Question

Emergency contraceptives are effective if used within:

• A. 72 hrs of menstruation
• B. 72 hrs of ovulation
• C. 72 hrs of coitus
• D. 72 hrs of implantation

Answer 1

The correct option is C 72 hrs of coitus

Emergency contraceptives:

Emergency contraceptive is a method of contraception. These are oral pills usually hormonal preparation such as estrogen, progesterone or a combination of both.


72 hrs of coitus:

These contraceptives work either by delaying ovulation (release of secondary oocytes) or if ovulation has already occurred, then it works by preventing fertilisation (fusion of male and female gametes). Therefore, it should be taken within 72 hrs of unprotected coitus.


72 hrs of ovulation:

Even if contraceptive is taken within 72 hrs of ovulation, it will not work until sperms are there in the female reproductive system, as it prevents fertilisation. Therefore, this is not the correct alternative.


72 hrs of menstruation:

Emergency contraceptives work by delaying ovulation or preventing fertilisation. Therefore, its action as a contraceptive and its efficacy after 72 hrs of menstruation cannot be correlated.


72 hrs of implantation:

Implantation occurs only after fertilisation has taken place. Usage of emergency contraceptives after 72 hrs of implantation is not of any significance.


Final answer: a. 72 hrs of coitus