Remember that steamy scene in a movie where passion reigns supreme and caution takes a backseat?
We’ve all been there, hearts pounding, inhibitions fading… then reality snaps back with a cold reminder: unprotected sex.
While love may make the world go round, unplanned pregnancies don’t exactly fit the happily-ever-after narrative.
Enter the morning-after pill, a knight in shining armour for many facing an unwanted pit stop on the love highway.
But what if there was a way to boost its effectiveness, turning that trusty steed into a supersonic jet on the emergency contraception runway?
Buckle up, lovebirds, because science might have just revved the engine on sexual safety.
A study stated that an intake of the morning pill with a painkiller may be more effective.
Let’s dive into this.
The Study
The study was conducted from 2018 to 2022 and took place in Hong Kong.
They are to use a contraceptive named levonorgestrel.
And a painkiller piroxicam, a non-steroidal painkiller that’s commonly used for aiding arthritis.
They used a small sample of 860 women and divided them into two.
One group took both the pill and a real painkiller.
While the other took the pill but with a placebo.
They are to have a follow-up two weeks before they are to expect their period.
And if no period comes, they are to go through a pregnancy test.
The Results
Among those who took a painkiller and the morning pill, only one got pregnant.
While among those who took the placebo and the pill, seven got pregnant.
According to the study, the effectiveness of the pill increased up to 95% when taken with a painkiller.
But only 63% effective when taken alone.
The researchers hoped that with further studies, this practice can be done worldwide.
Author of the study, Dr Raymond Li stated: ‘We hope these results will lead to further research and ultimately changes in clinical guidelines’.
Dr Janet Nooney, an expert scientific assessor, added that a copper IUD is also available for women in the U.K.
But keep note that this study needs to consider other factors, as well.
A commentary written by Erica Cahill, cautioned that this method may not work on everybody.
The research was only done on women who are below 70 kilograms.
And may not work for those whose weight is above that number.
Dealing With Unprotected Sex
With the revelation that this method may not be effective for everyone, what can you do?
One thing you can try is to take the pill immediately.
Many manufacturers of these pills claim that they’re most effective one day after sex.
And Terrence-Higgins states that its effectiveness may decreases as low as 58% after three days of unprotected sex.
So the safest way is to take it immediately the morning after.
But if you’re comfortable inserting a device into your vagina, you may choose to insert an IUD.
And the effectiveness of this, the copper IUD specifically, can last for up to five days after sex.
But at the end of the day, there are still many possibilities of you getting pregnant.
And the best way to prevent it to be consistent with your pills.
Or keep a close check to your device with your OB-GYN to make sure they’re still effective.
Your Body, Your Choices: Owning Your Sexual Health Journey
While the potential for increased emergency contraception effectiveness through combining an NSAID with the morning-after pill is exciting, remember, this research is in its early stages.
Here’s how to navigate this information responsibly:
- Talk to your doctor: This method isn’t a universal solution, and factors like weight and individual health vary. Consult your doctor for personalised advice on emergency contraception options.
- Don’t skip the regular routine: Consistent contraception use remains the most effective pregnancy prevention method. Don’t rely solely on emergency measures.
- Know your options: Explore alternative approaches like the copper IUD mentioned in the study. It offers longer-term protection and can be effective even after unprotected sex.
- Stay informed: Remember, research evolves. Keep yourself updated on the latest findings and adjust your approach as needed.
- Prioritise communication: Open and honest dialogue with your partner about sexual health and prevention options is crucial for responsible decision-making.
Ultimately, responsible sexual health doesn’t depend on a single study or quick fix.
It’s about informed choices, open communication, and seeking professional guidance to navigate the best options for you and your partner.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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