What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception: types, effect of pills, how safe hormonal drugs are. Repeated use of tablets
![What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception: types, effect of pills, how safe hormonal drugs are. Repeated use of tablets](https://i1.wp.com/womanadvice.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/width_660/images_zip/23/24_06_18/ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_-_vsevozmozhnye_metody_i_ih_effektivnost/foto1_ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_kak_chasto_mozhno_ispolzovat.jpg)
Many have heard the concept of emergency contraception, but not everyone has delved into this topic. In fact, girls who care about their health should know the main advantages and disadvantages of existing methods, as well as the features of their application.
Emergency contraception - indications
Methods and means that prevent the fertilization of an egg, which are used after sexual intercourse, are called emergency contraception. They are used once, and they cannot be a replacement for planned contraceptives. Emergency contraception is recommended in the following cases:
- unprotected sex or abuse occurred;
- the barrier agent has slipped or been damaged;
- Missed scheduled hormonal medications three times.
After using emergency contraception, you should be guided by the following information:
- Before the start of your next menstruation, it is recommended to consult a doctor to get tested for. Be sure to tell your doctor what medications you took.
- In most cases, menstruation fails, which may begin earlier or later than usual.
- Discharge during menstruation may be heavier than before. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
- If, three weeks after taking emergency contraception, menstruation has not begun, or symptoms characteristic of pregnancy occur, then you should immediately consult a doctor.
- It is worth visiting a gynecologist if after a while you feel pain in the lower abdomen.
Emergency contraception - how often can it be used?
Since these products contain a large amount of hormones and other biologically active substances, they have a serious impact on the hormonal balance of the female body. Because of this, doctors do not recommend frequently resorting to emergency contraception. It is best to use such methods once every 4-6 months, but more frequent use is acceptable. As often as possible, emergency contraception at home can be used no more than four times during one menstrual cycle.
![](https://i1.wp.com/womanadvice.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/width_660/images_zip/23/24_06_18/ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_-_vsevozmozhnye_metody_i_ih_effektivnost/foto1_ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_kak_chasto_mozhno_ispolzovat.jpg)
Emergency contraception - pros and cons
This group of funds has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you should familiarize yourself with first. The main benefit of contraception is that it helps to avoid more serious stress on the body associated with. Emergency contraception is not without its drawbacks, which are associated with the presence of a large number of contraindications and side effects. Doctors indicate that they should be used only as a last resort.
Emergency contraception - effectiveness
The effectiveness of such drugs depends on proper use, so such contraception should be taken no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse. In this case, emergency protection will be 95% effective. If more than three days have passed, the percentage is significantly reduced, since during this time the fertilized egg can attach to the lining of the uterus and begin to develop. It is worth noting that emergency contraception is considered less effective than other contraceptives, which is associated with their improper use.
Emergency contraception - harm
Although such products have been researched and developed taking into account the characteristics of the female body, harm cannot be completely excluded. If used frequently, emergency contraception methods can cause various gynecological diseases and subsequent problems with conception. Before using the chosen product, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications that are indicated in the instructions, here are just a few of them:
- kidney and liver diseases;
- joint problems;
- age up to 16 years;
- uterine bleeding;
- anemia and poor blood clotting;
- pregnancy;
- serious chronic diseases;
- individual intolerance.
Side effects of emergency contraception
Since these drugs contain a large dose of hormonal substances, it is understandable that many experience a number of adverse reactions. These include nausea, vomiting, intermenstrual bleeding, chest pain and headaches. Contraception after sexual intercourse in girls with varicose veins can cause blood clots. Side effects include disruptions in the menstrual cycle, dizziness and even allergic reactions. According to statistics, adverse reactions occur only in a fifth of patients.
![](https://i2.wp.com/womanadvice.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/width_660/images_zip/23/24_06_18/ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_-_vsevozmozhnye_metody_i_ih_effektivnost/foto2_pobochnye_effekty_ekstrennoy_kontracepcii.jpg)
Types of emergency contraception
In modern medicine, there are several methods that can be used to effectively prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Gynecologists say that all girls should know the existing classification, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages of each option, in order to understand which safe emergency contraception is more acceptable. We cannot ignore the folk methods that have existed for decades.
