Means for emergency concentration of pills. Emergency contraceptive drugs

Contraception saves women from unwanted pregnancy. These are special creams, aerosols, suppositories, tablets, caps, and condoms. Some remedies are used before intimacy, while others - during it. But none of them will help if intercourse has already occurred. What to do in such a situation? Emergency contraception (EC) can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Let's consider what means exist, how to use them, whether there are contraindications and possible linear negative consequences.

Means related to this type of contraception can be used within a short period of time after intercourse. Before intimacy, they are not used, since in this case they will not give the desired effect. However, you should not abuse them after sex, as they can cause serious harm to health.

The essence of the action of emergency contraception is that the components of the drugs, influencing the female body, prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus, that is, pregnancy does not occur.

The result depends on when the woman took the remedy. It can have a positive effect within 3 days. Some methods give the proper result if they were used by a woman within 5 days after sex. The use of EC after this is meaningless. Pregnancy will come and the methods will be powerless.

The effectiveness of such funds ranges from 75 to 98%... No one will give guarantees that an unwanted pregnancy will definitely not occur. Medicine knows cases when a fertilized egg, despite the action of the drug, is attached to the walls of the uterus. No adverse effects on the fetus were recorded. Developmental deviations in children due to the fact that a woman resorted to one of the methods of emergency contraception do not arise.

When can EC be applied?

Anyone of reproductive age may need EC at some point. You can resort to it when the following situations occur:

• after voluntary sex in which the partners did not use any means of contraception;
• in those moments when the usual means of contraception fail, for example:
  • from a break or slip of a condom;
  • due to improper application of the calendar method to prevent unwanted pregnancy (partners could incorrectly identify "dangerous" and "safe" days);
  • the man could not interrupt intercourse in time, and the sperm got into the vagina;
  • skipping the use of oral contraceptives (more than 3 days);

• with involuntary intercourse.

Any woman can use emergency contraception. Means can be used when breastfeeding a baby. Hormonal drugs that prevent pregnancy are undesirable for young girls, adolescents who have not yet developed hormonal levels.

Emergency contraceptive groups

There are 4 groups of contraceptives that prevent unwanted pregnancy after intercourse took place. Let us examine each of them in detail.

1. Hormonal drugs with progestogen

The high-dose progestogen post-coin emergency contraceptive pill is taken in different ways. In some cases, a pill is required, and in others, a couple of pills. It depends on the drug used. Some funds are accepted according to the following scheme:

• the first tablet containing a high dose of the hormone is consumed within 3 days after intercourse, and the second tablet is not needed at all;
• the woman drinks the first pill within 3 days after intimacy, and the second one - half a day after the first one.

Postinor (levonorgestrel is an international name) can be cited as an example of hormonal emergency contraceptive drugs containing a progestogen. This synthetic agent prevents fertilization, causes significant changes in the endometrium, making the implantation of an egg impossible.

Postinor is effective in 85% of cases (the effectiveness on the first day after intercourse is 95%, on the second day - 85%, and on the third day - 58%). Postinor is called the drug of the "last century", as it causes quite serious consequences.

2. Hormonal drugs with an antigestagenic substance

The methods of emergency contraception include the use of pills containing an antigestagenic substance. These are also hormonal agents. You will need to take one tablet. The woman must do this within 3 days from the moment of the unprotected sexual intercourse.

An example of a hormonal agent with an antigestagenic substance is ginepristone. This modern drug is safer than postinor, but there are also contraindications and side effects. The tool inhibits ovulation, causes changes in the endometrium, prevents the fertilized egg from attaching to the walls of the uterus.

3. Combined oral contraceptives

These hormonal agents, which contain estrogens and progestins, can prevent unwanted pregnancies. They are used according to the following scheme:

• within 3 days after intercourse, take pills so that the total dose of ethinyl estradiol is 100 μg;
• after half a day, take the pills again in the same dose;

The total dose of ethinylestradiol consumed should be 200 mcg.

Emergency contraception for hepatitis B (breastfeeding) in the form of combined oral agents containing estrogen and progestogen is undesirable. A woman may have a shortened lactation period. Deterioration and decrease in the quantity of milk is also possible.

4. Non-hormonal copper-containing intrauterine devices

In order to prevent unwanted pregnancy, you can resort to non-hormonal emergency contraception - the introduction of an intrauterine device. To carry out this procedure, you need to see a doctor and this should be done as soon as possible after intercourse has occurred. Typically, the period during which you can resort to this EC tool is 5 days.

An intrauterine device is a small device made of plastic and copper. It reduces the lifetime of the egg and prevents it from attaching to the walls of the uterus after fertilization. The spiral efficiency is 99%.

Contraindications and possible consequences

Emergency contraception also has contraindications. They should be clarified with the attending physician or read in the instructions attached to the drugs. Contraindications may include:

• the onset of pregnancy;
• the presence of serious hereditary diseases;
• hypersensitivity in a woman to the components that make up the funds;
• severe liver failure.

Some drugs are advised to be used with caution in diseases of the liver and biliary tract, Crohn's disease, lactation, chronic heart failure, severe arterial hypertension, prolonged use of GCS.

Experts do not recommend using EC too often. The funds are contraindicated for regular use. In no case should they be used as permanent contraception. The drugs are advised to be used no more than 1-2 times a year.

When using hormonal EC, the following side effects occur:

• dizziness (in 11-17% of cases);
• nausea (in 23-50% of cases);
• vomiting (in 6–19% of the fair sex);
• general weakness (in 17–29% of women).

Among the most common consequences of emergency contraception is uterine bleeding. It starts a few days after the receipt of funds. Some women, on the contrary, have a delay (5-7 days).

Photo: CITAlliance / depositphotos.com

Emergency or postcoital contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy from unprotected intercourse and includes various methods and medications. Its essence boils down to preventing the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus and starting to develop. The effectiveness of this method directly depends on the time of taking the drug - the earlier the drug is used after sex, the higher its effectiveness.

When is emergency contraception needed?

If the emergency contraceptive is taken within 24 hours after intercourse, then the effectiveness will be about 95%. If the pill was taken 25–48 hours later, the effectiveness decreases by 10%. If the remedy was used after 49–72 hours, the result is 55–60%.

