Prevent Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex: Emergency Contraception Options in Sri Lanka

Emergency Contraception: What Every Young Couple in Sri Lanka Needs to Know

This article discusses modern emergency contraceptive methods used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. Emergency contraception methods are artificial methods used in cases of emergency, such as unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. They should not be used as everyday contraceptive methods.

Two emergency contraceptive methods are currently available in Sri Lanka:

  1. Emergency contraceptive pills Emergency contraceptive pills, sold under the brand name “Postinor” in Sri Lanka, are an effective method for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. These pills contain a medicine called Levenogestrel and can be taken as two pills or one pill. A pill contains ten times more Levenogestrel than a regular birth control pill.

Emergency contraceptive pills containing Levonorgestrel can be taken within 96 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Taking them as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse can increase their effectiveness. This medicine prevents ova (eggs) from releasing from the ovary and weakens the passage of sperm through the cervix, creating an unsuitable environment for the implantation of an embryo in the uterus. However, it is only effective if taken before ovulation. Therefore, pregnancy cannot be prevented by taking these pills during the last 14 days of the menstrual cycle.

The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills containing Levonorgestrel ranges from 52% to 94%. It is important to emphasise that emergency contraception should be used as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse to increase its effectiveness. In addition, it is important to note that emergency contraceptive pills should not be used frequently as they contain high amounts of hormones, which can cause complications.

Complications such as vomiting, nausea, and irregular menstruation may occur due to emergency contraceptive pills. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the medicine, the same dose should be taken again. If the period is late for more than seven days from the scheduled date, a urine test must be done to check for pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills containing Levonorgestrel are not effective after the embryo has implanted because they do not cause an abortion.

  1. Intrauterine loop (Intrauterine Device IUD) An IUD is a small device that is inserted into the uterus through the cervix by a doctor. It prevents the implantation of an embryo in the uterus. An IUD can be inserted within five days of unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This is a more reliable method of emergency contraception than hormonal pills, with an effectiveness rate of 99%. Moreover, the same IUD can be used as a birth control method for up to 10 years, making it a convenient option.

It is important to note that emergency contraception is not a substitute for regular contraceptive methods. Regular contraceptive methods, such as condoms, birth control pills, and IUDs, are more reliable and safer than emergency contraception. However, emergency contraception can be a useful backup option in case of contraceptive failure or unprotected sexual intercourse.

Knowing how to access emergency contraception in Sri Lanka is also important. Emergency contraceptive pills are available in most pharmacies, and a doctor can insert IUDs. It is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to choose the most suitable emergency contraceptive method for you.

Lastly, several myths and misconceptions about emergency contraception should be addressed. Emergency contraception does not cause abortions or infertility, and it is safe and effective when used correctly. However, it should not be used frequently as it can cause complications.

In conclusion, emergency contraception is an important option for preventing unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. Emergency contraceptive pills and IUDs are the two emergency contraceptive methods available in Sri Lanka. Emergency contraception should

Maximizing Your Chances of Conception: Tips for Preconception Care in Sri Lanka

Maximizing Your Chances of Conception: Tips for Preconception Care in Sri Lanka

If you’re planning to start a family soon, taking care of your health before getting pregnant is essential. Preconception care refers to the medical care and lifestyle changes you make before trying to conceive to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of preconception care, provide a checklist for Sri Lankan women to follow when preparing for pregnancy, and highlight the importance of folic acid supplementation, COVID-19 vaccination, and rubella vaccination as part of preconception care.

The Benefits of Preconception Care

Preconception care has several benefits, including:

  • Reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy: By getting your health in check before becoming pregnant, you can reduce your risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labour.
  • Improving fertility and chances of conception: By ensuring your body is healthy, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant and reduce the risk of infertility.
  • Reducing the risk of congenital disabilities: Preconception care can help reduce the risk of congenital disabilities by ensuring you get enough nutrients, such as folic acid and avoiding harmful substances that can affect fetal development.
  • Improving maternal and fetal health: When you take care of your health before pregnancy, you give your baby the best possible start in life.

Preconception Care Checklist

Here’s a checklist of things to consider when preparing for pregnancy:

