When is the emergency contraceptive pill effective?

There is not only one kind of contraceptive pill. According to the effectiveness, they can be divided into emergency, long-acting and short-acting types. But no matter which one, long-term use of contraceptive pills for contraception is not a desirable thing for women. The time of taking contraceptive pills is also very particular, otherwise they will lose their effectiveness. Emergency contraceptive pills must be taken within 72 hours afterwards, but if a woman has high blood pressure or is breastfeeding, she must not take contraceptive pills. Women must keep this in mind. After all, health comes first.

When is the emergency contraceptive pill effective?

1. As a post-natal contraceptive pill, the first tablet of emergency contraceptive pill is generally taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, and the second tablet is taken 12 hours later. The earlier it is taken, the better the effect. The main ingredient of emergency contraceptive pills is progesterone. The principle of action of the drug is basically the same as that of short-acting contraceptive pills and is suitable for women under 40 years old.

2. Short-acting contraceptives should be taken on the 5th day from the day of menstruation, 1 tablet every night for 22 consecutive days, which can prevent pregnancy for 1 month. The main function of short-acting contraceptives is to inhibit ovulation and hinder the normal growth of the endometrium. They are suitable for women without underlying diseases or diabetes.

3. Long-acting contraceptives are generally taken on the fifth day after menstruation. One tablet is taken, and another tablet is taken 20 days later to achieve effective contraceptive effects. Long-acting contraceptives mainly contain artificially synthesized progesterone and long-acting estrogen, which can inhibit ovulation and play a long-term contraceptive role. It is suitable for women who cannot have an intrauterine device and are unwilling to use other contraceptive methods.

The harm of taking contraceptive pills for a long time to women:

1. Nausea

After taking emergency contraceptive pills, nausea symptoms usually last no more than 24 hours.

2. Vomiting

Taking the drug with food or before bedtime can reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting. If you vomit within 1 hour after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you should take another dose as soon as possible.

Taking birth control pills is very harmful to the female body. If vomiting occurs while taking them, you should take another dose as soon as possible to avoid pregnancy.

3. Irregular uterine bleeding

Some women will experience spot bleeding after taking the medicine, which generally does not require treatment, but the user should be made aware of this situation and receive consultation and education before and after taking the medicine.

4. Menstrual changes

Most women have their menstruation on time, but some women have their menstruation early or late. If your period is delayed by a week, you should do a urine pregnancy test to determine whether emergency contraception has failed.

5. Changes in ovulation period

Taking emergency contraceptive pills will affect the menstrual cycle. Women should try to use highly effective contraceptive methods after this, and avoid taking risks with emergency contraceptive pills or unscientific contraceptive methods such as safe period and ejaculation outside the body, which may lead to infertility in severe cases.

6. Others

Breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, fatigue, etc. These symptoms are generally mild and last no more than 24 hours. Severe breast pain and headache can be treated with aspirin or other painkillers.

Who should not take contraceptive pills:

1. Patients with serious diseases

Hormonal drugs need to be metabolized in the liver and then excreted from the kidneys. Taking them will increase the burden on liver and kidney functions, so patients with acute or chronic hepatitis or nephritis should not use emergency contraceptives.

2. People with high blood pressure

Emergency contraceptive pills may cause high blood pressure, so they should not be taken by people with moderate to severe hypertension, thrombotic vascular disease, blood diseases, or a history of gestational hypertension or a family history of hypertension.

3. Patients with blood diseases and endocrine diseases

Emergency contraceptive pills can cause the body's blood clotting function to increase, increase the risk of blood clots, increase blood sugar, and may even affect thyroid function. Therefore, patients with various blood diseases, endocrine disorders, or diabetes and hyperthyroidism should not use emergency contraceptive pills.

4. Women with gynecological diseases or tumors

Diseases such as uterine fibroids and breast tumors are related to hormone dependence. If you take contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone, the condition will be aggravated.

5. Lactating women

Certain ingredients in contraceptives will continue the secretion of breast milk and may affect the development of the newborn through breast milk secretion.