This method is rarely used. In no case should it be used as a permanent protection against unwanted pregnancy.

If a woman is breastfeeding, emergency contraception can be used in exceptional cases. To do this, you need to cancel breastfeeding for one day until the drug is completely removed from the body. The use of emergency contraception is justified after physical violence and in cases where pregnancy may threaten a woman's health.

Types of drugs

These funds differ in composition and method of application.

Combined oral contraceptives

Accepted no later than three days after sexual intercourse. Ethinyl estradiol-based drugs (Marvelon, Minisiston, Mikroginon, Femoden, Rigevidon) are usually taken several times. Funds based on ethinyl estradiol (Non-ovlon, Bisekurin, Ovulen, Ovidon, Anovlar) should also be taken several times with an interval of 12 hours between doses.

Pure progestin-only oral contraceptives

The drugs are taken no later than two days after intercourse. Now it is not difficult to buy escapel and postinor at the pharmacy. Both drugs contain a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel. The drugs differ in the number of tablets: in the escapel - one, and in the postinor - two.

Mifepristone

Mifepristone is not hormonal. Its action is aimed at suppressing the female hormone at the receptor level in the uterus and increasing the contraction of its muscles.

Mifepristone is an effective emergency contraception. It blocks the egg so that it cannot enter the lining of the uterus, and also stimulates its rejection. It is used to terminate unwanted pregnancies in the early stages. You can use Mifepristone only after consulting your doctor.

Intrauterine devices

T-shaped copper-containing intrauterine devices are inserted no later than five days after intercourse in the gynecologist's office. If a woman is prescribed an intrauterine device as an emergency contraception, then her individual characteristics, contraindications to the use of this method are necessarily taken into account.

Effects of emergency contraception on the body

Doctors do not advise using this type of contraception all the time, as it has a bad effect on the woman's reproductive system. In the future, this can lead to dysfunction of the ovaries.

With the constant use of purely progestin-only or combined contraceptives, the woman's body receives small doses of the drug, calculated for the entire menstrual cycle. Taking a hormonal drug does not violate the duration of the cycle, its usual cyclicity, the functions of the ovaries become better. And also hormonal problems are eliminated, if any.

If a woman takes the same drug for emergency contraception, then the body receives a dose of the hormonal drug that is many times exceeded. As a result of the constant use of such contraception, the menstrual cycle will become anovulatory (without the formation of an egg), which threatens infertility.

Disruption of the normal function of the ovaries leads to the development of metabolic disorders syndrome. It is expressed in an increase in blood sugar, an increase in blood pressure, and the appearance of excess weight.

As for douching with various solutions, this method does not have the desired effect, since sperm cells penetrate into the cervix within 1 minute after intercourse. In addition, douching too often can lead to vaginal dryness and impaired microflora.

Cons and side effects

Emergency contraception is completely useless during the attachment of the egg to the uterus. The effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives can be observed only if the drug is used no later than 72 hours after intercourse.

The first dose of progestin-only oral contraceptives should be taken no later than 48 hours after sex. The effectiveness of intrauterine contraception will be if these funds were introduced into the uterus within 5 days after the act. The drug Mifepristone should be taken only in a polyclinic under the supervision of a physician. Another disadvantage of Mifepristone is its high price.

Emergency contraception should be used only in exceptional cases, if there is simply no other way out. It is desirable that it be used no more than three times a year. The less often the better.

The most common side effect of these methods is uterine bleeding, which occurs 2-3 days after ingestion. And some women, on the contrary, have monthly delays with severe menstrual irregularities.

Other side effects such as dizziness, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea, and various allergic reactions are rare.

There may be chest pain, rashes on the arms, legs, feet and shoulders, a cloudy look, shortness of breath, vomiting 2 hours after taking the pill. This indicates the wrong dose of the hormone.

When using Mifepristone, discomfort in the lower abdomen, vomiting, nausea, weakness, dizziness often occurs, and the body temperature rises markedly.

When using intrauterine contraceptives, during the first few days, there may be severe cramping pains in the lower abdomen, an increase in the amount of discharge during menstruation. In addition, there is a high risk of an ectopic pregnancy due to a violation of the contraction of the fallopian tubes and the movement of the egg through them. Less often, spontaneous prolapse of the intrauterine device, damage to the uterus during its introduction may occur.

Contraindications for emergency contraception:

• intolerance to the components of the drug;
• previously transferred hepatitis;
• diseases of the biliary tract or liver in severe form;
• puberty;
• the onset of pregnancy.

1. The time of taking the dose of the drug should be chosen so that it is convenient to take the next one (for example, 21:00 and 9:00).
2. To avoid discomfort (vomiting, nausea), emergency contraceptive pills are best taken with low-fat milk.
3. In the period before the start of the next menstruation, you need to use additional means of protection (barrier method).
4. Emergency contraception is suitable for single use. For permanent protection, you need to choose a different method of contraception with your doctor.
5. In cases of menstruation that comes with a delay of a week or more, you should consult a gynecologist to exclude pregnancy.

Popular remedies

Among the most famous drugs for emergency contraception, postinor and escapel occupy a leading place.

Postinor

Postinor is a popular drug that helps prevent unwanted conception. With the correct use of this remedy, as a rule, it is possible to avoid unwanted conception. The tablets contain a synthesized analogue of the hormone levonorgestrel.

This hormone is also part of the drugs that are intended for routine contraception. However, its content in postinor is much higher than in planned oral contraceptives.

Postinor should be taken at intervals of 12 hours. There are two tablets in the package, one of which is drunk after intercourse, and the second after 12 hours. This drug can prevent unwanted conception within three days (72 hours). Sometimes it takes two doses. This is possible if vomiting occurs after taking at least one of the tablets and the drug is not absorbed. It is advisable to take these tablets after meals. This will reduce the risk of vomiting.

Postinor does not interrupt an already existing pregnancy, he can only prevent its development. This suggests that it will not work to use the drug for abortion. The plus of the postinor is that it does not harm the fetus, and the child can be saved.

Postinor does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. If you have been physically abused or had unprotected intercourse with an unverified person, see your doctor immediately.

The drug, like other emergency contraceptives, can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound scan will show the location of the fetus if in doubt.

