Are There Ways To Stop Pregnancy Without Abortion
When a woman doesnt want to be pregnant or doesnt want to have a baby, she will naturally want to understand all of her options for ending her pregnancy. Many women in these circumstances dont want to be pregnant but also dont want to have an abortion they may wonder how to lose a baby without abortion.
However, unless a pregnancy naturally ends in miscarriage, there is no way to stop pregnancy without abortion. Abortion is the only unplanned pregnancy option that allows a woman to terminate a pregnancy before her baby is born.
For women who do not want to experience pregnancy and childbirth, this may be the determining factor in their decision to have an abortion. However, if a womans reasons for considering abortion have more to do with being socially, financially or emotionally unprepared to raise a child, there are some other alternatives to abortion to consider.
Talk With A Healthcare Professional About Ella Or Paragard
Other types of EC exist to help prevent pregnancy.
These include ella, a pill that can be taken up to 5 days after sex, and ParaGard, an intrauterine device that can be used as a long-term birth control method.
To access any of these options, youll need to visit a doctor.
While over-the-counter forms of EC should be taken within 3 days of sex or condom breakage for the best chance of preventing pregnancy, prescription methods are safer to take within 5 days.
The Iud As Emergency Contraception
The intrauterine device is a small, T-shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper. Its inserted into the uterus by a trained health professional. It may prevent an egg from implanting in your womb or being fertilised.
If youve had unprotected sex, the IUD can be inserted up to 5 days afterwards, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated to prevent pregnancy.
You can also choose to have the IUD left in as an ongoing method of contraception.
Most women can use an IUD, including women who have never been pregnant and those who are HIV positive. Your GP or clinician will ask about your medical history to check if an IUD is suitable for you.
You should not use an IUD if you have:
- an untreated STI or a pelvic infection
- certain abnormalities of the womb or cervix
- any unexplained bleeding from your vagina for example, between periods or after sex
Women who have a heart condition should speak to their GP or cardiologist before having an IUD fitted.
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How Does Levonorgestrel Work
Depending upon where you are in your cycle, levonorgestrel helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It may prevent or delay ovulation.
Levonorgestrel is not the same as RU-486, which is an abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. It will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it. Learn more about how emergency contraception works.
What Is Plan B
Plan B is an FDA-approved drug that contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the progesterone hormone, which can be used for emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
The pill contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel and is typically taken in a single dose regimen, although some brands require taking two pills are taken separately within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Various brands available include:
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Cinnamon To Prevent Pregnancy After Sex
Cinnamon can stimulate the uterus, and can even cause miscarriage and abortion. However, cinnamon does not work instantly and should be taken regularly for some time. To avoid pregnancy after sex naturally, consume cinnamon every day until you get your period. You can have cinnamon tea every morning by simply adding a pinch of cinnamon to a cup of boiled water. It is better to consult your gynecologist before taking cinnamon to stop pregnancy after sex.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about levonorgestrel.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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Shifting To Regular Contraception
Following use of ECPs, women or girls may resume or initiate a regular method of contraception. If a copper IUD is used for emergency contraception, no additional contraceptive protection is needed.
Following administration of ECPs with levonorgestrel or combined oral contraceptive pills , women or girls may resume their contraceptive method, or start any contraceptive method immediately, including a copper-bearing IUD.
Following use of ECPs with ulipristal acetate , women or girls may resume or start any progestogen containing method on the 6th day after taking UPA. They can have an LNG-IUD inserted immediately if it can be determined they are not pregnant. They can have the copper IUD inserted immediately.
Get Pep From A Healthcare Professional
If youre concerned that you could have contracted HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis can reduce your risk of developing an infection.
Starting the treatment as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours of potential exposure, is vital to its success.
You must begin taking the medication within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure, as its highly unlikely to work after this period.
Youll need to take it once or twice a day for at least 28 days and may not be effective for everyone.
When it does work, the combination of drugs known as antiretroviral medications stop HIV from replicating and spreading throughout the body.