Postcoital contraception intrauterine devices
This group of non-drug methods includes only one contraceptive option - installation of an intrauterine device. A gynecologist inserts a mechanical device into the vagina, and this must be done no later than five days after unprotected sexual intercourse. All methods of contraception after sexual intercourse have disadvantages, and the IUD requires a preliminary medical examination. It is worth pointing out that this protection option is not suitable for teenagers, nulliparous women and girls who have been raped.
Emergency hormonal contraception
There are several hormonal drugs that are divided into specific groups.
- Gestagens. The active component in these drugs is gestagen hormones, which suppress the secretion of gonadotropin, which prevents the ovulatory period from occurring. These substances also prevent cell invasion into the uterus. If this emergency contraception was taken in the first three days, the risk of conception will decrease by 60%.
- Estrogen agents. They are highly effective, but at the same time provoke side reactions. In addition, such emergency protection from unwanted pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus; if conception does occur, then an abortion will have to be performed.
- Combined products. These drugs contain several active ingredients, for example, gestagen and estrogen. They are the most popular among patients. Their dosage regimen provides 75% effectiveness. Adverse reactions are not excluded.
![](https://i0.wp.com/womanadvice.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/width_660/images_zip/23/24_06_18/ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_-_vsevozmozhnye_metody_i_ih_effektivnost/foto3_ekstrennaya_gormonalnaya_kontracepci.jpg)
Separately, we should highlight emergency contraception, which is non-hormonal. It is safer, but its effectiveness is lower than that of the first group:
- Antiprogestins. The active substance in these drugs is mifepristone. It is used for medical abortion. This substance delays ovulation and causes endometrial atrophy, so the egg is not capable of implantation. Adverse reactions are not excluded, but they are more easily tolerated.
- Antigonadotropin contraception. The active substances of these drugs block the production of gonadotropic hormones, which are important for ovulation. Adverse reactions may occur when taken.
Emergency contraception during breastfeeding
Most pregnancy protection products that are used after sexual intercourse are contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers. This is explained by the fact that they contain many substances that affect the composition of milk. Emergency contraception during breastfeeding should be selected with a doctor, and there are three days during which the drug can still work. Postinor, which contains a large dose of gestagen, is considered relatively safe.
Emergency contraception - folk methods
In addition to traditional methods, there are also folk remedies, but it is worth knowing that they do not provide a guaranteed effect. Doctors, answering the question regarding which emergency contraception is best, do not consider prescriptions from traditional medicine at all, considering them dangerous to health. In most cases, women use them when they do not have the opportunity to purchase medications.
![](https://i0.wp.com/womanadvice.ru/sites/default/files/imagecache/width_660/images_zip/23/24_06_18/ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_-_vsevozmozhnye_metody_i_ih_effektivnost/foto4_ekstrennaya_kontracepciya_narodnye_sposoby.jpg)
- Lemon juice. For this method it is better to have . Mix 200 ml of boiled water with the juice of a large lemon. Rinse your vagina thoroughly with the prepared solution. At the end of the procedure, wash the area with clean water so that the acid contained in the citrus does not disturb the vaginal microflora.
- Potassium permangantsovka. It is believed that such emergency contraception is effective in 60% of cases, since potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent that can deprive sperm of activity. At the same time, we cannot exclude the risk that improper processing may harm the internal genital organs. Prepare a solution in a ratio of 1:18, and then douche with it. The procedure should be completed with genital hygiene using gentle soap.
- Laundry soap. A risky method that involves placing a piece of soap the size of a matchbox into the vagina after unprotected sex. It should stay there for 15-20 seconds. After this, be sure to rinse the mucous membranes. In addition, it is recommended to use a moisturizer for the intimate area. Please note that this method can only give results if you use it no later than 10 minutes later. after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Pregnancy after emergency contraception
In medical practice, there is no reliable data that confirms that emergency contraception, if ineffective, has a negative effect on the fetus and its development. At the same time, the risk that anomalies may develop cannot be completely excluded. If contraception does not work after an unprotected act, pregnancy occurs, and the woman decides to keep the child, then she must undergo a thorough examination by a doctor. Using an ultrasound, you can determine where the fetus is, since taking such drugs can cause an ectopic pregnancy.
