How emergency and long-term contraceptives work

Emergency contraceptives act by interfering with the reproductive process after a sexual intercourse but before pregnancy begins.

This is why some people consider emergency contraception as “a different from of abortion” procured after pregnancy has occurred.

Sperm can survive for up to five days in a woman’s body but fertilisation must occur between 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, after which implantation can take place within the next 7 to 14 days.

Chances of getting pregnant after a sexual act can be as little as zero per cent after a menstrual cycle to about 30 per cent just before ovulation.

A key component for the cycle is the Luteinizing hormone (LH) produced over a 24 to 48 hour period and which stimulates the ovary to release an egg.

Emergency contraception delays or altogether inhibits the release of an egg thereby reducing chances of fertilisation. Emergency contraception works best just before a surge in LH. Chances thereafter begin to reduce. Emergency contraceptives are least effective when this surge is at its peak. Women who have sex just before ovulation are therefore more likely to get pregnant regardless of whether they use the drugs.

Recent studies show that hormonal IUDs, (like Levonorgestrel) act by delaying ovulation but are ineffective once ovulation has occurred. Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUD) are said to be the most effective emergency contraceptive method, with failure rates of one per thousand attributed to its ability to prevent implantation.

IUDs are however more expensive and difficult to access compared to E-pills.

Copper T IUD is a small T-shaped device inserted in the uterus and can stay for up to ten years.

That means it is usedf as a long-term family planning method.

Other Contraceptive Methods

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUD) is similar to copper IUD, but releases the hormone Progestin daily to prevent pregnancy. It can stay in the uterus for up to five years.

Implants are just one of the many hormonal based contraceptive methods.

A thin rod is usually inserted in a woman’s upper arm and which releases Progestin to the body over a period of three years.

Injections or pills containing the hormone may also be given. Others consist of a patch worn on the lower abdomen.

One should seek advice from a doctor before choosing a contraceptive method.