Pearl

Ethinyl Estradiol is type of female sex hormone. It is used as hormone replacement therapy. It can also be used to treat problems related to your monthly menstrual periods. In some women, it may be used to prevent osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bone), but only if they are unable to take other medicines for this condition. In men, it may be prescribed for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Take this medicine as per the advice of your doctor. However, you must try to take Ethinyl Estradiol at the same time every day to ensure consistent levels of the medicine in your body.

If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost the time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose but simply continue the usual dosing schedule. However, missing a dose may increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding and spotting (blood stain). If the bleeding lasts longer, consult your doctor.

The common side effects associated with Ethinyl Estradiol are nausea, breast tenderness, headache, weight gain, mood changes, and vaginal discharge. Most of these symptoms are temporary. However, if they persist, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

It is an emergency contraceptive tablet which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex, contraceptive failure (eg. broken condom) or irregular use of your birth control pills.

Take one tablet as soon as possible, not later than 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Levonorgestrel significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

It is almost safe for all women. Some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and lower abdominal pain may occur. Your breasts may become more tender than usual. There is a possibility of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this should clear up by the time you get your next period. Your periods may become irregular. Go for a pregnancy test if they are delayed by more than a week.

Yes, it is safe during breastfeeding. It is unlikely to cause any significant effect on milk quantity that can affect the infant adversely.

It can be taken more than once in a month but it is advised only for emergency contraception. Keep using regular contraception like condoms, regular birth control pills, IUDs etc. for avoiding unwanted pregnancy.

Although Levonorgestrel significantly reduces your chances of pregnancy, if your periods are delayed by more than a week, a pregnancy test is recommended. However, if you decide on continuing the pregnancy, you may do so as Levonorgestrel does not work if pregnancy has already been established. It will not cause harm to the foetus.

No, it is not indicated for regular birth control. It is used only as an emergency measure after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

No, it does not offer any protection from HIV / AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). You can use condoms to protect yourself from STDs and HIV / AIDS.

Pregnancy starts once the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). Abortion pills contain medicine, which hinders the development of a pregnancy after it has occurred and also alters the character of the womb lining in a way that the fertilized egg gets detached, hence causing abortion. On the other hand, emergency contraceptive pills like Levonorgestrel contain female hormones which delay the release of egg or prevent movement of sperm towards the egg. This prevents fertilization and hence pregnancy. Levonorgestrel does not have any effect on a fertilized egg and hence does not cause abortion.

Yes. It is effective if you have had several acts of intercourse in a short span of time. However, it is important that these acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking Levonorgestrel. Also, since there is a chance of unintended pregnancy after frequent acts of unprotected sex in the same cycle, it is advisable to use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until the next period even after using Levonorgestrel.