Often called the "morning-after pill," Emergency Contraception is a safe and effective backup method for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Here, we will cover the medical emergency contraception definition, the different types of emergency contraception methods (including pills and IUDs), and exactly how they work inside your body.

Emergency Contraception Definition: What Actually Is It?

Emergency contraception is a method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. It is intended for emergency use and is not designed to be a regular form of birth control.

It is important to clarify a common myth immediately: Emergency contraception is NOT the same as the abortion pill. It does not end an established pregnancy; it prevents one from starting. If a fertilised egg has already implanted in the uterus, emergency contraception will not work.

What Are Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Most people refer to emergency contraception pills as the oral medication taken shortly after sex to lower the risk of pregnancy. However, not all pills are the same.

There are generally two main categories of pills:

1. Levonorgestrel Pills (e.g., Plan B One-Step)

These are the most common morning-after pills. They are usually available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. They contain a synthetic hormone called Levonorgestrel, which mimics the natural hormone progesterone.

2. Ulipristal Acetate Pills (e.g., ella)

This is a prescription-only pill. It contains Ulipristal Acetate, a chemical that blocks the effects of key hormones necessary for conception. It is generally more effective than Levonorgestrel, especially if more than three days have passed since intercourse.

How Does Emergency Contraception Work?

Pregnancy doesn't happen instantly after sex. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days, waiting for an egg to be released.

If you take emergency contraception during this window, it acts primarily by stopping or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). If no egg is released, the sperm have nothing to fertilise, and pregnancy cannot occur.

However, if ovulation cannot be stopped in time, the pill may still prevent pregnancy through these secondary backup actions:

• Thickening cervical mucus: This acts like a sticky barrier, trapping sperm and making it significantly harder for them to swim to the egg.

• Thinning the endometrium: This alters the lining of the uterus so that even if an egg is fertilised, it cannot stick (implant) to the wall and grow.

If you’re thinking of having an emergency contraception, first consider talking to a gynaecologist for expert guidance. A professional will help you make a better decision.

What are the Different Types of Emergency Contraception Methods?

While emergency pills are effective and convenient, they are not your only solution. Here are the different types of emergency contraceptive methods available, ranging from oral medications to highly effective medical devices:

1. Levonorgestrel Pills (e.g., Plan B, i-Pill)

These are the most common morning-after pills. They contain a synthetic hormone called Levonorgestrel, which mimics natural progesterone to temporarily stop the ovaries from releasing an egg.

For maximum effectiveness, this pill should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. It is widely available over the counter and is safe for most women, though it may be less effective if you weigh over 75 kg.

2. Ulipristal Acetate (e.g., Ella)

This is a more potent oral medication. It works by blocking the effects of key hormones necessary for conception. Unlike standard pills, Ulipristal Acetate requires a prescription and maintains its high effectiveness for up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex. 

It is considered a better option than Levonorgestrel for those close to ovulation or who weigh over 75kg. However, because it interacts with progesterone, it cannot be used at the same time as hormonal birth control.

3. Copper IUD (Paragard)

A Copper-T IUD is a tiny T-shaped device wrapped in copper wire that is placed in your uterus. It acts as a powerful spermicide. Copper ions are toxic to sperm, preventing them from fertilising an egg. 

To work as emergency contraception, it must be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. It is the most effective method available (over 99% effective) and works regardless of body weight. Once inserted, you can keep it in as your regular birth control for up to 10-12 years.

4. Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena, Liletta)

Similar to the Copper-T, this is a T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus, but instead of copper, it releases a steady dose of the hormone Levonorgestrel. 

52mg Hormonal IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. Like the Copper IUD, it offers a two-in-one benefit: it acts as emergency protection now and provides highly effective, low-maintenance birth control for 5 to 8 years.

Note: The Copper IUD is the best for emergency contraception. It is toxic to sperm and works incredibly well regardless of body weight.

When to Use Emergency Contraception?

You should consider using Emergency Contraception as soon as possible if:

• You didn't use any birth control during sex.

• The condom broke, slipped, or leaked.

• You missed two or more consecutive birth control pills.

The Rule of Timing:

Time is of the essence. While some methods work up to 5 days later, effectiveness generally decreases the longer you wait. For Levonorgestrel pills, taking them within the first 24 hours offers the highest protection.

Who Can Use Emergency Contraception?

Most women can safely use emergency contraception. However, body weight can influence how well the pills work. This is a factor often overlooked.

• Levonorgestrel (Plan B) may be less effective for individuals weighing over 75 kg.

• Ulipristal Acetate (ella) may be less effective for individuals weighing over 88 kg.

If your BMI is higher, the Copper IUD or Ulipristal Acetate is strongly recommended over standard over-the-counter pills to ensure maximum protection. Instead of being confused, you should consult a gynaecologist and figure out the contraception method that best suits you.

What are the Side Effects of Emergency Contraception?

Emergency contraception is safe, but it is a high dose of hormones, so side effects are normal. They typically last only a few days:

• Nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, talk to a gynaecologist. You may need another dose because your body may not have absorbed the medication.

• Fatigue and headaches.

• Breast tenderness.

• Menstrual Changes. Plan B affects your period. It may come earlier or later than usual, and it might be heavier or lighter. This is a common side effect of delaying ovulation.

Conclusion

Understanding what is emergency contraception helps you act quickly and confidently when your primary birth control fails or an accident happens.

Whether you opt for over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills (like Plan B), a prescription pill like ella, or choose the highly effective Copper IUD, the most important factor is timing. The sooner you act, the higher your chances of preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

However, remember that these methods are designed to be safety nets, not daily solutions. While they are safe, they are not as effective or cost-efficient as regular birth control methods like condoms, daily pills, or implants.

Consult a healthcare professional today and discuss the situation. Maybe you don’t need any contraceptives, and it's just your body’s response to stress or something else. Don’t do anything without expert assistance. It’s your body, and it deserves to be taken care of.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use emergency contraception as regular birth control?

A: No. It is less effective than regular methods (like the Pill, condoms, or IUDs) and more expensive. Frequent use can also cause irregular periods.

Q: Does emergency contraception cause infertility?

A: No. There is no evidence that taking Emergency Contraception pills affects your future fertility.

Q: Will emergency contraception protect me from STIs?

A: No. Emergency contraception only prevents pregnancy. It offers zero protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Q: Can I take the morning-after pill more than once in the same menstrual cycle? 

Yes, it is medically safe to take it more than once if you have another emergency. However, repeated use can cause more intense side effects (like nausea) and make your menstrual cycle significantly more irregular. It is meant for emergencies only, not as a routine habit.

Q: Does drinking alcohol affect the morning-after pill?

No, alcohol does not interact with the ingredients in emergency contraception or reduce its effectiveness. However, alcohol can worsen side effects like nausea or dizziness. If you drink too much and vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, your body may not have absorbed the medication, and you may need to take another dose.

Q: Is 7 days too late to use emergency contraception? 

Yes, it is too late. The maximum effectiveness window for emergency contraception (even the Copper IUD) is 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Taking a pill after 7 days will not work. You should wait and take a pregnancy test if your period is late.