Emergency (urgent) postcoital contraception is carried out after unprotected sexual intercourse (within 1-3 days) to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
For emergency contraception, a hormonal method (antigestagens, gestatens) or intrauterine contraception (intrauterine device insertion) is usually used.
Emergency contraception is used if:
- rape has been committed;
- unprotected sexual intercourse occurred;
- interrupted sexual intercourse was performed incorrectly;
- the condom broke during sexual intercourse;
- other similar situations.
Hormonal method
Attention! Before using the drug, carefully read the instructions for use. It should be remembered that with a large number of sexual acts, the effectiveness of the drug decreases.
1) Antigestagenic drugs
- Gynepristone or Agest - a modern hormonal postcoital drug. Compared to Postinor, it is almost harmless. Used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
2) Progestin drugs
- Escapelle is an exclusive new means for emergency contraception. Recommended for use within 96 hours after unprotected sex. The earlier the pill is taken, the more effective it is.
- Mifegin (Mifepristone) - a modern drug that is used to perform medical (non-surgical) termination of pregnancy for a period from the first day of missed menstruation to 8 weeks. To carry out this procedure, you must contact a gynecologist licensed to use the drug.
- Postinor - a hormonal drug for emergency contraception from the “last century”. The earlier the pill was taken, the more pronounced the contraceptive effect. Postinor contains a very high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, which has a very noticeable impact on the ovaries. Therefore, after using the drug, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted. This drug should not be used more than 2 times a year and should not be considered as one of the possible contraceptives! This especially applies to young women under 18 years of age whose hormonal balance has not yet been established. .
After taking emergency contraception:
- your next period may start earlier or later than usual;
- menstrual flow may be more abundant, in which case you should consult a doctor;
- be sure to consult a gynecologist before the start of your next menstruation to be examined for sexually transmitted infections; at the appointment, tell them that you used emergency contraception;
- if three weeks after taking emergency contraception you have not started menstruation or have signs of pregnancy, immediately visit a gynecologist;
- if pain occurs in the lower abdomen, you should immediately consult a gynecologist;
- Before the next menstruation, it is necessary to use barrier methods (condom).
Contraindications:
- thromboembolism and uterine bleeding in the past;
- severe liver diseases;
- severe attack of headache (migraine);
- age over 35 years;
- long smoking history.
Possible side effects of hormonal emergency contraception:
headache;
pain in the mammary glands;
stomach ache;
various menstrual cycle disorders;
thrombosis.
Side effects of emergency contraception usually decrease or disappear completely within two days.
Due to the possible damaging (teratogenic) effect of hormones on the fetus, medical abortion is recommended if emergency contraception fails and pregnancy occurs.
Intrauterine contraception
Intrauterine emergency contraception involves the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) in the first 5-7 days after unprotected intercourse, which prevents implantation of an already fertilized egg.
The method is somewhat more effective than the method of hormonal emergency contraception, however, when using it, one should take into account the individual characteristics of the woman, her desire to continue to use this particular method of protection against unwanted pregnancy for a long time, as well as all possible contraindications to the insertion of intrauterine devices.
Emergency insertion of intrauterine devices is not recommended for use by young nulliparous women, as well as with a large number of sexual contacts and partners, or with casual sexual intercourse. If a woman wants to have an intrauterine device installed, but in the past she often suffered from inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, she should use antibiotics immediately before inserting the intrauterine device and in the next 5 days.
An unplanned pregnancy can cause panic, shock and fear of the unknown. Statistics show that about 40% of pregnancies in the world are unintended, including approximately 45% in Europe. One unprotected sexual intercourse during ovulation can lead to unwanted conception. There is an emergency contraception method known as the morning after pill that can help in this situation.
