The Morning-After Pill: 5 Preconceptions reviewed
A new morning-after pill is now available. In this article, Dr Christelle Besnard-Charvet, Gynaecologist, reviews the emergency contraception.
Following a European decision, the acetate of ulipristal (marketed under the name of EllaOne by the laboratory HRA pharma) will now be sold over-the-counter. Other good news: the laboratory announced a price reduction from 23,59 Euros (approx 40 SGD) to 19,70 Euros (approx 30 SGD). Therefore, it joins the other available without prescription morning-after pill in pharmacies; levonorgestrel. On the occasion of this small revolution in the field of emergency contraception, the Harris Interactive Institute led a poll of 1000 women aged 15 to 50 years old. As a result, regarding emergency contraception, women globally are not very well informed and their preconceived ideas die hard. We review the situation below:
1 - HOW DOES THE MORNING-AFTER PILL WORK?
It delays ovulation to avoid fertilisation. It is absolutely not an abortion.
2 - IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD I TAKE IT?
In cases of unprotected or poorly protected sexual intercourse: for example, if contraceptive pills are missed, in case of condom breakage, detachment of a contraceptive patch, eviction of an intrauterine device, etc...
3-HOW SOON DO WE HAVE TO TAKE IT?
Levonorgestrel must be taken in the 3 days following sexual intercourse. EllaOne can be taken up to 5 days later. It is important to know that the sooner the morning-after pill is taken, the greater its effectiveness.
4 – IS THE MORNING-AFTER PILL 100% EFFECTIVE?
Its effectiveness is difficult to estimate. We know that it is not 100 %, but that its reliability increases if the pill is quickly taken.
5 - ARE THERE OTHER METHODS OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION?
The copper intrauterine device is abortive if it is implanted five days following the problematic relationship, but it requires consultation with a gynaecologist or a midwife.
Thanks to Dr Christelle Besnard-Charvet, Gynaecologist and Homeopath.
Maureen Diament
