘coz PLAN A failed! (Nope, just kidding). It contains levonorgestrel hormone and requires two doses with 12 hours gap between them.

Favored for its fewer side effects,but less effective in overweight people.

Combined Hormonal EC pills (COHC)

These enterprising pills contain both estrogen and progestin same hormones present in regular birth control most common trade name being ellaOne.
Now this baby here effectively takes care of Surprises upto 5 days after unplanned babies-to-be while maintaining minimum side-effects,take that!

P.S.: No matter which type you choose: Please Consult Doctor First

Can Repeated Use Harm?

Well yes excess of everything leads to trouble.Women who use ECP oftentimes might complain about missed periods or issue with their menstrual cycle. However there are no long-term harms per say observed if taken occasionally.Excessive appetite(this may be good since hormonal surge causes cravings) and nausea can also become prominent immediate reactions but they will pass 🙂 .

As a last resort measure emergency contraceptives provide relief against unexpected pregnancy.So without panicking make sure helpreach out those needy startups like PlanB helping couples enjoy intimacy knowing their future planning won’t ruin due to unforeseen events or anyone passing judgement over choices made, and we keep our mantra simple : Live life,No Lice !!Peace!

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