In India, Banking on the 'Morning After' Pill. The "morning after" pill brands, which include i-pill, Unwanted 72 and Preventol, are readily accessible over-the-counter drugs throughout India, as they are in at least 40 other countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Australia. "There's an alarmingly high utilization of emergency contraception,...
What is the morning-after pill used for?
The morning-after pill is a type of emergency birth control (contraception). Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy for women who've had unprotected sex or whose birth control method has failed. The morning-after pill is intended for backup contraception only, not as a primary method of birth control.
Are morning-after pills safe to use in India?
In fact, India is the third-largest market for morning-after pills in the world. Many doctors express concerns over the indiscriminate use of these pills as a substitute for regular contraceptives instead of being reserved for emergencies, as intended.
How does the morning after pill work?
The morning after pill falls into the category of emergency contraception. Therefore an unwanted pregnancy can be avoided with its help. It works by feeding the body with a short, powerful burst of synthetic hormones. This hormonal explosion changes the hormonal rhythm of our body, a rhythm that helps pregnancy to develop.
Why do so many women choose the morning-after pill?
Karishma Swarup, a sexuality educator, believes one of the biggest reasons people choose the morning-after pill over other contraceptive methods — sometimes to the extent of popping one each time they have sex — is easy access.
Is morning-after pill available in India?
Since 2005, popular brands of emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) like iPill and Unwanted 72, are being sold OTC (Over-The-Counter) across India, barring Tamil Nadu. The Centre approved the sale of a two-pack pill of 0.75 mg, a dosage widely regarded as safe, and approved by the WHO.
Which morning-after pill is best in India?
A pill with ulipristal acetate. There's only one brand, called ella. ella is the most effective type of morning-after pill. You need a prescription from a nurse or doctor to get ella emergency contraception, but you can get a fast medical consultation and prescription with next-day delivery online.
What is the cost of morning-after pill in India?
The pill must be taken less than 5 days from the date of intercourse in order to be effective. In India, i-Pill and its equivalents are sold over the counter, and usually cost less than 100 Rupees.
Is Plan B legal in India?
GOI Guidelines. The Government of India guidelines for Emergency Contraception recommend use of Levonorgestrel (progestogen only) NG 0.75 mg as a "dedicated product" for effective emergency contraception. The Drug Controller of India has approved only Levonorgestrel for use as ECP.
Is Ella available in India?
Ella Ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel, the pill currently available in India, which stops pregnancy up to 72 hours after sex. While levonorgestrel — sold under the brandnames i-pill and Unwanted 72 — slowly loses efficacy after 24 hours, ella works just as well on the fifth day after sex.
Which pill can stop pregnancy in India?
i-Pill Emergency Contraceptive Pill, 1 Tablet does not have any effect if you are already pregnant hence does not cause abortion. i-Pill Emergency Contraceptive Pill, 1 Tablet should be taken preferably within 12 hours and not later than 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Which is better ipill or Plan B?
I think almost both are same. Ipill is emergency contraceptive pill and usually taken within 72 hours of intercourse otherwise it will not work. Plan b is almost same two dose of medicine 12 hours apart.
Is it safe to take 0.75 mg of a pill?
The Centre approved the sale of a two-pack pill of 0.75 mg, a dosage widely regarded as safe, and approved by the WHO. However, Tamil Nadu later backtracked following pressure from the police, women's commissions and NGOs, who argued that the sale would promote free sex.
Can IUDs cause weight gain?
There are many safe birth control methods like Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptive pills that women can use, but there are myths that they cause weight gain or mothers-in-law forbid their use”.
By Devrupa Rakshit
The first time R.G., 25, took an emergency contraceptive pill was three years ago — she was panicked and regretted not researching the side effects.
Written By Devrupa Rakshit
Devrupa Rakshit is an Associate Editor at The Swaddle. She is a lawyer by education, a poet by accident, and a painter by shaukh. She has her own podcast called #DateNightsWithD on Spotify. You can find her on Instagram @devruparakshit.
Why do I take morning after pills?
Why it's done. Morning-after pills can help prevent pregnancy if you've had unprotected sex — either because you didn't use birth control, you missed a birth control pill, you were sexually assaulted or your method of birth control failed. Morning-after pills do not end a pregnancy that has implanted. They work primarily by delaying ...
How long after sex can you take the morning after pill?
If you use Plan B One-Step, take one Plan B One-Step pill as soon as possible and less than 72 hours after unprotected sex. If you use ella, take one ella pill as soon as possible and less than 120 hours after unprotected sex. If you vomit within two hours ...
How long does it take for birth control to stop your period?
Be sure to begin using or resume use of birth control. Using the morning-after pill may delay your period by up to one week. If you don't get your period within three to four weeks of taking the morning-after pill, take a pregnancy test. Normally, you don't need to contact your health care provider after using the morning-after pill.
How soon after unprotected intercourse can you take contraceptives?
How you prepare. For maximum effectiveness, emergency contraception should be started as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, and within 120 hours. You can take emergency contraceptive pills anytime during your menstrual cycle.
How long after taking ella can you vomit?
If you use ella, take one ella pill as soon as possible and less than 120 hours after unprotected sex. If you vomit within two hours after taking the morning-after pill, ask your health care provider if you should take another dose. Don't have sex until you start another method of birth control.
How long after taking the morning after pill should I stop bleeding?
Normally, you don't need to contact your health care provider after using the morning-after pill. However, if you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the morning-after pill, contact him or her.
Can you take the morning after pill if you are overweight?
