Morning-After Pills Are Only For Emergency, Not For Regular Use!

Not using proper protection or breaking of a condom, unwanted pregnancies can take place and to avoid this, many women use the morning-after or emergency pills. However, sometimes, women do not really understand the difference between it and normal birth control pills, and consume them more often than necessary, which harms the body. Therefore, here is what you need to know about emergency pills.

Morning-after pills (emergency contraceptive pills) can be helpful in preventing pregnancy in the event of unprotected sex, breaking of the condom during intercourse, and other such reasons. The labels on such pills read that these can be usually taken within a 72 hours duration after having sex, to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Hence, they are the savior for many women in our country. However, a major thing to note here is that there has been a huge increase in the number of women using it in the past few years. And due to a lack of information regarding the same, women do not understand the difference between these and regular birth control pills. And their consumption in an improper manner can negatively affect the body, and women must be aware of it. So, here are some basic things you need to know.

What are Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP)

Emergency contraceptive pills are used by women to prevent unwanted and untimely pregnancies, due for various reasons. Gynecologist Dr. Neerja Jain explains that it can be a safe way to avoid unwanted pregnancy when taken according to the instructions, but it is not necessarily 100% successful. Also, it cannot be consumed like a normal contraceptive pill. It can be used in case of sexual intercourse done by unsafe means, without protection, or by mistake. It is useful in case of emergency, as the name says, but its regular or continued consumption can harm a woman’s health.

Mr. Vivek Jain, a medical shop owner in Indore, Madhya Pradesh informed that both the supply and demand of ECP have increased a lot over the past few years.

What You Should Know?

• These pills are different from normal contraceptive pills and should only be used in case of emergency.
• Although some emergency contraceptive pill labels read that the pills can be consumed within 72 hours, they are more effective when used within 24 hours after intercourse. Delaying the intake can increase the chances of pregnancy.
• These are generally easily available at all medical stores and do not require a doctor's prescription to be bought.
• There is also a misconception among women about these medicines that they can help in abortion, which is not true. These medicines only work to prevent pregnancy before it occurs.

Side Effects

There can be certain side effects of contraceptive pills in women such as nausea, headache, tension, lower abdominal pain, breast pain and excessive bleeding during periods, etc. At the same time, its continuous and prolonged unnecessary use can also affect the fertility of women. However, if you face any abnormal or adverse effects after its consumption, contact a gynecologist immediately.