The E-pill, and how it works

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board recently warned about the presence of counterfeit emergency contraceptive pills in the market.

The Emergency pill, or E-pill, which is commonly referred to as the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraception that should be taken soon after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

It comes in two forms - progestin only or combined pill, which contains both progestin and estrogen. It can be taken as 2 pills, single dose, or the first pill can be taken immediately after exposure and the next pill 12 hours after taking the first one. The combined pill is usually used in higher and multiple doses to achieve this purpose.

Pregnancy usually does not take place immediately after having unprotected intercourse, hence why it is possible to prevent it.

Doctor Bonface Musila, a gynecologist, explains that an emergency pill works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation, or slowing movement of the egg in the fallopian tube, hence delaying the contact between the sperm and the egg.

Pregnancy cannot take place if an ovary does not release an egg to join with sperm. Also, the longer the sperm is delayed from reaching its destination, the less the chances of survival.

The E-pill can be used up to 72 hours after having unprotected intercourse. The sooner it is taken after exposure, the more effective it is at preventing a pregnancy.

WHO CAN USE THE PILL?

*If you engage in unprotected intercourse and was not on any family planning method.

*If you forgot to use your regular birth control method, such as pills, the condom slips off or splits, or in case of rape.

However, the E-pill should not be used twice within one cycle, and should not be used as a regular method of contraception. If you find yourself using the E-pill often, then it means you should be on a regular method of birth control, Dr Musila points out.

Just like other forms of contraception, the E-pill may cause some side effects, which usually stop after a few days. Common side effects include:

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches

• Severe nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, it will not be effective, so you will need to take another.

• Note that it can alter your next period. This means they- might come earlier than they normally do, or delay. If you fail to get your period within 21 days of taking the E-pill, you could be pregnant.

Though the E-pill is effective in preventing pregnancy, it will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.