The lack of awareness is more apparent as people are apprehensive of using emergency contraceptive thinking it to be an abortion pill. We dispel 10 common doubts attached to an emergency contraceptive pill and its usage and function.

1. What is the extent of unwanted pregnancies in India?

Today, 11 million abortions take place in India every year. The main reasons nehind these is poor knowledge and lack of accessibility of contraceptives.

Most of the unwanted pregnancy is due to failure to use contraceptives, or contraceptive failure like condom breaks, diaphragm slips, IUD getting misplaced, pills being missed out or after a sexual assault.

2. Why are emergency contraceptives not yet popular in India?

Emergency contraception (EC) is not a new concept. In India EC has been available for nearly a decade. However, few people have been aware of the way in which EC functions. In fact, it is often misunderstood to be an abortion pill.

Also, its accessibility to people has been limited, although this is changing now, with Indian companies launching EC brands such as i-Pill.

3. Is an Emergency pill similar to abortion pill?

No. An abortion pill is taken after the conception has happened. Whereas, an emergency pill has to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Here you are not aborting the foetus. Instead you are stopping the process of conception.

Emergency Contraceptive is the only method a couple can use to prevent pregnancy after a contraceptive failure.

Abortion Pills! Are they Safe? Click here to know more.

4. What does emergency contraceptive pill contain?

Regular oral contraceptive pills contain oestrogen, progestogen or both, which cause some side effects such as weight gain and nausea.

Emergency contraceptives contain a larger dose of a hormone called Levonorgestrel which is highly efficient and has minimal side effect and when taken immediately offer maximum protection against pregnancy.

5. How does an emergency contraception pill work?

An emergency contraception pill is used following unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It acts as an interceptive agent, i.e. ovulation, fertilization or implantation is prevented depending on the phase of menstrual cycle.

That means:

• It may stop an egg being released from the ovary.
  
• If an egg has been released, it may prevent the sperm from fertilizing it.
  
• If the egg is already fertilized, it may prevent it from attaching itself to the lining of the womb.

Wondering whether you are using your contraceptives right?