Advantages and disadvantages of emergency postcoital contraception

Abstract

© 2016, Serbian Medical Society. All rights reserved. Emergency postcoital contraception (EPC) also known as “emergency contraception” and “morning after pill” is an easy way to prevent conceiving and it can be purchased in many countries without any prescription. EPC offers an important chance to prevent an unintended pregnancy when a regular method fails, no method was used, or sex was forced. The currently available options include an estrogen-progestin combination (ethinyl estradiol with levonorgestrel), progestin alone (levonorgestrel), the ulipristal acetate, the antiprogestin synthetic steroid mifepristone (RU-486), estrogen alone (high-dose ethinyl estradiol) and the Copper T intrauterine device (IUD). EPC pills, which may be more accessible than an emergency IUD, reduce the chance that pregnancy will happen after a single act of intercourse by at least 50 percent. The Copper T IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception with an estimated failure rate of less than 1%. EPC is a simple safe emergency method to reduce the chance of pregnancy and EPC pills do not harm an existing pregnancy. EPC is not suitable for women who cannot take birth control pills, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and should not be used as a regular method of birth control. The sooner the pills are taken, the better it is. The effect or the potential of EPC diminishes over time. It may have some temporary side effects such as nausea and vomiting, delay in menses, irregular vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. If these side effects occur, they generally resolve within 24 hours of the pill use. Side effects of the copper-containing IUD are also rare, but may include menstrual cramping or increased menstrual flow.