Dr. Albert Yuzpe studied emergency contraception back in the 1970s. It has been found that taking large doses of combined estrogen and progesterone can help prevent unplanned pregnancy. Over the years, such drugs have been improved and are now widely used. . For more than 40 years of use, they have proven their safety and effectiveness.
Some types, such as the combination of progestin (artificial progesterone) and estrogen, and mifepristone, have faded into the background and are rarely used. Therefore, 2 types of tablets remained the main ones - progestin (levonorgestrel) and antiprogesterone (ulipristal acetate).
Types of emergency contraceptive pills
Emergency contraception should be used only after unprotected sexual intercourse. You can take it up to 3-5 days after that. The more time passes, the less effective the drug may be. These tablets come in three different types (recommended by WHO):
Type of emergency contraception |
Active substance and trade names |
Description |
Progestin-only drugs | Levonorgestrel (Escapelle, Levonelle, Postinor, etc.) |
The active substance is a synthetic progestogen, i.e., an analogue of the natural hormone in the body, but more active. It is also used in small doses in conventional contraceptives (combined oral contraceptives). These emergency contraceptive pills are considered effective before ovulation, preventing or delaying it. Research indicating the ability to prevent implantation of a previously released egg into the uterine wall continues to be controversial. Such products are usually sold without a doctor's prescription. Available without a prescription in most countries. But in Russia and Ukraine this is a prescription drug, although in many pharmacies Prostinor can be bought without a prescription. |
Antiprogesterone drugs | Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne, Dwella) |
This is a modulator of progesterone receptors, which acts on them, thereby actually blocking the action of hormones that create favorable conditions for pregnancy. As a result, the egg cannot implant in the wall of the uterus. A doctor's prescription is required. |
High-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or the Yuzpe method | Ethinyl estradiol + levonorgestrel (Rigevidon, Tri-regol, Ethinyl estradiol, Ovosept and many others) |
These are active substances that are included in many conventional birth control pills intended for regular use (before sexual intercourse). But they can also be used for emergency contraception. According to the Yuzpe method, you need to take several tablets in 2 doses with a break of 12 hours for 72 hours after sexual intercourse. A total of 200 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of levonorgestrel should be obtained. But this method has lost its relevance and is prescribed only if it is not possible to use other types of emergency contraception. Studies have shown that two doses of levonorgestrel 0.075 mg, 12 hours apart, are more effective with fewer side effects of nausea and vomiting caused by estrogen in COCs. A doctor's prescription is required. |
In addition to the above drugs for emergency contraception, mifepristone was also previously used for the same purpose. But now it is usually used only for medical abortion, that is, termination of an already existing pregnancy. Although mifepristone is more effective as emergency contraception than levonorgestrel and the Yuzpe method.
Emergency contraception helps prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sex. They can be used if:
- you think you have missed one of your regular birth control pills;
- you do not take oral contraceptives at all;
- when something went wrong with another method of contraception.
You should not use them as a regular method of contraception due to the cost and dangers of high doses of hormones. Levonorgestrel should also not be taken by anyone under 16 years of age, and ulipristal acetate should not be taken by anyone under 18. You should contact your doctor for medical advice.
How do they work?
One common misconception is that emergency contraceptive pills will terminate a pregnancy. This is wrong. They actually prevent conception from occurring, which often occurs within a few hours to a few days after intercourse. During this time, sperm travels up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes in anticipation of ovulation. Taking the pill prevents the release of the egg from the follicle and slightly changes the conditions unfavorable for conception. Therefore, emergency contraception is not the same as medication for medical abortion. Here's what the tablet does:
- Helps delay ovulation
- Prevents egg fertilization
- Prevents implantation of a fertilized female reproductive cell into the uterine mucosa (ulipristal acetate only).
A 2003 analysis of the two largest studies of high-dose COCs (the Yuzpe method) using a different calculation method found efficacy estimates of 47% and 53%*. This is lower than the highest previously calculated efficiency in 1996, which was 74%.
