The emergency pill, commonly known as the morning after.
Unfortunately, many young women, most of them in their twenties, use it to prevent pregnancy every time they indulge in unprotected sex.
It is called the emergency pill because it was meant for emergencies such as when a birth control method fails or in the event of forced sex or rape.
According to a study carried out recently, women between 24-25 are the majority users of the pill.
In Nairobi, the study shows that the pill is popular the weekend and during public holidays. It has also been confirmed that teenagers between the age of 15 and 19 are also using the pill.
For frequent users, sexual satisfaction outweighs every thought of using protection to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/Aids. Many young women fear getting pregnant more than contracting these diseases.
How it works
The pill is made of hormones also found in the usual birth control pills, but is in high concentration in the emergency pill.
The hormones work by preventing the implantation of an already fertilised egg on the uterus wall.
Side effects
They include:
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irregularity and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
Is it effective?
The morning after pill is effective in preventing pregnancy only when used within the first 72 hours. After that, the chances of it being effective are greatly reduced.
If you do not have your usual menses after a period of three weeks, then consider taking a pregnancy test.
The emergency pill does not protect from sexually transmitted infections. If used frequently or as a birth control method, its effect is reduced and may end up not working at all.