Escapel

Unlike postinor, one escapel capsule contains 150 mg of the hormone levonorgestrel. Therefore, there is only one tablet in the package. The remedy is most effective if taken on the first day after unprotected sex. The drug can cause nausea and even vomiting. If vomiting occurs earlier than three hours after ingestion, then you need to reuse the escapel.

The tool can provoke disruptions in the menstrual cycle, contribute to the appearance of bleeding from the vagina, cause a delay in menstruation, as well as chest pain. If your period is more than five days late, it is recommended that you do a test to determine if you are pregnant.

Discussion 1

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Most modern girls and women are quite well versed in issues and know its basic methods. Among which, by the way, there are frankly outdated and completely irrelevant. For example, the calendar method, when the approximate day is calculated ovulation or the method of coitus interruptus.

According to the scale used to assess the effectiveness of contraceptive methods ( pearl index ), the above mentioned methods are extremely ineffective. The Pearl Index for them is set at 25-40 and 18-27 points, respectively. For comparison, the barrier method of contraception, in which condoms are used, and some other means on this scale gain 2-3 points.

It is believed that the lower the Pearl index, the higher the protection against unplanned. Perhaps the most effective contraceptive methods used to prevent pregnancy are birth control pills ( , also known as COOK) as well as some hormonal drugs, for example, injections or intrauterine devices.

Of course, pregnancy pills have their disadvantages, however, according to experts, the advantages of such contraception more than cover all its negative sides. Perhaps the main difficulty faced by women using birth control pills is the need for constant, in other words, daily use of these drugs.

Otherwise, when you skip the next pill intake, the risk of getting pregnant after intercourse, in which, for example, barrier methods of contraception were not used, increases dramatically. What to do in such a situation and what to drink so as not to get pregnant? There is one correct answer to these questions - emergency contraceptives .

In medicine, the name is used for this term postcoital , i.e. emergency, fire, or emergency contraception. This method is effective after unprotected intercourse. In addition, emergency contraceptives can help prevent pregnancy when taking birth control pills on an ongoing basis if a woman is unable or has forgotten to take the medicine more than twice in a row.

Generally, emergency contraceptive pills used if and only if the main method of protection against unwanted conception has failed. Moreover, it is necessary to have time to take such contraceptive pills after the act within 72 hours. Otherwise, even these specially designed emergency contraceptive pills for such situations will not help to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

It is important to emphasize that in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (hereinafter WHO), emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse should not be used by women on a regular basis. Since the hormonal compounds that make up such medicines can negatively affect not only reproductive function, but also the entire body as a whole.

Emergency contraception is still a more gentle alternative. surgical termination of pregnancy ... But, like all drugs, they should be taken correctly and not abused.

Before we move on to a more detailed consideration of emergency contraceptive pills and talk about how such drugs affect the body, it is worth dwelling on some basic issues related to the process of conception. In order to better understand the mechanism of action on the female body of anti-pregnancy pills in the future.

So, for pregnancy to occur, it has to happen. This is the fusion of the sex cells of partners (male sperm and women oocytes ), as a result of which the formation of cells occurs zygotes (a diploid cell capable of "spawning" another cell). The sexual act itself cannot be associated with the act of fertilization. Since not every contact between a man and a woman is made for the purpose of procreation.

With unprotected intercourse, a man's sperm naturally enters the woman's vagina. It is noteworthy that the environment of the female body is detrimental to sperm. This is due to the high level of acidity in the vagina. Therefore, after ejaculation, the vast majority of sperm die. However, the most mobile part of them still penetrates uterus and can lead to fertilization. How long does it take to get pregnant after unprotected intercourse?

To answer this question, you need to understand that for conception, the stars must, as they say, converge, namely:

• it is during this period that a woman should ovulate; this phenomenon is characterized by the state of maturity of the egg. If for some reason at the break follicle the egg did not "come out" in fallopian tube or has not reached its maturity, fertilization will not occur;
• a man's sperm must be strong and mobile enough to overcome the acidic environment of the vagina and penetrate the structure of the egg;
• when the sperm and the egg are connected, the process of dividing the ovum should start;
• implantation of the ovum should occur, in the process of dividing it into the walls of the uterus.

The entire fertilization process takes about seven days. It is during this period of time that the formation of embryo , which using chorion (predecessor placenta ) is fixed in the uterus, where it grows and develops over the next nine months. It is important to emphasize that it is not uncommon for emergency contraceptive pills to be safe for conception.

This means that even if you follow all the rules for using emergency contraceptive pills after intercourse (for example, they must be taken after a maximum of 72 hours in order not to become pregnant), fertilization can still occur. Of course, such cases are not the majority, and they are more of an exception. However, the likelihood of "flying", as the people call an unwanted pregnancy, is always there, even if you use conventional contraceptives.

Pills for unwanted pregnancy after intercourse fall into two main categories:

• next day pills , i.e. drugs that are best taken in the next 24 hours after unprotected contact. In fact, a woman has a maximum of 72 hours for the pregnancy pills to work and help prevent fertilization;
• COC or (so-called yuzpe method ).

As for, oral contraceptives related to COCs or drugs from the mini-pili series are inherently not emergency contraception. After all, birth control pills must be taken constantly. However, there are varieties of such drugs that can be used as pills so as not to get pregnant after an act that is unprotected by any means of contraception.

As a rule, for these purposes, an increased dosage of birth control pills containing hormones or antihormones is used. Also, an installation within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse can be attributed to methods of emergency contraception. intrauterine device .

For pregnancy, emergency contraceptive pills are dangerous because they contain in their chemical composition substances that prevent the onset of fertilization. The main active compounds in anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse can be either antihormones .

The first compounds are biologically active substances that belong to proteins or steroids and are produced by organs or tissues of a living organism. Hormones are transported through the bloodstream from organ to organ and are responsible for the physiological activity of the body, for example, for its development and growth, metabolism, and so on.

As the name suggests antihormones - These are compounds opposite in action to hormones. They suppress hormonal activity in the body.

It is noteworthy that antihormones, by their nature, having an exogenous or endogenous origin, are often structural analogs of the hormones that they suppress.

