All About Lydia Contraceptive: Your Comprehensive Guide
Jul 16, 2024
|
4 minutes
Written by Jostel Akua, RN
Reviewed by Dr. Hameed Nii Addy
Lydia Contraceptive is one of the most used birth control options in Ghana. Without a doubt, there are a lot of questions about its use. If you’ve been wondering if it’s reliable, its risks, price, etc., then you are at the right place. This comprehensive article addresses the most frequently asked questions about Lydia Contraceptive, covering its usage, effectiveness, and potential side effects. After reading this article, you will know how safe this option is for you, and how best you can take it.
How does Lydia Contraceptive work?
Lydia Contraceptive prevents pregnancy by delivering a potent dose of Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone. Each Lydia post pill contains 1.5 mg of this hormone, which prevents pregnancy by:
Delaying ovulation:
Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg, which, when fertilized by a sperm, leads to pregnancy. Lydia contraceptives work by delaying ovulation when taken before the ovulatory period.
Thickening cervical mucus:
Making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
Altering the uterine lining:
It makes it less suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg.
It's crucial to understand and track your menstrual cycle, whether you're using an emergency pill like Lydia Contraceptive or not. This is because timing is everything.
When is it best to take Lydia Contraceptive: does Lydia Contraceptive work during ovulation?
Lydia’s contraceptive has an 84% effective rate in preventing pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. The earlier you take it after unprotected sex, the higher the success rate. Now, if you are wondering if ovulation time affects its effectiveness. The simple answer is yes.
As mentioned earlier, Lydia’s pill delays ovulation. However, if you have already ovulated and then taken the morning-after pill, Lydia’s contraceptive pill may not work as well in preventing pregnancy. It depends on your menstrual cycle (and various factors). If the egg is already released, there is a higher chance of getting pregnant. On the other hand, one-third to half of the time, the fertilized eggs do not get implanted for pregnancy to occur because of different mechanisms, like altering the uterine lining, making it less suitable for implantation.
Moreover, if you are worried that you cannot take the pill because you might have already ovulated, you shouldn’t worry because the pill does not cause any harm to you related to ovulation.
Side effects of Lydia Contraceptive
Like any medication, Lydia Contraceptive can have side effects. Most women experience only mild and short-term side effects, including:
Nausea or vomiting:
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Breast tenderness
Changes in menstrual cycle
Some Infrequent side effects (one in 10000 people) include:
Rash
Urticaria
Pelvic pain
Painful period
Pruritus or itching
If any of these side effects persist or become severe, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.
Can Lydia Contraceptive be taken twice in a week?
The recommended single dose of lydia contraceptive is 1.5mg of Levonorgestrel, which is taken within 72 hours after sex. It is not recommended to use more than required. However, serious undesirable effects have not been recorded after taking large doses or frequent lydia contraceptives.
The main problem with overdosing is that it increases hormonal or cycle imbalance, which leads to earlier or later ovulation.
Can Lydia Contraceptive affect fertility rate?
We understand that you may have some concerns about Lydia contraceptives affecting your fertility rate. This is a common misconception. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), emergency contraceptive pills, including Lydia contraceptives, do not in any way affect your fertility rate or cause delays in fertility.
Remember, Emergency contraceptives like Lydia Contraceptive are designed for occasional use, not as a regular form of birth control. Frequent use can disrupt your menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods and increased side effects. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception often, it might be time to consider a more regular and reliable form of birth control.
How many days does Lydia Contraceptive work?
Lydia Contraceptive is designed to provide protection against pregnancy for the specific incident of unprotected sex. It works within a short timeframe and does not offer ongoing protection. Typically, it is effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, with the highest effectiveness within the first 24 hours. It is important to use a regular contraceptive method for continued protection against pregnancy.
How long does Lydia Contraceptive stay in the body?
Lydia Contraceptive, an emergency contraceptive pill, is designed for short-term use. The active ingredient, Levonorgestrel, is metabolized and cleared from the body within a few days. While its presence in the body is temporary, its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is confined to the specific menstrual cycle during which it is taken. This means that once you take the pill, it works to prevent pregnancy for that particular instance of unprotected sex but does not provide ongoing protection.
How to use Lydia Contraceptive
To ensure maximum effectiveness, follow these steps:
Take the pill as soon as possible: Ideally within 12 hours of unprotected sex, and not later than 72 hours. Remember, acting promptly can significantly increase the pill's effectiveness.
Follow the instructions: Do not chew or crush the pill; swallow it with water.
Taking a Lydia contraceptive with food is known to reduce nausea, dizziness, and headache.
If you vomit within three hours after taking Lydia’s pill, you should immediately take another pill. Consult a healthcare provider as you may need to take another dose.
Lydia Contraceptive price in Ghana
The price of Lydia Contraceptive in Ghana can vary depending on the pharmacy or healthcare provider. Generally, it is about 15-40 Ghana cedis.
The bottom line
Lydia Contraceptive is a reliable option for emergency contraception in Ghana. It prevents unwanted pregnancies by delaying ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and changing uterine lining to make implantation difficult. For ongoing birth control needs and consultations, contact Berry Health online for a detailed and personalized plan.
Also, please get in touch with us if you have any more questions or need personalized advice.
Share with a friend