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How Effective Is The Morning After Pill
The morning after pill is about 95% effective when taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex or a birth control mishap. The effectiveness of Plan B One-Step decreases to about 89% 72 hours after having sex. Plan B One-Step is only effective when taken within three days of having sex. Ella is as effective as Plan B during the first 24 hours and maintains its effectiveness for up to five days after having sex.
Will Emergency Contraception Protect Me From Sexually Transmitted Infections
No. Emergency contraception does not protect you from STIs. To lower your risk of getting an STI, always use condoms when you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
See a doctor right away if you think you may have been exposed to an STI. Also, you can get medicine to help prevent HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
If you were sexually assaulted, go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE can help you find a hospital able to collect evidence of sexual assault. You can get medicine to prevent HIV and other STIs and get emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.
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Does The Morning After Pill Protect Against Stis
No, neither Levonorgestrel nor ellaOne protect against sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes. If you think you may have picked up an STI, you should consider getting tested even if you dont have any symptoms. Ask your GP or local sexual health clinic about this, or order a test kit through our discreet online service.
What If I Dont Have Access To Emergency Contraception Pills
If you cant get emergency contraception pills, talk to your healthcare provider. Under your providers care, you can take higher doses of oral contraceptives . This type of treatment is called the Yuzpe regimen.
However, ulipristal and progestin-only pills offer advantages over the Yuzpe regimen, including:
- Better effectiveness.
- Minimal side effects .
Reach out to your healthcare provider before taking a higher than normal dose of birth control pills.
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How Do I Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex
restartThe morning-after pill and non-hormonal copper IUD are the two main types of emergency contraception, which are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The morning after pill either contains levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate . You can get levonorgestrel over-the-counter at most pharmacies and drugstores. To get Ella, you need a prescription from a doctor or physician. For the copper IUD, you have to make an appointment with an OBYGN to have the IUD placed.As a reminder, unprotected sex can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Make sure you and your partner get tested regularly.
When Do I Use Emergency Contraception
You can use an emergency contraception method to prevent pregnancy if you recently had sex and:
- Didnt use a condom or other form of routine birth control.
- Made a mistake with your regular birth control, such as forgetting to take the pill, change your patch or miss a dose of the birth control shot.
- The condom broke or slipped off after your partner ejaculated.
- Your partner didnt pull out in time.
You may also choose emergency contraception in cases of rape. If someone forced you to have sex or have unprotected sex, talk to a healthcare provider about your options. A health professional can help you avoid pregnancy and get care for sexually transmitted infections . You may wish to contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network , which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline .
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What Are They And How Do I Get Them
There are three forms of emergency contraceptive pills.
The first option is progestin-only pills. These are available over the counter. You will need to ask the pharmacist for them but you do not need a prescription if you are 17 or older. Brand names are Plan B One-step, Next Choice, and Take Action. Take these pills as directed as soon as possible after sex and not more than five days afterward. This method is less effective in those who weigh more than 165 pounds.
The second option is combined estrogen/progesterone pills. You should contact a physician or contraceptive clinic to get the pills in the correct dosage, which varies from brand to brand. Depending on the type of pill used, you need to take two to four pills as soon as possible after unprotected sex and then another two to four pills 12 hours later. Once again you want to take these as soon as possible after the event and not more than five days later. This method is less effective than the other two methods and has more side effects.
The third option is an antiprogestin pill called Ella. It requires a prescription and once again can be taken up to five days after sex. You cannot take any type of hormonal contraceptive for five days following this medication. This method is more effective in heavier women than the other two pill options.
How Long Do They Last
Emergency hormonal contraceptives should not be used as a regular method of contraception thats why they are called emergency. If you have taken the morning-after pill and you are not using any other contraception, now is a good time to think about what contraception might be best for you to use on a more regular basis.
However, you can keep the IUD in as your regular method of contraception. If you dont want to do this for some reason then a healthcare professional can remove it during or after your next period.
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What Are The Side Effects
While highly effective in preventing pregnancy, these treatments are not a substitute for regular forms of contraception nor are they without side effects.
The progestin only method is less likely to cause nausea and vomiting .