If you're overweight or obese, there's some indication that the morning-after pill won't be as effective in preventing pregnancy as it is for women who aren't overweight. Also, make sure you're not pregnant before using ulipristal. The effects of ulipristal on a developing baby are unknown. If you're breast-feeding, ulipristal isn't recommended.
How long does it take for a pill to reduce parturiency?
If the same is taken between 25 to 48 hours, the chances of parturiency reduce to 85%. The same goes down to 58% if taken between 49 to 72 hours. These pills are sold in India without prescription but in the US it is only sold to people with age above 17 years and that too with age proof certificate. Listed below are the names of contraceptive ...
What is the name of the pill that is used to avoid pregnancy?
Listed below are the names of contraceptive pills that can be used to avoid pregnancy and are available in India. Levonorgestrel, the primary ingredient works in 3 different ways as below –. As the name indicates, emergency contraceptive pills are so-called because they are designed for emergency situations only.
How many pills are in a pack of Preventol?
Preventol. A pack of Preventol emergency contraceptive contains two pills with 0.75mg. One should take the 1st pill just after unprotected sex and the 2nd one after 12 hours. It contains hormone Levonorgestrol which is very similar to female hormone progestin. Preventol is manufactured by Hill Life Care Ltd.
How long after a sex can you take Truston 2?
The pack of Truston 2 contains 2 pills. One should be taken within 24 hours after an unprotected intercourse and other after 12 hours of taking 1st. It is advised to take the first pill within 12 hours in order to increase its effectiveness. Price: A pack of Truston 2 is priced very reasonably at Rs. 60.
How long does it take for levonorgestrel to work?
It is always better to take it in first 12 hours to have maximum effect and efficiency. However, it could be taken within 72 hours within which it is effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. To prevent vomiting, one should not take it on empty stomach. Women who are allergic to levonorgestrel should not take it.
Why are emergency contraceptives called emergency contraceptives?
As the name indicates, emergency contraceptive pills are so-called because they are designed for emergency situations only.
How many abortions are illegal in India?
A number of illegal abortions in India are close to 500,000 . Close to 10 abortions in India is done illegally, by unqualified personals and illegal clinics out of every legal abortion. Due to abortions, nearly 20,000 women die in India every year according to Individual Personal Assistance Service (IPAS).
Why is the morning after pill good?
The advantages of using the morning after pill: It reduces the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. You can easily obtain it. Can be purchased earlier, and used only in emergency cases (in case of rape, condom breakage, etc.). It does not affect fertility.
Why do women take the morning after pill?
The morning after pill has the role to prevent the occurrence of an unwanted pregnancy. Instead, the pill-producing abortion works after a woman already gets pregnant (the fertilized egg is already installed in the uterus). This pill is forcing the uterus to remove the embryo.
Why is it impossible to get pregnant after taking the morning after pill?
The morning after pill makes it impossible to develop a pregnancy because: It does not let the egg leave the ovary; It prevents the egg’s fertilization with sperm; It prevents the embryo to settle in the uterus.
What to do if you vomit after taking a pill?
If you happen to vomit after taking the first pill (within the first half-hour), consult a specialist. Eliminating the pill can reduce its effectiveness. To learn more about this contraception method’s effectiveness, ask a specialist doctor or pharmacist.
How long after a sex can you take a sex pill?
Most of these pills come in a 2-dose regimen, the first being required within 72 hours after the intimate contact took place, and the second 12 hours after the first was administered . Studies have shown that both doses can be taken at the same time, and are effective even after 120 hours after the intercourse occurred.
Is Plan B a contraceptive pill?
For a particular case, Here’s The Price For Plan B, one of the most used morning-after pills. The morning-after pill is not recommended to be used as a regular contraception method. It is designed to prevent pregnancy after a woman had unprotected intercourse (when conventional methods have failed or when weren’t using one at all).
Does Plan B work for pregnancy?
It prevents the embryo to settle in the uterus. If you already are pregnant, this method will have no effect. This article will give you all the information you’ll need about the average price, pros, and cons of all morning-after pills. For a particular case, Here’s The Price For Plan B, one of the most used morning-after pills.
What is the morning after pill?
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or a sexual assault. It is frequently referred to as “ The Morning After Pill ”; however, women do not need to wait till the morning after to take the ECP. The ECP should be taken as soon as possible ...
How long does it take to take Ulipristal?
Ulipristal -containing ECPs. Should be taken as soon as possible but can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of having sex. Taken as one tablet (30mg) of ulipristal. Prevents pregnancy by blocking the natural hormone progesterone from occupying its receptor site in the body.
How long can a copper IUD be left in place?
The effectiveness rate of a copper IUD is up to 99% and it can be left in place for up to 10 years, providing long-term birth control.
How long after sex can you take Levonorgestrel?
Levonorgestrel -containing ECPs. Should be taken as soon as possible but can be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of having sex. Some studies have shown moderate efficacy still exists if taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex; however, this is less than ulipristal.
Can you take ulipristal while pregnant?
Levonorgestrel and ulipristal-containing ECPs should not be used by women who are pregnant (or think they are pregnant). Ulipristal should not be used by women who are breastfeeding and levonorgestrel should only be taken by women who are breastfeeding on a doctor’s advice.
Can you take levonorgestrel more than once?
Ulipristal should NOT be used more than once during a menstrual cycle.
Is it safe to take contraceptives?
Emergency contraceptive pills are very safe to use. Side effects, if they occur at all, are usually short-term and mild and may include: Stomach pain or cramps. You can ask your healthcare provider for anti-nausea medication if you feel sick or vomit.