Usually it is customary to use protection before sexual intercourse, but different situations happen in life... The condom burst... Your head turned and you forgot about everything... The interrupted act did not work out... There are doubts about the contraceptive used...
For all these situations, there are emergency methods of protection called post-coital.
Such tablets can be taken within three days after intercourse. The less time passes after the act, the higher the effectiveness.
Table of contraceptive effectiveness
To reliably prevent conception after unprotected coitus, a large concentration of hormonal substances is required, so this type of contraceptive cannot be taken constantly. They are for SOS occasions only. According to medical data and WHO recommendations, During the year, a woman can resort to emergency measures no more than three times.
When do women seek emergency help?
It is worth using postcoital contraception in every case when pregnancy is undesirable.
This is necessary even with a permanent partner, if contact has taken place, but in this moment you or he are taking certain medications that can cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. These include:
- Antibiotics, especially tetracycline.
- Contraception less than six months ago.
- Valproic acid and medications based on it for the treatment of epilepsy.
- Steroids.
- Beta blockers.
- Antiviral.
- Antihelminthic.
Certain diseases may also be indicated, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, rubella, and serious disorders of the thyroid gland or kidneys. There is a possibility of conceiving if you are taking oral contraceptives but miss several doses. “Casual” sex for one night or violence, after which you do not want to give birth, are also good reasons for emergency protection.
Unplanned pregnancy is a very common event. Of all cases of conception in the world, 66% are unplanned. Therefore, if you are sure that you will interrupt pregnancy in any case, it is better to take the pills. Preventing conception is much more humane for a possible baby and safer for a woman than abortion.
Contraindications
Like any hormonal drugs, contraceptives after sexual intercourse introduce an imbalance into a woman’s body. In this case, a deterioration in well-being may be observed.
- Nausea.
- Weakness, dizziness.
- Bleeding.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Stomach upset.
- Dryness in the vagina.
- Skin rashes.
- Swelling.
- Severe headaches.
- Disturbances in the blood flow system, up to a heart attack.
In the future, you may observe changes in the monthly cycle, disruptions in menstruation. The consequences are especially pronounced after 35 years and in those women who smoke. If you use the drugs too often, then over time there is a threat of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
The body will need time to recover and return to a balanced state. The optimal break between tablets is three to six months.
Contraindications to emergency contraception are:
- Problems with blood clotting and tendency to bleed.
- Young age - up to sixteen years.
- Lactation.
- Low hemoglobin.
- Serious liver and kidney diseases.
Mechanism of action
You should know that birth control after sex has two mechanisms of action and the choice can make a fundamental difference on the moral side.
- First group– prevents ovulation, that is, it does not allow the egg to mature and be released, so conception does not occur in principle.
- Second group– prevents an already fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus, which for opponents of abortion and believers is equivalent to murder.
The first group includes drugs with a gestagenic effect. They are similar to female hormones produced by the corpus luteum and adrenal glands during pregnancy. Substances prevent the pituitary gland from producing elements that provoke the maturation of the egg. It is for this reason that women do not have periods during pregnancy. They also make vaginal mucus thick and difficult for sperm to move through. These pills are effective during the first half of the cycle up to three days before ovulation. If the egg has already left the ovary, progestin-only contraceptives become useless.
The second group includes substances with an antigestagenic effect. They work in two ways. On the one hand, like the previous group, they inhibit the maturation of the egg, on the other hand, they block the hormones that make the uterus a suitable place for the maturation of the fetus. In order for the egg to merge with the endometrium, a number of changes occur in the mucous membrane, which are stopped by antigestogens. At the same time, they increase muscle contraction, pushing the zygote out of the organ cavity.
Intrauterine devices with copper also belong to this group. Their installation should take place no later than 120 hours after sex. Protection efficiency is 99%. The IUD prevents the egg from attaching and also changes the environment in and around the uterus, making it unsuitable for sperm. The method is not recommended for nulliparous women. Also, not all women tolerate implantation well; the IUD causes uterine bleeding (24%), severe inflammatory processes (4%) and uterine perforation (0.5%).