*Attention! These numbers do not mean that almost 50% of women will become pregnant. Rather, they show that for every 1,000 people who take this method of emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse, about 50 women will become pregnant.
What are the side effects?
Emergency contraception is a hormonal drug, which may cause some side effects that cause moderate discomfort. Most women do not experience serious side effects or complications after taking it. Below are some of the most common consequences:
- nausea and vomiting;
- lower abdominal pain;
- breast tenderness;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- changes in the menstrual cycle;
- dizziness;
- light discharge;
- next menstruation with heavier bleeding.
If vomiting occurs within the first two hours after taking the tablet, contact your doctor for instructions. Also, if your period is late, you will need to do .
There are no documented risks to your baby if you are taking emergency contraception and are already pregnant. However, if you already know you are pregnant and want to terminate it, this will not help as the pill is not intended for medical abortion.
Other useful information
There are a few other points to consider when using emergency contraception:
- If you are overweight: The drug tends to be less effective for women with a BMI above 25. Ulipristal acetate It also works in women with a BMI of up to 35. And for those with a BMI of more than 35, doctors recommend placing a copper intrauterine device as emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It will work for many years after installation and is more effective than taking pills after unprotected sex.
- Safety: The good news is that emergency contraception has been used safely for over 30 years with no reports of serious complications. If you are at risk for blood clots or bleeding disorders, doctors usually recommend using progestin-only pills. This is because estrogen increases the risk of blood clots.
- Where can I buy: Preparations based on levonorgestrel sold at any pharmacy. You may want to call ahead to make sure they are in stock. The cost is about 8-10 dollars. Or you can order online. But although in most countries these drugs are available without a prescription, in Ukraine and Russia they are prescription drugs. Ulipristal acetate(EllaOne, Dwella) is a more effective and expensive remedy, available by prescription in all countries. In addition, emergency contraceptive drugs based on it are not registered in Ukraine and Russia, so they can only be ordered on the Internet and at a high price (especially in Russia).
How to use?
Attention! The following rules of use are taken not from the official instructions for the drugs, but from the well-known online pharmaceutical encyclopedia Drugs.com, based on the active substance.
Active substance | Tradename | Dosage regimen |
Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (one tablet) | Escapelle, Levonelle | Take one tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The manufacturer recommends taking within 72 hours (3 days) of contact, and the sooner the better. Some studies have shown that moderate effectiveness still exists if taken for up to 120 hours (5 days) |
Although emergency contraception is harmful to the female body, in some cases (breaking a condom or unprotected sexual intercourse) it is the only way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy without having an abortion, which is even more dangerous. In this article we will look at the most popular pills for emergency (postcoital) contraception.
Remember that postcoital contraceptives should not be used regularly. For permanent protection, there are other methods, for example, hormonal and barrier contraceptives, which do not harm the woman’s body, but are no less effective.
The most popular emergency contraceptives
Postinor– an old generation drug, has a number of side effects. Can be taken no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The sooner the active substance of the tablets enters the body, the lower the risk of becoming pregnant.
Gynepreston (Genale, Agest)- a more modern remedy that prevents fertilization of the egg. A positive effect is achieved if used within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse.
Escapelle– a new drug based on the hormone levonorgestrel, effective for the first 3 days.
All emergency contraceptive pills have one distinctive feature - if there is vomiting or diarrhea within 2-3 hours after taking it, then the drug has not worked fully and you need to take the pills again.
Doctors recommend minimizing the use of emergency contraceptives; these drugs are allowed to be taken no more than 2-3 times a year. In addition, the pill can prevent unwanted pregnancy, but does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections.
In a woman's life, unprotected intimacy occurs, after which emergency contraception is necessary to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. In gynecological practice they use pills against unwanted pregnancy, folk remedies with a similar effect, spirals.
Many women know about these methods, but not everyone knows how to take them correctly. Most women are sure that emergency contraceptive pills, are a panacea for unwanted pregnancy. The use of these remedies is obvious, but so is the harm. Therefore, when using them, it is worth assessing the pros and cons of the action, assessing the degree of risk and providing possible dangerous consequences.
