24-hour emergency contraceptive pills are a safe and effective contraceptive method that can be used within 24 hours after unprotected sex. However, the medication does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
To better understand the effects and how to use 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills, please refer to the following article.
24-hour emergency contraceptive pill effect
Most 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills contain levonorgestrel , a synthetic progesterone hormone. Levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy by:
Inhibits ovulation
The effect of 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills is to inhibit ovulation by slowing the release of ovulation-stimulating hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. LH is a sex hormone necessary to stimulate the ovaries to produce estradiol. When LH levels peak in the middle of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs. Therefore, if LH is not released, the egg will not be released and cannot be fertilized.
Thickens cervical mucus
Levonorgestrel thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to move through the cervix to reach the egg.
Thinning of the endometrium
Levonorgestrel thins the endometrium by stimulating the body to produce inflammatory substances. Inflammatory substances will cause the endometrium to peel and thin. When the endometrium is thin, the fertilized egg will have difficulty implanting and developing.
How to use 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills
Medicines are usually prepared in pill form. How to use 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills as follows:
Drink as soon as possible after unsafe sex
How long does 24-hour emergency contraception last? The effectiveness of the drug is highest within 24 hours after sex. If you take the pill as soon as possible, the contraceptive effect will be higher.
Take the entire pill
Emergency contraceptive pills are usually packaged into 1 pill. You should take the pill whole, do not break it in half or chew it for optimal results.
Do not use emergency contraceptive pills regularly
Emergency contraceptive pills should only be used in emergencies, when you are not using other contraceptive methods or when other contraceptive methods are not effective. Using emergency contraceptive pills regularly can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, menstrual disorders…
Note when using
Things to keep in mind when using 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills:
- Do not use emergency contraception if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- Do not use the medicine if you are allergic to its ingredients
- Do not use this medicine if you have a history of diseases such as blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, complicated diabetes, etc.
Side effects of medications
One of the side effects of 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills is menstrual disorders
Are 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills harmful? The medicine can cause some side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach-ache
- Tired
- Menstrual disorders
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within 1-2 days. If side effects are severe or persistent, you should see your doctor.
Compare 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills and 72-hour emergency contraceptive pills
24-hour emergency contraceptive pills and 72-hour emergency contraceptive pills both have the same active ingredient, levonorgestrel, and are effective in preventing pregnancy after unsafe sex. However, some differences between these two drugs include:
Effective
- 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills are most effective within 24 hours after sex.
- 72-hour emergency contraceptive pills are most effective within 72 hours after intercourse, decreasing over time.
Dosage
- 24-hour emergency contraceptive pills: Take 1 pill within 24 hours.
- 72-hour emergency contraceptive pills: There are 2 types: 1 pill and 2 pills. For the 2-pill type, you take the first pill as soon as possible after sex, and the second pill 12 hours later.
