Emergency Contraception: A Quick Knowledge Test
After a passionate encounter, you might find yourself facing a dilemma: forgetting to take your birth control pill, using a condom that unexpectedly broke, or simply not wanting to conceive. In such cases, the answer lies in emergency contraception. This method effectively reduces the chances of an unplanned pregnancy. While many claim to know about emergency contraceptive pills, let’s test your knowledge with some questions that could help you score high.
Emergency Contraception Quiz
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Emergency contraception works primarily through which of the following mechanisms? (Select all that apply)
A. It can prevent the egg from being released from the ovary.
B. It can stop a recently released egg from fertilizing.
C. It alters the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
D. It remains effective even after the egg is fertilized and has begun developing into an embryo.
2. What are the side effects of taking emergency contraception? (Select all that apply)
A. Nausea and vomiting
B. Breast tenderness, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue
C. Menstrual irregularities
D. Unexpected vaginal bleeding
3. Within what time frame is the "Postinor" pill effective after unprotected intercourse?
A. Within 24 hours
B. Within 24-48 hours
C. Within 48-72 hours
D. Within 72-120 hours
E. After 120 hours
2. True or False
1. Emergency contraceptive pills cannot be taken multiple times within one menstrual cycle.
2. After taking emergency contraception, it is safe to engage in unprotected intercourse.
3. It is acceptable to use emergency contraception repeatedly in different menstrual cycles.
Answers
1. For question 1, the correct answers are A, B, and C. Emergency contraception is ineffective if the egg has already been fertilized and is developing into an embryo.
2. For question 2, the correct options are A, B, C, and D. Generally, the side effects of “Postinor” are mild, while Levonorgestrel can have more significant side effects.
3. For question 3, the correct answer is C. Taking "Postinor" within 48 hours after unprotected intercourse can result in a success rate of up to 99%. The effectiveness diminishes significantly after this period.
Regarding true or false questions:
1. True: Frequent use within one menstrual cycle can lead to unwanted side effects and menstrual irregularities.
2. False: Using emergency contraception does not eliminate the need for protective measures during subsequent sexual encounters.
3. False: Repetitive use of emergency contraceptive pills, even across different menstrual cycles, is not advisable; alternative contraception methods should be considered.
Understanding Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Emergency contraceptive pills are meant to be taken following unprotected intercourse within a specific time frame. Common options include:
- Postinor (Levonorgestrel): A single dose of 1.5 mg taken within 72 hours of sex is effective, with lower side effects compared to others.
- Ulipristal Acetate (Ella): Effective up to 120 hours post-intercourse, but may have more varied side effects.
Scoring Your Knowledge
If you scored below 60%, it’s important to reconsider your understanding of emergency contraception and prepare better in the future. A score between 60-80% indicates a decent grasp but highlights the importance of being cautious. Scoring above 80% shows a solid understanding, but make sure not to rely solely on emergency contraception as a primary method.
When to Use Emergency Contraception
Consider using emergency contraception in the following situations:
- No contraceptive measures were taken during intercourse.
- The condom broke or slipped off.
- Misapplication of cervical caps or diaphragms.
- Withdrawal method failure.
- Calculation error regarding safe days.
- You forgot to take your regular contraceptive pill.
- If the intrauterine device (IUD) is dislodged or in cases of sexual assault.
Conclusion
Understanding emergency contraception is crucial for reproductive health. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the information to make informed decisions and remain prepared.