So, before wondering what to drink in order not to get pregnant, an emergency contraceptive pill should be remembered that this type of drug may contain:

• , i.e. synthetic progestin (a steroid female sex hormone), found in drugs such as: , Tetraginone ;
• mifepristone , i.e. a synthetic antiprogestin (antihormone), found in contraceptives such as: , Renomelan, Agesta, .

Levonorgestrel-based drugs

First, let's talk about how it works levonorgestrel and preparations containing it. So, the pills that terminate pregnancy related to emergency contraception after the first dose:

• immediately affect the chemical composition of mucus endocervix (cervical canal of the cervix) , also increasing its viscosity, thus slowing down the process of penetration of sperm into the fallopian tube;
• act on the ovaries, preventing the release of the mature egg from the main follicle (provided that the pills are taken before ovulation), suppressing gonadotropic hormones, which ultimately blocks or delays the ovulation process;
• prevent the implantation of an egg, fertilized by a sperm, into the uterine walls for the further development of the embryo and the formation of a "child" place. In order for a failure in fertilization to occur, levonorgestrel not only changes the structure of the endometrium, thereby preventing it from entering the secretory phase, without which ovulation does not occur, but also affects uterine (fallopian) tubes. As a result, the number of their contractions is significantly reduced, which leads to the impossibility of getting the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity.

It is important to emphasize that drinking the above drugs, which include levonorgestrel , you need only after consulting a doctor. In addition, you should definitely read the instructions that came with the tablets. The thing is that these contraceptives contain colossal doses of hormones.

After taking them, a hormonal imbalance occurs in the female body, the consequences of which can be unpredictable. Therefore, experts refer to such methods of contraception as "disposable" means, which are highly discouraged to use more than 4 times a year. In addition, it is strictly prohibited to use such emergency contraceptive drugs more than once per menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraceptive pills (they are also called "next day pills" because of the specifics of the reception) - this is an effective, but rather controversial method of protection against unplanned pregnancy. Doctors say that after a single intake of such drugs, serious changes occur in the body, so it takes time to restore the functions of the woman's reproductive system in full.

Mifepristone preparations

What can be said about the second group of emergency contraceptive drugs containing an antihormone mifepristone - they work in much the same way as the levonorgestrel-containing birth control pill, i.e. also:

• inhibit the ovulation process;
• change the structure of the endometrium, which leads to the impossibility of fixing the fertilized egg on the uterine walls;
• intensify uterine contractions, due to such hyperreactivity, the fertilized egg is "expelled" from the uterine cavity.

It should be noted that to protect against unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, you can use and non-hormonal drugs , for example, vaginal suppositories containing nonoxynol (steridil,) or ( , ). The above drugs refer not only to methods of express contraception, since they have a spermatocidal effect, their scope of application is much wider, due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.

The above listed names of pills for pregnancy after an act unprotected by any means of contraception are far from all. Nowadays, every pharmacy has a good selection of these drugs. You can find out directly from the pharmacist of the pharmacy about the name of the emergency contraceptive pills, but it is better to ask your doctor about these questions. After all, any medicines (and contraceptives are not an exception to this rule) have their own contraindications and side effects.

This is especially true for women with HB (breastfeeding) or suffering from certain medical conditions in which large doses of hormones or antihormones can be fatal. Let there be no unambiguous answer to the question of whether birth control pills related to postcoital contraception are harmful, since what will be good and effective for some may turn into big health problems for others, no woman should use this method of solving the problem of undesirable pregnancy without prior medical advice.

Only a specialist will be able, firstly, to choose the right drug, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient (an ordinary person can simply get lost in the names of pills that do not say anything about the composition, contraindications or side effects after an unprotected act). And, secondly, it is the doctor who will tell you how to take emergency contraceptives correctly so as not to harm your body and achieve the desired result.

There are several basic rules for taking postcoital contraceptive drugs:

• It is necessary to strictly adhere to the period of use of such drugs. The vast majority of pills should be taken no later than 72 hours from the moment of unprotected intercourse. Many people have a question, how many days are 72 hours? It is well known that, in one day or in one day there are 24 hours, therefore, 72 hours is three days or three days. It is believed that the first emergency contraceptive pill should be drunk as early as possible, while the second one should be taken optimally 12 hours after the first or maximum 16 hours later. It is important to emphasize that the effectiveness of the tablets depends directly on the duration of their intake. It is believed that drugs with levonorgestrel most effective within 24 hours after intercourse (95% effectiveness). When taken after 48 hours, the effectiveness decreases to 85%, and after 72 hours - to 58%. Containing mifepristone pills are also taken no later than 72 hours from the moment of contact.
• It is important to adhere to the dosage indicated in the instructions for the drugs or prescribed by the doctor. As mentioned above, emergency contraceptive pills are taken twice after a certain period of time, for example, Postinor ... However, this rule does not apply to all drugs. Eskinor F or Escapel (contain levonorgestrel ) and Zhenale , Ginepristone, (contain mifepristone ) drink one tablet within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.
• It is strictly forbidden to independently adjust the dosage of contraceptive pills. This can lead to the development of side effects, as well as provoke serious negative consequences ( bleeding, ). It is recommended that you do not eat food a couple of hours before taking emergency contraceptive pills and afterwards, so that biologically active compounds are better absorbed in the body. If, after taking the drugs, vomiting occurs, then you will have to take the pill again.

Combined oral contraceptives

It is also worth paying attention to the so-called contraceptive method Yuzpe ... As mentioned earlier, familiar to many can be used as emergency contraceptives. COC (combined oral contraceptives). This method can be an excellent way out for those who, for whatever reason, are contraindicated in pills related to postcoital contraception.

As emergency contraceptives, you can use such COCs as: , Tetraginone, Ovral, other. As a rule, such pills contain hormones - estrogen, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol and progestogen .

According to the instructions, you need to take COCs every day, one piece. However, this rule can be violated in an emergency to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to harm the body. The following dosages of COCs are considered safe for:

• from 2 to 4-5 tablets (depending on the type of COC) in the first dose, which should take place no later than three days or 72 hours after intercourse;
• the same number of tablets should be taken 12 hours after the first COC intake.

