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Emergency contraception (EC) is a birth control measure, used after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.. There are different forms of EC. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), sometimes simply referred to as emergency contraceptives (ECs), or the morning-after pill, are medications intended to disrupt or delay ovulation or fertilization, which are necessary for pregnancy.
Common side effects of EC/MPA include irregular menstrual periods which typically improves with time. [3] Other side effects include blood clots, headache, hair loss, depression, nausea, and breast pain. [3] [4] Use during pregnancy is not recommended. [2] Use during breastfeeding is likely safe. [5] It works mainly by preventing ovulation. [2]
Oral contraceptives, be it combined or progesterone-only, can effectively prevent pregnancy by regulating hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, inhibiting ovulation, and altering cervical mucus to impede sperm mobility; combined pills have extra effects in menstrual cycle regulation and menstrual pain relief.
During the week of placebo pills, withdrawal bleeding occurs and simulates an average 28-day menstrual cycle. The placebo pills are not required for pregnancy protection, and with any monophasic COCP the placebo pills may be discarded, and the next pack of active pills may be started to prevent the withdrawal bleeding. [10]
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) can be used to treat menstrual cycle disorders including heavy menstrual bleeding, [9] and pelvic pain disorders such as endometriosis [10] and dysmenorrhea. [11] CHCs are also a first line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome for menstrual abnormalities, acne, and hirsutism. [12]
[1] [47] At high doses, due to their antigonadotropic effects, progestogens can cause low sex hormone levels and associated side effects like diminished secondary sexual characteristics, sexual dysfunction (e.g., reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction), reversible infertility, reduced bone mineral density, and an increased risk of bone ...
In women, the most common adverse effects of MPA are acne, changes in menstrual flow, drowsiness, and can cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Other common side effects include breast tenderness , increased facial hair, decreased scalp hair, difficulty falling or remaining asleep, stomach pain, and weight loss or gain. [ 24 ]
Levonorgestrel is a hormonal medication which is used in a number of birth control methods. [3] [7] It is combined with an estrogen to make combination birth control pills. [8]As an emergency birth control, sold under the brand names Plan B One-Step and Julie, among others, it is useful within 72 hours of unprotected sex.