Emergency Contraception

Question:

* Hello doctor,

I am an 18 year old girl and my boyfriend and I had sex yesterday for the first time. He did not use a condom and climaxed inside me. My friends tell me that since it is my first time having sex, I will not become pregnant. Will I become pregnant? How can I stop from becoming pregnant? Please doctor, it is urgent!!

* Hi,

I was having sex with my girl friend and the condom broke during the intercourse and I ejaculated inside her vagina. What can I do now?

Answer:

(For the impatient)

After unprotected sex, the female can take “Emergency Contraceptive Pills” over the counter. Depending on the type of this medicine, some are effective even up to 5 days (120 hours) after the sexual intercourse. To find the brand name of the pill in your country, click on this wikipedia link .

Remember, even though this can be effective in birth control after sex, ECPs are most effective when taken a few hours before sexual intercourse. So, it may be a good idea to keep them in store as a measure, if you are unsure about the timing of your sexual activity. Another alternative is to use a Copper-T intrauterine device. This is also known to be effective for up to 5 days after sexual intercourse.

No, it is a myth that you cannot get pregnant because of first sexual activity. In fact, it is quite possible.

(Detailed Answer):

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are tablets that contain very high doses of certain hormones (progestin and estrogen). The sudden dose of these hormones will disrupt the hormonal pattern needed for pregnancy. Remember that ECP does not protect you against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. ECPs are also used widely by victims of rape.

How to use ECPs:

Simply find the brand name of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill in your country in this wikipedia link, and buy it in any pharmacy. Follow the instructions on the pill cover. If you vomit within a few hours of taking this pill, you must take another dose.

Effectiveness:

The FDA has given 89% effectiveness of ECPs. Meaning that, 89 out of 100 women who would have gotten pregnant would not. Remember that there is no such thing as fool proof contraception, so if you do not get your menstruation at the expected time, you should test yourself pregnancy.

Side Effects:

• Abdominal Pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Temporary disruption of menstrual cycle
• Blurred Vision
• Severe pain and numbness in your arms/legs

If any of these happens excessively to you, do not hesitate and call a doctor immediately.

Note: Use this type of contraception as an emergency measure only. Use other methods of preventive measures in the future.