This article compares Birth Control Pills (BCPs) with Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) - explains how two of these function differently and how and when should they be used. You must be wondering why I, being a guy, is writing this then. Well the idea is to let my male friends know and understand the difference and thus help their better halves in making an informed decision.

Birth Control Pills are intended for use when you and your wife want freedom from worry of unwanted pregnancy and just dive into the pleasure of love making (without any condom in between). Though not 100% safe, Birth Control Pills are still an effective means of birth control. They work by stopping the egg from leaving the ovary every month, thereby making it difficult for man's sperm to enter the womb and meet the egg. However for Birth Control Pills to be effective they should be taken every day at around same time (So if you wifey dear forgets, guys do remind her). The pill should be taken by women on the first day of her period and continued as indicated on the pack. In the following month and thereafter, the pill should be started from fifth day of the period. Certain side effects of birth control pill include nausea or mild headaches, but it certainly doesn't cause any gain in body weight.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills are to be used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy when you have had unsafe sex -which might be a result of no condom/birth control pill/contraceptive being used, or condom breaking while having sex, or your partner not taking her Birth Control Pills on time. The emergency contraceptive pill should be taken within 72 hours of unsafe sex. But that doesn't mean you have unsafe sex every night, and carelessly pop in a pill the next day. It should be taken as an EMERGENCY MEASURE only. Hormonal imbalance, vomit, nausea, severe lower abdominal pain are some of the common side effects of these pills, but unfettered use of loaded hormonal preparations can further disturb a woman's cycle and therefore it is absolutely necessary to understand the proper intake of these pills. Also after taking a pill you need to wait and anticipate your next period within a week of the expected time. Also please note that if you find out that you are already pregnant, then the Emergency Contraceptive Pills are of no use to you.

So guys, hope you are now aware how dangerous ECPs can turn out to be if not taken with proper precaution. After reading this article I hope you understand how important it is to use a condom as a means of avoiding unwanted pregnancy. If your partner is not comfortable with the idea of taking BCPs don't force her. Remember she is the one who has to bear the side effects. And certainly don't push her into having unsafe sex and then asking her to take ECPs. You love her, take care of her.