  1. Medical check-up: Schedule a preconception visit with your gynaecologist. Your doctor can check your overall health and recommend any tests or treatments you may need before trying to conceive. This visit is essential if you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders.
  2. Reviewing medications and vaccinations: Make sure that any medications you are taking are safe for pregnancy. Some medicines can harm your baby, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you take. You should also ensure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations, including the COVID-19 and rubella vaccinations.
  3. Healthy lifestyle habits: Healthy lifestyle habits can improve your overall health and increase your chances of getting pregnant. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress are all important for preconception care.
  4. Managing chronic health conditions: If you have any chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders, it’s important to manage them before becoming pregnant. This can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
  5. Getting ready for conception: Understanding your menstrual cycle, ensuring adequate nutrition and supplementation, considering genetic counselling, and reviewing financial and social considerations are all necessary steps to take when preparing for pregnancy.
  • Understanding your menstrual cycle: Knowing when you’re ovulating is key to getting pregnant. You can use ovulation predictor kits or fertility tracking apps to help you identify your fertile window.
  • Ensuring adequate nutrition and supplementation: Eating a healthy diet that includes foods rich in folic acid, iron, and other nutrients is important for preconception care. Your doctor may also recommend prenatal vitamins to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need, including folic acid.
  • Considering genetic counseling: If you have a family history of genetic disorders or are concerned about passing on a genetic condition to your child, consider genetic counseling before getting pregnant.
  • Reviewing financial and social considerations: Having a baby can be expensive, so it’s important to review your finances and make sure you’re financially prepared for a new addition to your family. You should also consider how having a baby will affect your work and social life.

Folic Acid Supplementation

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for healthy fetal development. It can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida. Women who are trying to conceive should take a daily supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid. Folic acid can be found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits, but it can be difficult to get enough through diet alone.

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant to protect against the virus. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in pregnant women and can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. If you’re planning to start a family soon, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated before becoming pregnant.

Rubella Vaccination

Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirth. If you’re not immune to rubella, your doctor may recommend that you get vaccinated before getting pregnant. The rubella vaccine is safe and effective and can help protect you and your baby.

Conclusion

Preconception care is an important step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. By taking care of your health before getting pregnant, you can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, increase your chances of getting pregnant, and give your baby the best possible start in life. Schedule a preconception visit with your doctor, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, manage chronic health conditions, and prepare for conception. And remember to consider folic acid supplementation, COVID-19 vaccination, and rubella vaccination as essential parts of your preconception care. By following these tips, you can have a healthy and happy pregnancy. Good luck!

A Guide to Contraception in Sri Lanka

From Barrier Methods to Permanent Solutions: Choosing the Right Contraception in Sri Lanka

Introduction

Contraception is a critical aspect of reproductive health and family planning in Sri Lanka. It provides individuals with the ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs. There are many different methods of contraception available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the suitable method can be a difficult decision, and it’s essential to consider factors such as effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and personal preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of contraception available in Sri Lanka and how to choose the right method for you.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of contraception physically block sperm from reaching the egg. In Sri Lanka, condoms are the most commonly used barrier method. They are easily accessible and provide a simple, effective option for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs. It’s important to use condoms consistently and correctly to ensure maximum protection.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods of contraception are those that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. In Sri Lanka, several hormonal methods are available, including oral contraceptives and hormonal injections. Oral contraceptives, also known as “the pill,” are a type of hormonal contraceptive that is taken daily. They are highly effective when used correctly and can provide additional benefits such as reducing menstrual cramps and improving acne. Hormonal injections, such as Depo-Provera, are another type of hormonal contraception that is injected into the muscle every 12-13 weeks. They are a convenient option for those who do not want to take a daily pill. It’s important to note that hormonal methods of contraception do not protect against STIs and may not be suitable for everyone.

Intrauterine Devices

Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a highly effective form of contraception that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. In Sri Lanka, both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are available. Non-hormonal IUDs, such as copper IUDs, are made of plastic and copper and can provide protection for up to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Kyleena, release a small amount of progestin into the uterus to thicken the cervical mucus and prevent fertilization. IUDs do not protect against STIs and may not be suitable for everyone.

Permanent Methods

Permanent methods of contraception are those that provide a permanent solution for preventing pregnancy. In Sri Lanka, female sterilization, also known as tubal ligation, is the most commonly used permanent method of contraception. Female sterilization is a surgical procedure that involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes, which are the tubes that carry the egg from the ovary to the uterus. It’s important to note that permanent methods of contraception do not protect against STIs and should only be considered by those who are certain they do not want to have children in the future.

Choosing a Method

Choosing the right method of contraception is an important decision that can impact your reproductive health and family planning. It’s important to consider factors such as effectiveness, convenience, side effects, and personal preferences. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable method for you. Remember to choose a method that works best for you and to use it consistently and correctly to ensure maximum protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, contraception plays a critical role in reproductive health and family planning in Sri Lanka. There are many different methods of contraception available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By making informed decisions and taking control of your reproductive health, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider.

References

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Family planning/Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
  2. Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka. (2018). Contraception methods. Retrieved from http://www.fpasrilanka.org/contraception-methods/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2019). Birth control options: Things to consider. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/birth-control-options/art-20045571
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2019). Long-acting reversible contraception: Intrauterine device and implant. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception-intrauterine-device-and-implant
  6. World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Female sterilization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-sterilization
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