Awareness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills Among Females

Abstract

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy in women at risk of an unintended pregnancy;
also called “morning after” pills or post-coital contraceptives. They are safe for use by all women
involving those who cannot use ongoing hormonal contraceptive methods; they work by
preventing or delaying the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). Emergency contraception
is a method used to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse unlike the regular
methods of contraception that are taken before sexual contact. It has the potential, as the last
resort, to avoid unwanted pregnancy and therefore abortion; a desirable goal especially when
abortion is illegal. When used within 72 hours after sexual contact pills have the capacity to
prevent pregnancy by 75-85% and with the use of intrauterine devices unwanted pregnancy can
be prevented by as much as 99%.This is especially significant for those young couples that opt
not to use a long-term regular contraceptive method and their sexual behavior is rather
unplanned, erratic and irregular.