The effectiveness of this method also depends on the time of taking the drugs. That is, the earlier a woman drank the pills, the greater the likelihood that ovulation will not occur and fertilization will not occur.

Contraindications

We talked about how not to get pregnant after the act "without obligations". Now it is time to discuss the negative aspects of emergency contraception and determine who should not resort to using such an uncompromising method.

There is no benefit from emergency contraceptive pills, apart from, of course, the psycho-emotional calmness of a woman - this is a fact. And how much and what harm can they bring?

levonorgestrel drugs:

• at pathology of the biliary tract ;
• with liver diseases, for example liver failure ;
• in cases where the pregnancy was confirmed by a gynecologist, i.e. the fertilized egg was successfully implanted into the uterine walls;
• when the patient's age is 16 or less;
• at lactose intolerance ;
• in case of malabsorption galactose and glucose ;
• with some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, crohn's disease ;
• at;
• in the presence of tumors that are sensitive to changes hormonal background ;
• at violation of the menstrual cycle ;
• at;
• in case of malfunctions hemostasis systems .

It is forbidden to use containing mifepristone drugs:

• at liver failure ;
• at porphyrias ;
• at renal failure ;
• in case of malfunctions hemostasis system (blood clotting) ;
• at the reception glucocorticoids , eg, , etc;
• at the reception anticoagulants ;
• at adrenal insufficiency ;
• with a confirmed pregnancy;
• when breastfeeding; P
• in the presence of certain diseases in the chronic stage;
• at anemia ;
• women over the age of thirty-five;
• with an ectopic pregnancy.

Of course, any woman has the right to independently decide which modern methods of contraception or even traditional methods to use to protect against unwanted pregnancy. However, you always need to think about what harmful effects can occur for the body when taking certain drugs.

Emergency or "fire" contraceptive pills can be dangerous:

• risk of development later ectopic pregnancy , which is due to a violation of the process of transporting a fertilized egg to the place of its fixation in the uterus for further development;
• risk of occurrence uterine bleeding which even medical workers do not always cope with successfully;
• risk infertility , especially for young women whose menstrual cycle has not yet been established;
• risk of development crohn's disease , a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which affects all its parts (from the oral cavity to the rectum);
• risk of increased thrombus formation , which is provoked by high doses of hormones contained in all, without exception, tablets of the "next" day, which leads to , and even lethal effect.

According to women who have experienced the effects of emergency contraceptive pills, the most common side effects of these drugs are:

• nausea;
• allergic reactions as rashes and itchy skin;
• swelling or soreness of the mammary glands (mastalgia);
• lower abdominal pain;
• severe headaches;
• stress ;
• emotional instability.

Abortive pills. Price, where to buy, how to use it correctly

So-called pharmabort or medicinal often associated with emergency contraception. However, they are far from the same thing. Of course, both drugs help to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but the mechanism of action and the time of taking the so-called abortive pills is different.

Let's talk about the main differences between medical abortion, which, according to many experts, is safer than surgical intervention, for example, vacuum aspiration or scraping. Until when can abortion pills be effective in terminating unwanted pregnancies?

So, as we mentioned earlier, after an unprotected act from pregnancy, contraceptive pills related to emergency contraception can be saved for 72 hours. Medication for medical abortion is used when pregnancy has already occurred.

So, when can abortion pills be used, or for how long. These funds can be taken in early pregnancy (up to 42 days amenorrhea - the first day of the last menstrual cycle).

This means that the effect of abortion pills on the course of pregnancy up to the sixth to the seventh week.

It is worth noting that the most effective abortive pills affect the ovum that is still weakly attached to the uterus for up to four weeks.

During this period, the hormonal background of the female body has not yet reached the peak of its changes and you can resort to the help of medicines to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

It should be noted that abortion pills should not be taken without medical supervision. Although this method of abortion is considered safer than surgery, not always everything goes smoothly and without negative consequences for the female body.

To exclude possible harm to health, it is imperative to consult with a gynecologist, and also take this kind of pill only in his presence, so that a qualified specialist can provide quick help (for example, if severe bleeding opens) and prevent a difficult outcome of medical abortion. Unfortunately, not many people think about how dangerous abortion pills can be.

After all, you can even die from them if complications arise and doctors do not provide the woman with urgent medical care. Therefore, drugs for medical abortion containing mifepristone (a steroidal anti-progestogen substance of synthetic origin), for example, or is taken once in a dosage of not more than 200 mg exclusively under medical supervision.

Mifegin , a drug produced by a French manufacturer, like its domestic counterpart Mifeprex contain in their chemical composition the same biologically active substance mifepristone that blocks production progesterone due to the effect on progesterone receptors. In the normal course of pregnancy, such as progesterone generated corpus luteum ovaries , forms endometrium whose main function is to create the best conditions for development embryo .

The action of mifepristone-containing drugs has the exact opposite effect ( myometrium shrinks, increases growth prostaglandins ), which ultimately leads to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. After a maximum of 48 hours after using the abortive pill, the woman should complete the medical abortion and take medications such as or Gemeprost .

These are analogs of prostaglandins, which stimulate the process of "expulsion" of the fetus from the uterus. It is very important to understand that in order to avoid serious complications, the patient must be under compulsory medical supervision within 2 hours after taking the above drugs.

In order to fully make sure that the pregnancy has been terminated, a woman needs to undergo an ultrasound scan two days after the procedure, and then return to the gynecologist's appointment two weeks later. According to experts, the effectiveness of this method reaches 99%. However, in some cases, abortive pills do not help to completely get rid of the fetus, and then the woman has to undergo such unpleasant procedures as:

• abrasion (in common people scraping ) Is an operation aimed at removing the ovum, as well as some pathological formations on the mucous membranes of the uterus;
• vacuum aspiration (in everyday life, the name mini abortion ) Is a method of abortion, in which the fetus is removed from the uterus using a special vacuum suction.

As we said above, medical abortion is considered the most gentle way to terminate an unplanned pregnancy, since there is no mechanical effect on the uterus. As a result, her mucous membranes are not damaged, which excludes many possible complications. However, this method also has a number of contraindications, in which the use of abortive pills is prohibited:

• inflammatory diseases of the ovaries or uterus;
• ectopic pregnancy ;
• scars on the uterus , due to previously transferred operations;
• some gastrointestinal diseases .