With the combined estrogen/progesterone pills, 43 percent of women may experience nausea from the high estrogen levels and 16 percent may experience some vomiting. A small number may experience breast tenderness or headache.
All these methods may cause a change in your bleeding pattern. Ella will cause a delay in your period. Others may cause spotting.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Ecps
It should be noted that ECPs are meant for emergency situations only when you have had unprotected coitus or your usual method of contraception has failed. Since these are hormonal pills they can cause disruption in normal menstrual cycle but not make you infertile. This is a myth.
The truth is that though ECPs are fairly safe to use, they are not a desired way of regular contraception and should be used in emergencies only. Possible and common side effects include
- Headaches/nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath or pain in the chest
- Severe pain in arms or legs
However, these side effects are temporary and should not last more than 2-3 days.
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Vitamin C Supplements To Avoid Pregnancy After Sex Naturally
Vitamin C is another effective remedy to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This vitamin interferes with the hormone progesterone and thus prevents conception. Take about 1500 mg of Vitamin C tablets 2 times a day for 2-3 days after having unprotected sex. Make sure to not over-consume Vitamin C as it can have adverse effects on your health and body. Also, vitamin C supplements are not suitable for females who are suffering from sickle cell, anemia or are on anticoagulant medications.
What Is Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed. For example, a condom has split or you’ve missed a pill.
There are 2 types:
- emergency contraceptive pill
- IUD
There are 2 kinds of emergency contraceptive pill. Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours of sex. ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours of sex. Both pills work by preventing or delaying ovulation . Emergency contraception is best taken as soon as possible to be effective.
The IUD can be inserted into your uterus up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated. It may stop an egg from being fertilised or implanting in your womb.
Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections .
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What Other Forms Of Emergency Contraception Are There
The Emergency Coil also prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is more effective than the morning after pill , but you will have to visit your GP or local family planning clinic to get it fitted.
The IUCD is a T-shaped plastic and copper device which is inserted into the uterus where it works by preventing fertilisation and the egg from implanting in the womb. The IUCD can also be used as a form of long-term contraception. Once inserted, it can be left in place for 5-10 years.
How Effective Is The Process
Emergency contraception decreases the possibility of pregnancy by 75-89% depending on the type of medication taken. This method is most effective the earlier it is taken. The morning after pill is not as effective as other forms of birth control and it isnt recommended for routine use. It offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
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Do I Have To Pay For The Morning After Pill At Boots
The morning after pill at Boots starts from £10.00, but the price may vary depending on which treatment is suitable for you.
In some areas, it can also be free of charge in pharmacies through a local NHS service . Ask in store if this applies in your area. You may also be able to get the morning after pill for free on the NHS if its prescribed by your GP or a sexual health/contraception clinic. You will have to pay for the morning after pill if you choose to purchase online for future use.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill Levonorgestrel
This type of emergency contraceptive contains a progestogen hormone called Levonorgestrel.
It is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it can be used up to 96 hours after. So its important that you get advice on emergency contraception as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. Some services may only offer LNG up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Levonelle is effective only if taken before the release of an egg from the ovary . The effectiveness of Levonelle may be reduced if the person taking it has a high body mass index .
The emergency contraceptive pill Levonorgestrel does not protect you from further unprotected sex.
Brands: Different brands include Levonelle, Levonelle one step or Upostelle.
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Is Plan B Abortion
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that women can take within three days of having unprotected sex to help prevent unintended pregnancy. The drug, which is available over the counter, has caused some controversy, raising questions like Is Plan B an abortion pill?
The scientific answer is no emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after sex, not cause an abortion. The pill works before pregnancy begins, preventing implantation of a fertilized egg in the lining of a womans uterus. Because these contraceptives will not work if a woman is already pregnant, Plan B is not an abortion pill there is no such thing as a morning-after pill abortion.
For women who have recently had unprotected sex, this means that the morning-after pill may be an option to help them prevent an unplanned pregnancy. However, if you are already pregnant and wondering, Is the morning-after pill abortion? know that Plan B cannot be used as an alternative to abortion.
