Preventing unplanned pregnancy
The best way to prevent an unplanned/ unexpected pregnancy is to abstain from sex. If you are sexually active, the best alternative is to use a contraceptive method. Contraceptives are methods used to prevent an unexpected pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy if your contraceptive has failed or when you have engaged in sexual intercourse without using a contraceptive method.
Emergency contraception (also known as the ‘morning after pill’) can be used to prevent pregnancy in the following instances.
1. If you have faced sexual violence
2. After having unprotected sex (sex without using a contraceptive)
3. If your contraceptive has failed (for instance, if the condom breaks)
The following section discusses 03 types of emergency contraception.
These pills contain the hormone progestin.
Emergency contraceptive pills can be purchased from a pharmacy as two pills of 0.75 grams or as a single pill of 1.5 grams.
If the packet has two pills, the second pill can be taken 12 hours after the first pill. It is okay to take both pills together as well. Take the pill as instructed in the package. Any woman can take this pill safely and effectively in an emergency.
The sooner you take the pill after having unprotected sex, the more effective the pill will be.
The pill is not effective after 5 days of having unprotected sex.
Emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation or the release of the egg.
Emergency contraception methods do not pose a challenge for an existing pregnancy or harm a growing fetus.
Since this method prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, the menstrual cycle may change. If the period is more than a week late, you can get a pregnancy test.
If you are having sex often, a regular contraceptive should be used to prevent a pregnancy effectively. Remember, emergency contraceptive pills cannot be used as a regular contraceptive.
An IUD can be placed within 5 days of having unprotected sex. This creates an environment hostile to pregnancy within the uterus. An IUD must be inserted by a doctor at a clinic.
4 oral contraceptive pills containing hormones should be taken as soon as possible (within 72 hours) and another 4 pills should be taken 12 hours later.
Challenge yourself and your friends to test your knowledge, take the quiz
Access to these contraceptives is made easy through public hospitals and health centers where they are provided for free. Families can talk to doctors and nurses to learn about.
Preventing unplanned pregnancy
.png)
Things to Read
Contraception is the act of preventing an unexpected pregnancy . There are various contraceptive methods. It is important to know...