What if emergency contraception fails?

Emergency contraception is a great way to prevent pregnancy when you’ve had unprotected sex or if your regular contraceptive method failed. However, as with any form of birth control, there’s always a chance that it might fail. So what do you do if the worst happens and your emergency contraception doesn’t work? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

Emergency Contraception – A Quick Recap

Before we dive into what to do in case of failure, let’s quickly recap what emergency contraception actually is. In simple terms, it refers to any type of birth control method used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure (such as a broken condom) that aims to prevent pregnancy.

There are two main types of emergency contraceptives: the morning-after pill and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The morning-after pill comes in two forms: Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B One-Step, Take Action) and ulipristal acetate pills (Ella). On the other hand, an IUD requires insertion by a healthcare professional within 120 hours after intercourse.

While this sounds all well and good on paper, women still find themselves dealing with unexpected pregnancies even when they took steps to try preventing them through ECs.

Reasons for Failure

So why does EC sometimes fail? There are several reasons why this might happen:

  • Late intake
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Ovarian cyst rupture
  • Exposure prior ovulation etc.

In some instances though not very many instances these fals happen which could lead up to unwanted pregnancy which shouldn’t be blamed on oneself nor should one relax without doing anything about it.

Assessing Pregnancy Risk

The first thing you want to do if your emergency contraception fails is assessing how likely it is for you to get pregnant. This will allow you take measures promptly before it becomes too late.

Keep Record of your Menstrual Cycle

Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle is essential in order to accurately determine when you’re most fertile. This enables you monitor and calculate the safe period for sexual activity which is a key part to understanding what action next.

It’s important to know that every woman’s menstrual cycle can be different, so it’s not always possible to predict exactly when ovulation will occur. However, getting an approximate idea can go a long way in helping you make informed reproductive decisions such as having sex with protection or abstaining from intercourse entirely.

Consultation with Professionals

Speaking to professional medical personnel should also follow immediately after Step 1.. They will assess your situation and give proper counselling on what needs to happen including options discussed later in this article.

Plan B Options

If EC fails? Does mean there aren’t back up plan A,B and C’s just in case! Here are some other contraception methods women seek out:

  • Another Use of Levonorgestrel pills
  • A Copper Intrauterine Device (Cu-IUD)
  • Ella Pills
  • Abstinence

Consulting healthcare workers on the ideal option for You is crucial since they know better

Reuse Of Levonorgestrel pills

One viable option would be taking confirmative doses of Levonorgestrel pills using again as soon as possible following first high pill dosage due within certain time-frame based on their instructions . However, if consumed pass stipulated window of time – it doesn’t work anymore!

Limitation Via Side Effects Associated With Usage :

Although levonorgestrel could serve as plan B backup contraceptive method but has its side effects like changes menstruation patterns or cause cramping .

Copper IUDs

Another reliable option following EC failure would be opting for copper Intra-Uterine Devices (Cu-IUD) at any point after unprotected sex/contraceptive failure, and up to five days after ovulation.

This method has proven effective with an impressive 99% guarantee of preventing pregnancy post-unprotected sex. The copper IUD does this by working as a spermatocide that terminates sperm life in seconds therefore none reaches the egg thereby ppreventing fertilization .

Plus you won’t worry about it working for years too!.

Ella Pills

Unlike Levonorgestrel pills, Ella is more specialized (For instance It’s not recommended for those suffering from Hepatic or Severe asthma related diseases) but Another viable option following EC failure would be opting for Ella.

Ella must be consumed within five days after unprotected intercourse and works by delaying ovulation making the window shorter or closing entirely thereby Increasing protection from unwanted pregnancy.

Limitations Via Side Effects Associated With Usage:

Please note that same warnings are observed again using this contraceptive measure which includes side effects like fatigue/headache/dizziness etc..

Abstinence

Of course you could choose sexual abstience as a way forward This might include a change in lifestyle choice or talking things out with your partner on what measures to take moving forward until better contraceptives can be verified through conversations with professional medical personnel

Preventative Measures Against Failed Emergence Contraception:

Prevention just like when taking any hormonal medication is essential to reduce risks associated with misuse/misdiagnosis of medicaments. Here are some measures women should take into consideration,

Proactivity

It’s important to assume reproductive decisions particularly emergent ones ahead of time rather than waiting till last minute panicking leaving less room for thoughtful informed decision-making down line.

Knowledge/Monitoring Cycle Patterns

Keeping records/proper monitoring cycle process routine regarding menstrual frame work greats opportune moments seize/avoid.

Final Word

As always, prevention will remain key form protecting yourself against unwanted pregnancies arising due arisen failed EC method usage. Should prevention fail then seek professional medical advice so as to take informed decisions on what action other contraceptive options available. Always remember taking EC condoms and birth control pills at the right time/stipulated intervals ensures optimal effectiveness, thereby preventing chances of unwanted pregnancy.

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