When performing a medical abortion, the following complications may occur:

• bleeding in the uterus;
• allergic reactions;
• nausea;
• sharp abdominal pain;
• incomplete abortion, those. a situation in which the pregnancy progresses, since the rejection of the fetus has not occurred;
• blood pressure surges;
• vomiting.

Contraceptive pill price

The price of postcoital contraception pills depends on several factors. Firstly, the cost is influenced by the manufacturer of the drugs, secondly, the number of tablets in the package, and thirdly, the region where contraceptives are sold. For example, such popular and widespread pills as Postinor in Ukraine, the average cost is 200 hryvnia, and in Russia 350 rubles.

How much do abortion pills cost? The price of this type of drugs depends primarily on their manufacturer. In addition, as we mentioned earlier, pharmacological abortion is a medical procedure that must be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a physician. Therefore, the cost of the services of a gynecologist is added to the cost of the abortive pills themselves, who will monitor the patient and will be able to provide her with timely assistance if something does not go as planned.

If a woman is not planning a pregnancy, then birth control pills after the act within 72 hours will help to avoid unwanted conception. This method of contraception in medicine is called the method of postcoital, emergency contraception. It is applicable in cases where unprotected intercourse occurs and the woman does not use other methods of preventing pregnancy (spiral, oral contraceptives).

Emergency contraception and birth control pills after intercourse

Emergency methods are used only when the main options for protection against unwanted pregnancy have failed or unplanned sexual intercourse has occurred. In this case, the contraceptive pill must be taken within the next 72 hours after the unprotected act. Moreover, the earlier the pill is taken, the higher the likelihood that conception will not occur.

So, taking an emergency contraceptive within 24 hours after an unprotected act provides an efficiency of about 95%. When you use the birth control pill within 48 hours, the chance of conception increases by 10 percent. If a woman takes the drug by the end of the third day, the result will be only 55-60%. That is, every day the effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases, so it is recommended to take the pill as early as possible (preferably within 24 hours after intercourse).

However, a woman should understand that taking such drugs on a regular basis is unacceptable, since a high concentration of hormones, which is the basis of drugs, negatively affects not only reproductive function, but also the entire body as a whole. According to the WHO recommendations, emergency contraception can be taken no more than 2-3 times a year.

At the same time, it is believed that the use of emergency contraception is the most gentle alternative to surgical termination of pregnancy (abortion). You just need to know how to properly take birth control pills after intercourse and not abuse these medications.

When do women use emergency care?

The indications for the use of emergency contraception are the following situations:

• unprotected intercourse with an unfamiliar sexual partner;
• the method of barrier contraception used turned out to be unreliable (for example, a condom broke, a coil fell out);
• oral contraceptive intake was missed;
• unprotected contact was due to sexual abuse.

In some cases, the indication for taking emergency contraceptives is a course of treatment with drugs (antibiotics, diuretics) that reduce the effectiveness of permanent oral contraceptives prescribed to a woman by a doctor.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that modern means of emergency contraception are safer and more effective than birth control pills after the first-generation intercourse, they cannot be called completely harmless. Experts warn that they should be taken no more than once every 3-6 months. More frequent use can cause various gynecological diseases, ectopic pregnancy and subsequent problems with conception. Such funds have an impressive list of contraindications, which must be read before the first use. Main restrictions on use:

• liver and kidney pathology;
• age under 16;
• varicose veins, venous insufficiency;
• thromboembolism;
• instability of the menstrual cycle;
• uterine bleeding;
• blood clotting disorders;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• severe chronic diseases.

Side effects may develop after taking emergency contraceptive pills. The most common ones are:

• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness, headaches;
• painful swelling of the mammary glands;
• weakness, increased fatigue;
• lower abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities.

Uterine bleeding, which develops in 10% of women, is not uncommon. It is not recommended to prescribe such drugs to women over 35 years old (especially to those who smoke). These drugs contain huge doses of hormones that can easily provoke hormonal imbalances. Therefore, this type of protection should be used with extreme caution, and before using it, be sure to consult a doctor and clarify possible contraindications.

Mechanism of action

The principle of action of emergency drugs is based on the inhibition of conception at the initial stage and the impossibility of the development of a fertilized egg. Today there are 2 types of tablets:

1. drugs based on levonorgestrel (, Eskinor F);
2. post-act birth control pills based on mifepristone (Miropriston, Mifegin, Zhenale).

In general, the effect of drugs with levonorgestrel is that the action of the active substance is aimed at blocking or delaying ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovary). Additionally, levonorgestrel alters the composition of cervical mucus, making it thicker and more viscous. Due to this, the process of penetration of sperm into the uterus is significantly hampered. In addition, if fertilization does occur, levonorgestrel prevents the introduction of the egg into the lining of the uterus due to structural changes in the endometrium.

The action of medicines from the second group is in many ways similar. After the act, birth control pills based on mifepristone also inhibit ovulation and exhibit antigestagenic activity, that is, they block receptors that react to the pregnancy hormone (progesterone). As a result, the endometrium of the uterus does not undergo the changes necessary for the successful implantation of a fertilized egg. In addition, the active substances accelerate the contractile activity of the uterus and contribute to the removal of the non-attached egg from its cavity.

Which birth control pills are better, how to take them correctly, and which means to give preference as an emergency aid after unprotected intercourse? The answer to these questions will help you find an overview of the most popular and demanded drugs.

Birth control pills after intercourse within 72 hours

When using methods of emergency contraception, it should be borne in mind that these are strong contraceptive pills after intercourse with a high content of hormones that cannot be used for regular contraception. To do this, there are oral contraceptives - birth control pills with a low dose of hormones that must be taken continuously. They have a slightly different mechanism of action aimed at suppressing ovulation.

Emergency contraception pills or "next day pills" are quite effective in preventing the onset of an unplanned pregnancy, but due to the huge dose of active substances they provoke hormonal imbalance. Therefore, the female body after the use of such funds needs to be restored, it takes a certain time for the reproductive functions to be fully restored. Today, a woman can purchase emergency funds at any pharmacy.

