Question

A16 year old reports to the local Family Planning clinic with concerns regarding pregnancy. She relates she had unprotected intercourse 2 nights ago and believes she may be 'fertile'. She wants to learn more about the 'morning after pill' What additional information should you obtain from her? What do you know about emergency contraception and the side effects? What educational points should you provide to her?

Answer 1

Morning after pills:

Its otherwise called as emergency contraceptives.

Drug name is levonorgestrel, it should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.

It is safe and effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

Levonorgestrel does not requires the medical prescription.

2. What do you know about emergency contraceptives?

Copper intrauterine device also used as best emergency contraceptives that should be used within 5 days of unprotected intercourse.

Levinorgestrel also widely used as contraceptives in emergency.

Side effects:

Abdominal pain

Breast pain and tenderness

Nausea, vomiting , diarrhea

Head ache, dizziness

Feeling tired

Changes in menstrual pattern.

Educational points:

1. Emergency contraceptives are used after intercourse and before implantation.

2. Its otherwise called morning after pills, post coital pills and secondary contraceptives.

3. Emergency contraceptives examples are

Emergency contraceptives pills

Levonorgestrel only pill

Combined estrogen progesterone pills

Emergency copper IUD.