Up to 120 hours (5 days) following penis-in-vaginal intercourse, you can avoid getting pregnant by using one emergency contraceptive pill.
Emergency contraception comes in two forms: intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are inserted by a medical expert, and over-the-counter and prescription pills that you take orally.
The main topic of this writing is emergency contraceptive tablets.
Experts are aware that a person’s weight or body mass index (BMI) may have an impact on how effective emergency contraceptive tablets are, but clinical research hasn’t yet determined an efficacy threshold. This implies that medical practitioners do not yet have a firm answer about the point at which emergency contraception tablets lose their effectiveness. To determine whether doubling the dosage can improve efficacy in those with a higher weight or BMI, experts need to do additional research.
Regardless of weight or BMI, the copper IUD may be the most efficient emergency contraceptive method.
Ulipristal acetate (ella)
Ella delays ovulation for 120 hours (5 days) by blocking the hormone progesterone with ulipristal acetate, a nonhormonal component. This allows your body to release an egg after sperm has had time to die off. Even if sperm can fertilize the egg, implantation is uncertain since progesterone blocking also thins the uterine lining.
Plan B with additional levonorgestrel pills
Levonorgestrel is a synthetic form of progesterone used in Plan B, the most common emergency contraception available. By delaying ovulation, the synthetic hormone can lower the chance of possible conception.
People with a BMI of 24 or below may benefit the most from levonorgestrel-based supplements, according to Planned Parenthood. For those with a BMI of 25 or higher, they may be less effective, if not ineffective.
Most pharmacies, such as CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens, sell Plan B and other levonorgestrel pills without a prescription. The drug is also sold by a number of internet merchants and some supermarkets.
Combination birth control tablets
When you take more birth control tablets than normal, you can use them as emergency contraception. The hormone surge may aid in postponing ovulation and avoiding implantation.
This method only works with birth control pills that include both progestin and estrogen. Minipills containing solely progestin may not work.
Despite its convenience, the majority of experts advise against using it if there are alternative emergency contraceptive methods.
Frequently asked queries
- Can a “homemade morning-after pill” be made?
Answer: No, not exactly.
- Is it possible to avoid getting pregnant after 120 hours?
Answer: Getting a copper IUD may be your best option. Copper IUD placement up to 14 days (2 weeks) after sex may help prevent pregnancy, according to a small 2019 study.
- Which is preferable, getting an IUD or using emergency contraception pills, if you have a choice?
Answer: When it comes to emergency contraception, IUDs are the best option.
The bottom line
Emergency contraception may work better the earlier you use it. However, if 72 hours (3 days) or longer passes, you have choices.
For up to 120 hours (5 days) following intercourse, you can utilize any method you have on hand. After 72 hours (3 days), the ulipristal acetate pill under the brand name Ella may be the most effective emergency contraceptive pill.
All things considered, the copper IUD might be the best emergency contraceptive method available.