Indications for emergency contraception
For about thirty years, emergency contraception methods have been studied by doctors, many of them have proven their effectiveness and their tolerability by women. Their gynecologists recommended after sexual intercourse, the consequences of which can lead to unwanted pregnancy, namely the following situations:
- there was no planned protection;
- there has been a shift in barrier contraceptive devices;
- the condom broke;
- oral contraceptives have not been taken for at least two days;
- long-acting injection was not given;
- the spermicidal tablet did not have time to dissolve;
- ejaculation (during interruption of sexual intercourse) partially occurred in the vagina;
- incorrect definition of the “safe” period if a calendar method of protection was used;
- rape occurred.
Types of emergency contraception
If a woman does not plan pregnancy and childbirth, she should know types of emergency contraception. These include:
- intrauterine devices;
- traditional methods;
- hormonal drugs, tablets.
Timely emergency postcoital contraception will help avoid fertilization of the egg. It is enough to have an idea of the features of each of the possible protection options and be able to use them.
Intrauterine devices
There are reliable methods of contraception that are not medicinal. You can protect a woman from pregnancy that she does not plan with the help. This procedure is performed by a doctor within 5 days after intimacy, during which there were no means of protection.
The mechanical device provides a protective effect of 99%. IUD for emergency contraception used for women with children, victims of rape, and teenage girls.
Traditional methods
An alternative to traditional (medical) methods are folk remedies for emergency contraception. It is worth noting that they do not provide a guaranteed result. They are used when there is no opportunity to use medications.
The most effective among “grandmother’s recipes” are:
- Douching using a weak solution of fresh lemon juice. To do this, mix 200 ml of water with the juice of one large lemon and wash the vagina. To avoid disruption of the microflora, after douching, the mucous membranes must be thoroughly rinsed.
- Douching with a very weak solution of potassium permanganate. The protective effect of this procedure is about 60%, but this method must be used extremely carefully. If the concentration of the solution is incorrect, it can only cause harm. The solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:18. After douching, the genitals should be washed using mild soap for intimate hygiene.
- A slice of peeled lemon inserted into the vagina immediately after intimacy is a dangerous but effective method. Under the influence of acid, emergency contraception will occur in a few seconds. Next, the pulp is removed, and the genitals should be washed with warm water and soap.
- Dangerous methods of protection include inserting a small piece of laundry soap into the vagina. After 15-20 seconds it is removed, the mucous membranes must be rinsed well. After this, it is advisable to treat them with a special moisturizer.
- For immediate protection, use an aspirin tablet. The effectiveness of its protection is about 60%.
All of the above methods of emergency intervention have a certain effect only within 5-7 minutes after intercourse. They disrupt the acid-base balance in the vagina, which has a detrimental effect on sperm, they lose the ability to fertilize.
Traditional methods have the same destructive effect on the mucous membranes of the female genital organs. You can use them extremely rarely, and do not combine them for protection purposes. After using them, you need to contact your gynecologist and talk about contraception performed in a similar way.
Emergency contraception using hormonal pills
Emergency contraception is effective with the help of hormonal drugs. They contain hormones that have a suppressive effect on the maturation of the egg, inhibit the penetration of the fertilized egg into the uterus, and reject it from the uterus, disrupting the implantation process.
Hormonal pills work in different ways. They cannot be used constantly; these are emergency contraceptive drugs.
If there is a risk of becoming pregnant after sexual intercourse, it is important take the pills right away after him. Their effectiveness in the first hours of admission is 94%, by the end of the third day the probability of protecting everything 57% . When resorting to emergency contraception using pills, you need to take into account the rules of administration and possible contraindications.
Applying hormonal remedies at home, You need to know that there are drug options:
- Only 1 tablet is needed to protect against possible pregnancy;
- The drug is required to be taken according to the regimen for 3 days, up to 6 tablets.
The choice of emergency contraceptive measures depends on the length of time after the act.
All contraceptive pills after an act that may have consequences must be taken strictly according to the instructions, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and possible complications.
