During the holidays, there are sometimes disappointing early mornings. The point on what is called the morning after contraception, emergency contraception.
One calls the contraception of the following day, or emergency contraception, an exceptional measure that the doctor prescribes or advises after an unprotected or badly protected report, whatever the moment of the cycle.
The doctor is always a bit embarrassed to talk about emergency contraception, because it should only be an exceptional situation, if the preventive information work has been done well; under no circumstances should it be a regular method of contraception. However, women, especially young girls, must be informed of the existence of these means, because it is important to implement them as soon as possible after intercourse.
There are several situations that require it.
First, forgetting to take the pill! It is much more common than you might think. If there have been more than two omissions and reports in the previous five days, the risk of pregnancy is significant. Just as in the case of accidents when using condoms, accidents are also relatively frequent. Finally, women who think that when their periods are extremely regular they can accurately calculate “dangerous” dates, do not know that nature is much more complex than a simple stopwatch, if only in terms of the duration of life of a sperm, also very variable.
In short, when there is a doubt, especially if the partner is not well known, there are two solutions.
The first is the one most used in France. It’s called the morning after pill. It is a remedial contraception which must be used no later than 3 to 5 days after a risky sexual intercourse. It is available without medical prescription, anonymously and free of charge to minors.
Attention, this well tolerated protection is not a contraceptive method to be repeated and above all, is not valid for the following reports. If your period is delayed for more than 5 days or if your period changes, a pregnancy test should be taken, as effectiveness is not 100% guaranteed.
The other method of emergency contraception used by American women, but very little in France, is the IUD. It’s a pity that the vast majority of French women are unaware of it, because this method, which works very well, can be kept permanently if the woman wishes. The IUD, which is also called Intra Uterine Device, is the most widely used contraception in the world, but far behind oral contraception in France.