Unprotected sex and an unwanted pregnancy following that are major issues that most often many couples face.

If a couple have had unprotected intercourse, and the period from the last indulgence was less than 72 hrs, there are a number of measures that can be taken to avoid pregnancy.

Wondering what they are?

This blog by Mykare Health will guide you on how to avoid pregnancy after 72 hours of unprotected sex.

Understanding Emergency Contraception

It is for this reason that the emergency contraception is most effective when taken immediately after unprotected intercourse. In India, common emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) include:In India, common emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) include:

• Levonorgestrel (i-Pill, Unwanted 72): Active within 72 but can be effective after up to 120 hours after intercourse.

• Ulipristal acetate: Known as Ella or Ezy Pill in certain countries, as useful up to five days or 120 hours after the intercourse without a condom.

If 72 hours have been exceeded, Ulipristal acetate may be superior to Levonorgestrel, as per the data regarding its action time.

Ulipristal Acetate (Ella/Ezy Pill)

Mechanism of Action:

Ulipristal acetate has an action of anti ovulation through either inhibiting or delaying the process. It also belongs to progesterone receptor modulator, which helps in the inhibition of the release of an egg from ovary, or in other words it prevents fertilisation.

Usage:

• Can be recommended to be taken as soon as possible within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse.

• Available over the counter in some places, while in others a prescription is needed, so it is best to visit a healthcare provider immediately.

Effectiveness:

• Easier to use than Levonorgestrel if taken after 72 hours from intercourse, Though newer it has been reported to be more effective than Levonorgestrel.

• Prevents pregnancy with a degree of efficacy of roughly eighty-five percent if administered within one-twelfth of a week.

Considerations:

• Ulipristal acetate should not be taken if a woman is pregnant or she is suspecting that she may be pregnant.

• May also have mild side effects that include headaches, nausea, and alteration in the menstrual systems.

Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)

Mechanism of Action:

Copper IUD is capable of minimising the chances of conception through making the womb unfavourable for sperm and thus never facilitating conception. It can also exclude the fertilised egg from implanting itself to the uterine wall.

Usage:

• Has to be taken up by a healthcare practitioner within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse.

• It may be used as a long acting contraceptive going for up to 10 years without being renewed.

Effectiveness:

• More than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy if inserted at the right time.

• Noncyclic type is highly effective regardless of the phase of the monthly menstrual cycle that a woman is experiencing.

Considerations:

• This needs a trip to a physician so that the health care provider can insert it.

• The first couple of months after getting on the pill, some women may be attendant with increased flow and more cramping.

Over-the-Counter Options and Accessibility

Levonorgestrel (i-Pill, Unwanted 72):

• A readily available and easily purchasable product in India most of the times available at the counter.

• Its optimal time is within 72 hours, but it’s not as good between 72-120 hours.

Ulipristal acetate (Ella/Ezy Pill):

• Mandatory to have a prescription in many areas.

• A few models can be purchased through the Internet depending on their availability in the specific region; however, delivery times can influence the convenient usage of the purchased devices.

Copper IUD:

• Requires a physician’s referral as indicated in the best practices of medical practice.

• May require initial investments with greater expenses than short term contraception but has the benefits of long term contraception.

Long-term Contraceptive Methods

One should also think of long-term birth control methods to avoid other pregnancy issues in the future. Some options available in India include:Some options available in India include: BOX

Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla): Binskin It also releases progestin to prevent ovulation or the release of an egg from a woman’s ovary.

Implants (Implanon, Nexplanon): Implanted under the skin and work on hormonal basis by allowing no pregnancy for about 3 years.

Birth Control Pills (Mala D, Yasmin): Pill used in control of hormones and suppression of ovulation, taken daily.

Contraceptive Patch: Taken in the form of a patch which is placed on the skin and gradually releases hormones which helps in avoiding pregnancy.

Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing): Inserted into the vagina and secrete substances that suppress ovulation.

A visit to a healthcare provider or a practitioner can always advise on which long-term contraceptive is most suitable in view of the patient’s health status and life adjustment.

Early Consultation with the Doctor

When unprotected intercourse has happened and it is 72 hours or later, the appropriate thing is to seek the help of a physician. A healthcare provider can:

• Select and endorse the appropriate emergency contraceptive depending on the type of the emergency contraceptive and the difficulty of the situation which is a type B emergency contraceptive; Ulipristal acetate.

• Explain the likelihood, and how Copper IUD is implanted in the uterus.

• Advise the patient with the type of contraception that is permanent.

• The first consideration is to check for any medical contraindication to the use of contraceptives among the patients.

Sexual Health and Safe Sex Practice

The two main protective methods that assist in the decrease in the possibility of unplanned pregnancies and STIs are Safe sex. Consider the following:

Consistent Use of Condoms: It acts as a contraceptive and also protects against STIs / IT is a physical method of birth control when used effectively it reduces pregnancy and also the Ces acts as protection in case of STIs.

Regular Health Check-Ups: To ensure that any problems with reproductive health are well handled or in case of any problem, consult a doctor.

Education on Contraceptive Options: Considering all the procedures in contraceptives , one is in a position to choose the most appropriate one for her.

Psychological and Emotional Support

It is natural for one to feel anxious or stressed after unprotected intercourse and so do researchers as well. There are relations with reference to the patient’s emotional associates like a friend, a family member, or a counsellor. There are ministries and counselling for this purpose to enable a person to become informed.

Myths and Misconceptions

The myths and facts as regards emergency contraception and how pregnancy can be prevented are however many. All the information should be cross checked from other sources and one should consult the doctor. Some common myths include: BOX

• Emergency contraception causes abortion: This product has the intention of avoiding pregnancy and has no relation to abortion of a pregnancy.

• "You can only use emergency contraception once": It can be used several times but does not succeed when used time and again as a principle means of contraception.

• Emergency contraception is 100% effective: Although all the methods used here are very effective, none of them offer a one hundred percent assurance of not getting pregnant.

Methods to prevent pregnancy within the first three days after unprotected intercourse to be effective need to be applied right on time. Discussing the options available in India like Ulipristal acetate (Ella/Ezy Pill) and Copper IUD and talking to the doctors is crucial.

Thus, thinking over the long-term contraceptive options may help people achieve some degree of reassurance and get their reproductive destinies under control. Therefore, prevention of conception depends on the level of awareness, safe sex, and consulting a doctor before having any accidents.

For additional help, people can consult physicians or approach professional qualified drugstores and pharmacies present in India including Apollo pharmacy, Medplus, 1mg and many more where several ECPs are available and the experts also suggest products.