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Reproductive health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. This includes having a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to make decisions regarding one's reproductive health. Reproductive health is a fundamental human right, and access to reproductive health services is critical for both men and women. Unfortunately, women often face more challenges regarding reproductive health than men because they are more likely to experience sexual and reproductive health problems, including pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive cancers. Moreover, women are often subjected to gender-based violence, which can have significant physical and psychological health consequences.
For this reason, many women turn to the morning-after pill, a form of contraception used after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is not intended as a regular form of contraception but as a backup method in an emergency, such as a condom breaking or forgetting to take birth control pills. Few people know how they work, so we will discuss the details in this article.
Morning-after pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation. Typically, a woman ovulates about 14 days after the first day of her menstrual cycle. The morning-after pill must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse to be effective, so the earlier it is taken, the more effective it is. The morning-after pill contains hormones that prevent or delay ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. It may also prevent fertilisation by thickening the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. It's worth noting that the morning-after pill does not terminate a pregnancy that has already occurred and is not considered an abortion pill.
The morning-after pill is available in progestin-only and combined estrogen and progestin. Progestin-only pills are considered the most effective and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. They can also be used by women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives for medical reasons.
Combined estrogen and progestin pills are less effective than progestin-only pills and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 75%. They are not recommended for breastfeeding women with a history of blood clots or at risk of stroke.
Morning-after pills are available in most pharmacies over the counter, meaning no prescription is necessary. They are also available at family planning clinics, health centres, and hospitals. In some countries, the morning-after pill is available online, but buying medication from unregulated sources is not recommended.
The effectiveness of the morning-after pill depends on how soon it is taken after unprotected sexual intercourse. The morning-after pill is most effective within the first 24 hours after intercourse, with a success rate of up to 95%. However, its effectiveness decreases over time; after 72 hours, it is only about 58% effective.
It's worth noting that the morning-after pill is not 100% effective and should not be relied upon as a regular form of contraception. In other words, it's intended to be a backup method in an emergency.
Like any medication, the morning-after pill may cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and breast tenderness. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.
In rare cases, the morning-after pill can cause more serious side effects, such as blood clots, liver problems, or an ectopic pregnancy. After taking the morning-after pill, women who experience severe abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headaches should seek immediate medical attention.
Aside from the morning-after pill, there are other options for emergency contraception. The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective form of emergency contraception that can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and can be used as regular contraception.
Reproductive health is a fundamental human right, and the morning-after pill is crucial for women needing emergency contraception. However, it's not like most medicines, so it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider to know if it's right for you. This way, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health and choose the best option for their needs.
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