An emergency contraceptive called a “postpill” aids in preventing conception after birth control has failed or after unprotected intercourse.
It shouldn’t be used as a primary form of birth control; rather, it should be used as a backup. Levonorgestrel (LNG), a synthetic progestogen used in hormone treatment and contraception, is included in it in doses of 1.5 mg.
DKT International, a humanitarian non-profit that uses social marketing to advance family planning and HIV prevention, provides Postpill. Phil Harvey established the DKT in Washington, D.C., and it now has operations in 90 nations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
If you are already pregnant, Postpill won’t work for you and won’t have any impact on your pregnancy. HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) cannot be prevented by using Postpill.
When ought I to take Postpill?
The more quickly you use emergency contraception, the more effective it is. After having unprotected intercourse, utilise Postpill within 72 hours (3 days).
- You may take the postpill as an extra or last-resort form of birth control when:
- You neglected to use any birth control methods or utilised them improperly with your normal birth control.
When not to take a Post-It Note
Use of Postpill is not advised:
- a regular form of birth control since it is less effective than that.
- if you are already expecting a child, then it won’t work.
- if any of the chemicals in Postpill, including levonorgestrel, make you sick.
When ought I to see a physician or a chemist?
If you are using efavirenz (an HIV medicine), rifampin (a TB therapy), or medication for seizures (epilepsy), see a doctor or chemist before using Postpill.
These drugs might make Postpill less effective and raise your probability of becoming pregnant. Your doctor could recommend an alternative emergency contraceptive that isn’t likely to be harmed by these drugs.
How to Use Postpill Tablet Contraceptives
Before using Postpill, if you purchased it over-the-counter to self-treat, make sure to read all of the instructions on the product box. Ask your chemist any queries you may have. Take the medicine as advised if your doctor has prescribed it.
After unprotected intercourse, take 1 pill orally, with or without food, as soon as you can. When used 72 hours (3 days) following unprotected intercourse, this medicine works best.
Ask your doctor whether you need to repeat the dosage if you vomit within two hours of taking this medicine.
The timing of your menstruation and the amount of bleeding you experience might fluctuate after using this medicine. If your menstruation is more than 7 days late, notify your doctor straight immediately. Consider taking a pregnancy test.
How does the Postpill function?
Levonorgestrel, a hormone that has been included in many birth control tablets for many years, is found in one tablet called Postpill. Although Postpill has a larger levonorgestrel dosage than birth control tablets, it nonetheless prevents conception in a comparable manner.
It primarily functions by preventing an egg from being released from the ovary. It’s likely that Postpill also prevents implantation in the uterus (womb) or the fertilisation of an egg (the joining of the sperm and the egg).
If you have taken certain other prescriptions within the previous month, or if you are a woman who weighs more than a specific amount (74 kilogrammes or 164 pounds), this medication may not perform as effectively for you.
Pregnancy may occur from this consequence. For further information and to determine if this drug is suitable for you, speak with your doctor (see also the section on Drug Interactions).
Even if you’ve used the product previously, read the ingredients label. It’s possible that the manufacturer altered the ingredients. Additionally, items with identical names may contain several substances with various functions. If you use the incorrect product, you might be hurt.
How can I use Postpill to its most potential?
Following the failure of birth control or unprotected intercourse, you have 72 hours (3 days) to attempt to avoid pregnancy.
The quicker you take Postpill, the more effective it is. Be patient, since it could take a while for your body to acclimatise to the hormone shift. It is typical to have mood swings, acne, or irregular periods at this time.
Consider utilising a menstruation tracking app or calendar to keep track of your period. This will enable you to understand it better and spot any anomalies or possible problems.
Read Also: Pills That Make You Smell Like Maple Syrup: Fact or Fiction?
Am I Allowed To Take Postpill Twice A Week?
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg pills may be used as often as necessary, however, they should only be used in dire circumstances. Because it does not prevent pregnancy as successfully as long-term methods like the combination contraceptive pill, levonorgestrel 1.5mg pills like Postpill are only appropriate as a backup if your normal method of contraception has failed.
How well does Postpill work?
By blocking or delaying ovulation or suppressing fertilisation, Postpill may greatly lower the chance of pregnancy when taken within 72 hours following unprotected intercourse.
When used as prescribed, studies have shown that Postpill has a failure rate of less than 1% and is quite effective in preventing pregnancy. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, although its efficacy diminishes with time.
It’s crucial to understand that Postpill does not function as a normal method of birth control and does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, it could not work for ladies who are already expecting.
When used carefully and within the advised duration, postpill may be a safe and reliable choice for emergency contraception. For continued protection against unexpected pregnancy, it’s crucial to discuss your unique circumstances with a healthcare professional and to take additional kinds of contraception into consideration.
How will I know whether Postpill was effective?
Your next period, which should arrive at or within a week after the anticipated time, will let you know whether Postpill was successful. If your menstruation is more than a week late, you could be pregnant. You should take a pregnancy test, then see your doctor afterwards.
Will there be any negative effects?
Like any drug, Postpill may have certain unwanted effects. The following are a few potential Postpill adverse effects:
- nausea and diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Breast sensitivity or enlargement
- spotting or irregular menstrual bleeding
- alterations in sex drive
- cramping or discomfort in the abdomen
- Fatigue Mood
Not everyone who uses Postpill will have these adverse effects, and some individuals may suffer other negative effects as well. Additionally, some individuals may develop serious side effects that need to be treated right away, such as excruciating stomach pain or significant vaginal bleeding. After taking Postpill, it’s vital to call your doctor straight away if you notice any unsettling symptoms.
Conclusion
PostPill is an important one in the realm of emergency contraception. PostPill serves as a reliable option for individuals who find themselves in need of emergency contraception due to contraceptive failure, unprotected sex, or instances of sexual assault.
Throughout this blog post, we have explored various aspects of PostPill, including its mechanism of action, effectiveness, side effects, accessibility, and important considerations.
By understanding how PostPill works and the specific guidelines for its use, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
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