We list the names of contraceptive pills after the act, which can save you from unplanned pregnancy:

• Postinor;
• Eskinor F;
• Myfetin;
• Mytholian;
• Zhenale;
• Ministizon.

It is advisable to take these funds within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse. In addition, in order to prevent conception, you can use combined oral contraceptives, which contain a large dose of female hormones - gestagen, levonorgestrel, progestogen or estrogen.

When using them, you must carefully follow the instructions and observe the indicated dosage, since the effect of such medications is aimed at rejection of the endometrium, which, if the dose is exceeded, can cause uterine bleeding. Of the drugs in this group, the following funds are most in demand:

• Ovidon;
• Regevidon;
• Non-Ovlon;
• Silest;
• Regulon.

Let's dwell on the most demanded tools and tell you about the method of their use.

Good and effective birth control pills after intercourse: a list with names

Postinor

One of the most effective emergency contraceptives to prevent ovulation and fertilization. This tool has been present on the pharmaceutical market for more than a dozen years. The basis of the drug is a synthetically created analogue of the hormone levonorgestrel, the content of which in Postinor is significantly higher than in planned contraceptive pills. So, the basis of each tablet is 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel + excipients.

It is recommended to take Postinor after meals (to reduce the gag reflex) with an interval of at least 12 hours. That is, the first tablet must be taken within 48 hours (maximum 72 hours) after unprotected intercourse, and the second tablet must be taken 12 hours after the first. The instruction for the drug notes that with the correct use of the drug, its effectiveness reaches 95%.

However, the longer the time interval between intercourse and taking the pill, the higher the likelihood of pregnancy. So, by the end of the third day, Postinor's efficiency decreases to 58%. You can take pills at any stage of the menstrual cycle. If vomiting occurs within three hours after taking the drug, Postinor's tablet must be drunk again.

Contraindications to admission are conditions such as thrombosis, hypertension, blood clotting disorders, liver and kidney diseases, oncological and cardiovascular pathologies, hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy and lactation.

With extreme caution, Postinor should be prescribed for diseases of the biliary tract and inflammatory lesions of the bladder. Side effects include the occurrence of uterine bleeding, nausea, abdominal pain, migraine, menstrual irregularities, and allergic reactions. The cost of Postinor tablets (2 pcs per package) - from 350 rubles.

The basis of the drug is the same active ingredient - levonorgestrel, but unlike Postinor, its dosage is doubled. Each capsule of Escapel contains 1.5 mg of active ingredient, therefore, a single dose of the pill within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse is sufficient.

Contraindications and side effects for Escapel and Postinor are almost identical. In addition, Escapel should not be used for jaundice (even if the woman has already had jaundice in the past) and Crohn's disease. This postcoital contraception can be used at any stage of the menstrual cycle. If, after taking the drug, an attack of vomiting occurs or diarrhea appears, the tablet should be taken again.

Taking these drugs (Escapela and Postinor) does not affect the fetus. That is, if you took the drug unknowingly when you were already pregnant, there is no need to have an abortion. These contraceptives do not have a negative effect on the development and formation of the child. Escapel's price (1 piece) - from 300 rubles.

A contraceptive based on the active substance - mifepristone, which blocks the action of the pregnancy hormone (progesterone). It is a steroidal antigestagenic drug that is effective within 72 hours of intercourse. To achieve the maximum contraceptive effect, you must refrain from eating 2 hours before taking the Ginepristone tablet and not eat for another 2 hours after you have drunk the drug.

Contraindications to the use of a contraceptive are acute and chronic renal and hepatic failure, long-term intake of glucocorticosteroids, blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension, hypersensitivity.

Side effects may cause systemic reactions from the digestive, nervous system, manifestations of allergies, as well as irregularities in the menstrual cycle and the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract. The price of the drug (1 piece) is from 180 rubles.

It differs from other postcoital contraceptive pills in that it can be used for medical abortion. This means that, like other drugs, a Mifepristone tablet can be drunk within 3 days after an unprotected act, or used to terminate a pregnancy that has not exceeded 6 weeks.

The action of the drug is based on blocking progesterone receptors and increasing the tone of the uterus. 1 tablet of Mifepristone contains 200mg of the active substance of the same name + auxiliary components. Each package of the drug contains 3 or 6 pieces of light yellow tablets. This remedy has an extensive list of contraindications and side effects, so it should be taken after consulting your doctor.

Early termination of pregnancy should be carried out in a medical facility under the supervision of doctors. To do this, a woman should drink three tablets at once 1.5 hours after eating, drinking the drug with sufficient water. Mifepristone is a potent drug, so it is only dispensed from pharmacies by prescription.

Ovidon (Non - Ovlon, Rigevidon, Silest) and other combined contraceptive pills after intercourse.

You should start taking birth control pills no later than 72 hours after unprotected contact. Such oral contraceptives are intended for continuous use (1 tablet per day), but in emergency cases it is allowed to use them as an "ambulance" in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The main thing is to correctly calculate the required dose in such a way as to achieve the desired effect without harming the body.

Consequences of taking postcoital contraceptive pills

Before starting to use emergency contraception, every woman should be aware of the negative consequences of their use. Taking birth control pills with a high concentration of hormones can lead to the following complications:

• uterine bleeding;
• menstrual irregularities;
• the risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy;
• violation of reproductive function (infertility);
• violation of hemostasis, leading to the formation of blood clots;
• intestinal damage (Crohn's disease).

In addition to dangerous complications, a woman while taking such funds is faced with unpleasant side reactions - swelling and soreness of the mammary glands, nausea, bouts of vomiting, pulling pains in the lower abdomen, migraines. In addition, in the reviews, many mention allergic reactions and emotional instability, expressed by increased irritability and hysteria.

Therefore, before deciding to take postcoital pills, every woman should find out possible contraindications and take into account the possible risks from the use of high-dose oral contraceptives.

It happens that during sexual intercourse a condom breaks, so semen penetrates into the female body. Also, unwanted penetration of sperm can occur with rape. How to be a woman, in order to avoid deeply unwanted conception, is it really possible to resort to such an unsafe method as abortion? There is a way out, and not so dangerous. There are emergency birth control pills that are designed to prevent unnecessary conception and the consequences of unprotected sex. But these drugs can be taken only in really emergency cases, since frequent use is fraught with dangerous complications for a woman.

