The Channel 46

Instances when Hormone Pills can be used as Emergency Birth Control, Possible Side Effects & Myths

What Is Hormone Imbalance?

When hormones rise or drop in comparison to the normal levels in the bloodstream, then hormone imbalance occurs. Hormones help the body to regulate its important functions like reproductive cycles, metabolism, heart rate, mood, sleep, etc. In women, it is natural for the hormone levels to fluctuate at certain times, about which we will discuss next.

Possible Causes Of Hormone Imbalance

The possible factors causing hormonal imbalance among women are: 1. Menstruation. 2. Pregnancy or menopause. However, if this imbalance persists for a longer period and is affecting one’s health or day-to-today life, then they should consult a doctor. 3. Medical reasons or lifestyle habits like stress, tumour, unhealthy diet, medications, birth control pills, and chemotherapy or radiation.

2 Types Of Birth Control Pills

1. Progesterone While progesterone can be made in a laboratory the body too consists of this hormone. While these medications can be used as emergency contraceptives, they are commonly taken by women to restart menstrual periods that have unexpectedly stopped.  2. Levonorgestrel This medication is mainly consumed to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected intercourse or due to failure of birth control e.g., broken condom. These pills should not be used as birth control and taken only as emergency contraceptives.

3 Instances When You Can Take Hormone Pills

The emergency contraceptive pills are of single use, and it should be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. Also, the medication should ideally not be taken on an empty stomach. These pills are 91 per cent effective in avoiding pregnancy. One can consume the pill for the following reasons: 1. Birth control failure – broken condom. 2. Did not use vaginal ring correctly. 3. Forgot to take regular contraceptive pills.

Possible Side-Effects Of Emergency Pills

Few women do face side effects after popping the pill which usually don’t last for long. Some of these side effects are: 1. Vomiting 2. Nausea 3. Tender breasts 4. Irregular bleeding 5. Bloating 6. Headaches 7. Sore breasts 8. Changes in mood 9. Tiredness 10. Changes in menstrual cycle

6 Myths About Emergency Contraceptives

While there is ample information on the use and benefits of these pills, there are some misconceptions too around it. Here are few: 1. Emergency contraceptive can only be taken morning after 2. There are no emergency contraceptive pills that can be taken post 72 hours 3. Emergency contraceptive in 100 per cent protective 4. Prescription is needed for Emergency Contraceptive Pill 5. Emergency Contraceptive can cause abortion 6. You can have unprotected sex after having morning-after pill

The Channel 46

Click Learn More To read the full article