EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (2):

WHEN IS IT NECESSARY, AND HOW TO KNOW IF IT'S EFFECTIVE?

Dr. Claude Allouche, Gynecologist Contraception urgence 2 engl
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana
058 726 02 64

  • Emergency hormonal contraception or the insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) should be used no later than 3 to 5 days after unprotected or inadequately protected sexual intercourse.
  • Afterward, monitor the return of your period and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any abnormalities.

WHEN TO USE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?

Situations that may require emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected or improperly protected sexual intercourse. The most common situations include:

  • No contraception was used;
  • Failure or incorrect use of a contraceptive method, such as:
    • A condom that broke, slipped off, or was used incorrectly;
    • Forgetting to take an oral contraceptive pill beyond the allowed delay;
    • Delay in using a contraceptive patch;
    • Delay in receiving an injectable contraceptive beyond the allowed timeframe;
    • Displacement, rupture, tear, or early removal of a diaphragm or cervical cap;
    • Expulsion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or contraceptive implant;
    • Failure of the withdrawal method (ejaculation occurred inside the vagina or on external genitalia);
    • Failure of a spermicidal tablet or film to dissolve before intercourse;
    • Miscalculation of the abstinence period or inability to abstain or use a barrier method during the fertile period when using a "natural" method;
    • Sexual assault when the woman is not protected by an effective contraceptive method.

WHICH MEDICATIONS? AND WHEN?

Any woman, regardless of age, can use emergency hormonal contraception, also known as the "morning-after pill," after unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse.

Emergency hormonal contraception should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse:

  • Ideally within 12 hours.

There are two types of emergency contraception available:

  1. Levonorgestrel-based pills:

    • Norlevo in France, Postinor in Israel
    • Must be taken within 3 days (72 hours).

  2. Ulipristal acetate-based pills:

    • EllaOne in France, Ella in Israel
    • Must be taken within 5 days (120 hours).

Beyond these timeframes, the effectiveness of the "morning-after pill" decreases significantly.

  • If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the pill, another dose must be taken.

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD): An Effective Emergency Contraceptive

  • Inserting a copper IUD is by far the most effective method of emergency contraception and can be used up to 5 days after ovulation. However, it is more challenging to arrange quickly, as it requires availability from doctors or midwives.
  • It can also serve as the beginning of a long-term contraceptive method.

HOW TO KNOW IF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION WORKED?

  • Even when taken correctly, emergency hormonal contraception is not 100% effective.

  • To determine if emergency contraception was successful, monitor the arrival of your next period.

  • However, emergency contraception may cause your period to arrive earlier or later than expected.

  • A pregnancy test (urine test from a pharmacy or a blood test prescribed by a doctor) is necessary if:

    • Your period is more than 5 days late;
    • Your period arrives on time but appears abnormal (unusually light, prolonged duration) or is accompanied by unusual pain.

  • If you took levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception and find out you are pregnant, there is no risk of fetal malformation.

  • Regarding ulipristal acetate, scientific data indicates no increased risk of fetal malformation.

Do not hesitate to speak with your doctor, midwife, or school nurse.

Want to learn more? Visit my website: https://claude-allouche.com

Source: https://www.ameli.fr