My Valentines Day Experience

"Nne, Please give me 4 packets of viagra and one container of Adam's desire"

"Will that be all Sir"

"Hehehe for now" said a middle aged man with an eastern accent.

Professionalism/ amebo/ good salesmanship made me probe.

"Can I add a pack of Durex?"

"Hehehe", He laughed, "With all these?" He asked. He actually looked surprised.

"Not today, Nne".

I do not know if it was pure coincidence but we did not sell a lot of condoms that day. My colleague joked, "viagra today, morning after pill tomorrow". From my sales records on Valentine's day, I can only imagine that a lot of people had unprotected sex that day.

I started thinking more about emergency contraception and I wondered how informed people really are. This may sound unrelated but Nollywood movies also added to my thoughts on emergency contraception, so many movies about a woman being raped and going on to conceive from the unfortunate event. How much do we really know about emergency contraception?



Key facts about emergency contraception.



Emergency contraception can prevent most pregnancies when taken after intercourse.



There are two methods of emergency contraception: emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs).



When inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse, a copper-bearing IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception available.



The emergency contraceptive pill which is the most common. The regimen recommended by WHO is one dose of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, taken within five days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse. Popular brand available Postinoor 2 although newer equally effective brands are available.



Who needs emergency contraception?



Any woman of reproductive age may need emergency contraception at some point to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.



When should emergency contraception be used?



Emergency contraception can be used in a number of situations following sexual intercourse.

When no contraceptive has been used.

When there is a contraceptive failure or incorrect use, including:

condom breakage, slippage, or

failed withdrawal (e.g. ejaculation in the vagina or on external genitalia);

or failure to abstain or use a barrier method e.g condoms,

in cases of sexual assault,rape or coerced sex



Emergency contraception pills



Levonorgestrel is recommended for emergency contraceptive pill use.levonorgestrel in two doses (0.75 mg each; 12 hours apart).



Progestogen-only method should be taken as a single dose (1.5 mg) within five days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse.



How does it work?

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills prevent pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation.

They also prevent fertilization of an egg by affecting the cervical mucus or the ability of sperm to bind to the egg.

IT WILL NOT CAUSE ABORTION.

Effectiveness

The regimen is more effective the sooner after intercourse it is taken.

Is it safe?

Levonorgestrel-alone emergency contraception pills are very safe and do not cause abortion or harm future fertility. Side-effects are uncommon and generally mild.

Emergency contraceptive pills are for emergency use only and are not appropriate for regular use.

In addition, frequent use of emergency contraception can result in side-effects such as menstrual irregularities.