Taking a hormonal contraceptive during the day
There are medications that will provide reliable protection if taken immediately after intimacy or within twelve hours after it. List of names of such drugs:
- Ovidon – 2 tablets;
- Non-Ovlon – 2 tablets;
- Ministison – 3 tablets;
- Rigevidon – 3 tablets;
- Marvelon – 4 tablets.
Reliably protect tablets that contain an artificial analogue of progesterone - levonorgestrel. These are the drugs Eskinor F, Escapelle, Postinor. The action of these drugs is based on decreased egg activity after ovulation,reducing the speed of movement of the fallopian tubes.
The egg dies under the influence of these hormonal contraceptives before reaching the uterine cavity. Even if the egg has penetrated the uterus, the mucous membrane is rejected and it is not able to implant.
Protection after the act for 72 hours
This group includes combined oral medications that contain a high concentration of hormones (estrogen, gestagen). They should be used according to the schedule in a certain dosage. They cause the endometrium to slough and cause bleeding.
Non-hormonal pills as a means of protection
Emergency contraception is possible using the latest drugs that do not contain hormones. The active ingredient is mifepristone. These drugs are: Zhenale, Mifolian, Mifetin, Ginepristone.
Their action is based on changing the inner lining of the uterus and increasing its contractile activity. As a result of these processes, the fertilized egg is unable to implant and is rejected. It is enough to drink one contraceptive capsule at any phase of the cycle.
Emergency contraception during lactation
After childbirth, the female reproductive system does not recover immediately. With the onset of lactation, she works in a special mode; contraception during lactation is difficult due to the absence of menstruation. To avoid unwanted pregnancy, which is not uncommon during breastfeeding, emergency contraception methods are used.
A reliable method of contraception when breastfeeding is insertion of an intrauterine device. There is no need to stop feeding the newborn for this. It is important to install a contraceptive no later than the fifth day after unprotected sex; it will continue to protect the woman in the future.
When breastfeeding You can use hormonal contraception after intercourse, but in this case you should adhere to strict rules:
- after taking the first protective tablet, feeding stops for 36 hours;
- in order not to disrupt the lactation process during a forced break, breast milk should be expressed and the baby should be fed with recommended milk formulas;
- You can start feeding only 36 hours after taking the last hormonal pill.
Names of drugs prescribed to breastfeeding women:
- Postinor, Escapel (contain gestagens - analogues of progesterone);
- Mifegin, Mifepristone, Agesta, Zhenale (contain antigestagens - substances that block the production of progesterone).
Very popular during breastfeeding Escapelle, as it is taken once within 72-96 hours after sexual intercourse has occurred.
Of the antigestagenic drugs, preference is often given to Zhenale, Ageste, and Ginepristone. The concentration of the active substance is only 10 mg in one tablet. This amount is quite sufficient for emergency protection, and significantly fewer adverse reactions occur.
Regular birth control pills are not suitable for emergency contraception
Despite the fact that today hormonal contraception is the most effective method of protection, the effect regular birth control pills and the means for “fire” contraception are different. Although both are developed on the basis of hormones.
Conventional birth control pills are selected individually and are used by a woman every day throughout her menstrual cycle. Their action is aimed at suppressing the ovulation process, changing the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus. When asked whether regular birth control pills will help after intercourse, the answer is clear - no, if the woman has not taken them before.
Emergency contraception using hormonal drugs taken immediately after unprotected sex once, according to the instructions for the drug. The effect of such contraceptives based on egg rejection decreased peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, changes in the endothelium.
The dangers of emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is best used only in cases of extreme necessity; the consequences of such protection may become irreversible:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- bleeding;
- infertility;
- thrombus formation;
- Crohn's disease.
These drugs have many side effects:
- soreness of the mammary glands;
- nausea, vomiting;
- severe headaches;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- increased emotionality;
- allergic reactions.
Modern medicine helps a woman plan a pregnancy. In case of unforeseen situations, you should not trust advice; only a specialist will tell you the most effective and safest way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.