In the process of intimacy, anything can happen - the condom has moved out, COCs were taken, or the partners simply forgot about contraception. What should a woman do in a similar situation to still avoid pregnancy?

• A woman needs to get out of bed immediately so that the seminal fluid flows out of the vagina, without reaching the female cell. But you cannot completely rely on such a method, because it does not guarantee one hundred percent reliability.
• Immediately after sexual intercourse, you must take a bath and wash yourself thoroughly with soap. This must be done in the first 10 minutes after sex. Doing so will help reduce the chance of conception by 10%. You can also dab with something acidic, such as lemon or vinegar water. Such means lead to the creation of aggressive conditions for sperm in the vagina, but such douching must be carried out extremely carefully in order to avoid burn damage to the mucous tissues.
• If a lady regularly drinks any contraceptive drug, then you need to carefully study its instructions, usually there is an algorithm for actions when you skip taking a pill.
• If sex was radiant with an unreliable partner, then a woman needs to treat the genitals and vagina with means that prevent the development of STDs in the very next few minutes. Such drugs include Miramistin, but the possibility of its use should be discussed with a gynecologist.

When will emergency contraceptives help?

Any means and categories of such contraception cannot be called completely safe and useful for the female body, therefore they resort to them only in extreme situations, when coitus has already taken place, or a woman has been raped, etc. In general, each emergency contraceptive is intended more for women living intimate life is quite rare, and also indispensable in unforeseen situations when sex has occurred without protection.

Such medications are called postcoital, since they are used after the fact that sperm has entered the vaginal environment. If sexual intercourse happened before the onset of the ovulatory period, then a high dose of hormonal substances will prevent its onset and this woman's cycle will be anovulatory. If fertilization occurs, then emergency contraception will prevent the embryo from gaining a foothold. Such medicines contain a very high dose of hormonal substances, so such high-dose hormone-containing drugs should be taken as rarely as possible.

How emergency contraception works

The medicinal effect of emergency contraception is reduced to such effects as suppressing the maturation of the female cell, preventing the cell from meeting with sperm and preventing it from implanting into the uterine wall. Therefore, after taking the drug in the female body, the cervical secretion thickens, which does not allow sperm to enter the uterus. Also, along the way, high dosages of hormonal components prevent ovulation, so the cell does not come out and the sperm die safely.

If the sperm nevertheless penetrated into the uterus, reached the cell and fertilized it, then under the influence of the hormonal components of the drug, hypotrophy of the endometrial layer occurs, which does not allow the zygote to gain a foothold on it, therefore, further development of pregnancy does not occur, and the embryo leaves the uterus with the next menstruation along with bloody discharge. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptives reaches fairly high rates, amounting to about 97-99%. But there are also pitfalls here. A high contraceptive effect is achieved due to the high content of hormonal substances that do not have the best effect on the female body.

Types of contraception

Specialists distinguish several categories of emergency contraceptives.

How to take emergency contraceptives

To get the proper effect from taking emergency contraception, you need to follow the rules for its use. When taking medications with levonorgestrel as an active ingredient (Postinor, etc.), you need to take into account that they must be drunk no later than 72 hours after unprotected intimacy. The first pill must be taken immediately, and the earlier, the higher the contraceptive effect. The second pill is drunk in 12-16 hours. If a woman vomited, then you need to take another Postinor pill. If we talk about other drugs with levonorgestrel, for example, Eskinor F or Escapel, then they are taken once, one pill at a time, also within a 72-hour period. The effectiveness of such remedies depends on how quickly the drug was taken after sex. Reception every other day or less provides a contraceptive effect by 95%, after 25-48 hours - by 85%, and after 2-3 days - by only 58%.

Preparations with progestogen and estrogen are taken according to the Yuspe scheme. This technique involves taking COCs, but in higher dosages. For the first time, 2-4 pills are taken no later than the third day after proximity. The second intake of a similar number of tablets is made after 12 hours. Usually, such combined oral agents such as Ovidon or Rigevidon, Silest and Non-ovlon are used as fire-fighting contraception. The effectiveness of this method reaches 75-85 percent.

It is recommended to drink pills with mifepristone like Mifolian and Agest, Ginepristone or Zhenale during the first 3 days. Take just one pill. An empty stomach is an important condition, so you cannot eat a pill a couple of hours before and after using the pill.

Adverse reactions

Emergency contraception due to a large dose of hormonal substances causes many side effects, which include nausea and vomiting and intermenstrual bleeding, breast tenderness and migraine symptoms. If the patient already has varicose veins, then taking fire-fighting contraception can provoke blood clots. Also, among the adverse reactions, menstrual disruptions and dizziness are often found. Taking high-dose hormonal drugs often leads to menstrual disorders, when the patient's periods start to go longer or more abundantly.

Also, in response to taking fire contraception, allergic reactions, painful sensations in the uterus and genital tract may develop. But side reactions are found only in a fifth of patients, the rest of the ladies tolerate the action of this category of drugs more easily. If you follow the instructions, emergency contraceptives will help avoid unwanted motherhood.

Best Emergency Contraceptives

Doctors identify several popular fire-fighting contraceptive drugs that are most often used to prevent unwanted conception:

Contraindications for admission

But such high-dose hormonal contraception has a number of specific contraindications, which include a long experience of nicotine addiction and a mature age after 35, the presence of a hereditary tendency to thromboembolism. In addition, patients who suffer from pronounced migraine pains, a predisposition to uterine bleeding, or advanced hepatic, biliary pathologies will have to refuse to use emergency contraceptives. Also, the use of such contraception is not recommended for young girls (under 16), pregnant women, and nursing patients.

If completely undeveloped adolescent girls take such contraceptives, they will experience serious cycle disorders, and in some cases, irreversible infertility may develop. Also, fire contraception is not recommended for lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, an unstable and irregular menstrual cycle, for hormone-dependent reproductive tumor processes, as well as for women who have had cases of ectopic pregnancy in the past.

Emergency contraception is a rather serious category of drugs that are not safe to take on their own, therefore, gynecological prescription and strict adherence to the rules of admission are necessary, then unwanted conception and further abortion can be avoided.