Let's take a closer look at the pills from each group and determine which ones are most suitable after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Birth control pills after intercourse for 72 hours
Drugs that delay the release of eggs are based on levonorgestrel. Trade names may vary:
- Eskinor F.
- Escapelle.
- Gravistat.
- Microlute.
- Postinor.
Substances that protect the uterus from the fertilized egg are made using mefipristone.
- Genale.
- Miropriston.
- Mifegin.
Another group is combination drugs with levonorgestrel and estradiol. They are allowed to be taken as permanent oral contraceptives. Thanks to the presence of estradiol, they regulate the monthly cycle and lead to the onset of menstruation before the maturation of the egg - endometrial rejection. When used as an emergency aid, the dosage must be strictly observed so as not to cause uterine bleeding. These include:
- Trisiston.
- Triquilar.
- Trinordiol.
- Gravistat 125.
- Klimonorm.
- Microgynon.
- Minisistron.
- Miranova.
- Anteovin.
- Silest.
- Non-Ovlon.
Despite the use of the same active ingredient, different drugs are tolerated differently. This depends on the auxiliary components, the degree of purification, and the concentration of the active component. Let's look at the most effective ones, in the opinion of women and doctors.
Good and effective birth control pills after intercourse: list with names
Postinor
Counts the best drug in terms of effectiveness and tolerability by the body. Contains synthetic levonorgestrel, an analogue of the natural hormone. Helps avoid unwanted pregnancy by slowing down ovulation. Well suited for women with regular cycles.
It is not used as permanent protection, since the dose of progestogen in it is higher than in conventional medications for every day. However, less than in some drugs of similar action.
It is best to take the tablet in the first two days after contact. Drink the remedy twice. The first tablet during the first or second day and another one twelve hours after the first. If vomiting occurs and two hours have not passed since using the contraceptive, the dose is repeated. Due to the low concentration of the active substance, this combination is allowed twice a month.
The drug is not prescribed to women with cholecystitis and liver diseases. Treatment with antibiotics (tetracyclines and ampicillins) reduces the effectiveness of protection. After using Postinor, nausea is observed, absence of menstruation is observed for some time, as well as spotting between menstruation. The cost of a package containing two tablets of the product is about 350 rubles.
Escapelle
Two pills include a high concentration of the active ingredient - levonorgestrel (1.5 mg). Take them simultaneously or sequentially with an interval of 12 hours. However, the effectiveness will vary. If you take two tablets at once within three days, the chance of getting pregnant will be 16%. When taken at intervals, everything depends on the start date of treatment. By the last third day, the probability of protecting yourself from an unplanned pregnancy is only 58%.
It should be understood that the expression side effects at double the dose it is significantly higher. They consist of migraines and loss of consciousness, weakness, pain in the lower abdomen and nausea, bleeding in 10% of cases or more often.
There is evidence of a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment in obesity. Do not use Escapelle if there is severe liver failure. The drug does not affect the development of the child; if you did not know about the pregnancy that had already occurred, the medicine will not affect the baby. Three hundred rubles costs one package of 2 pieces of 0.75 or one piece of 1.5 mg.
Gynepristone
Includes 10 milligrams of mifepristone. According to research, this is the optimal dose; increasing the concentration does not increase the effectiveness of the drug. The pills work by blocking receptors for progesterone, the pregnancy hormone. As a result, the body does not undergo the changes necessary for the baby to begin to develop. It starts to work very quickly. The maximum concentration in the blood is observed after an hour and a half.
Do not use for inflammation of the genital organs, anemia, bronchial asthma And renal failure. The effect is opposite to glucocorticosteroids (inhalations for asthma, drugs for the treatment of joints), therefore Ginepristone is not used in therapy with these drugs. Also, after a course of contraception, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (analgin, ibufen) are not prescribed for two weeks.
To obtain maximum effect You should not eat for two hours before and after taking Gynepristone tablets. One tablet costs 180 rubles.
Mifepristone
Concentrated drug based on mifepristone - 10 or 200 mg in each pill. It is used not only for contraception, but also for medical abortion, up to 1.5 months of pregnancy, as well as induction of labor. The active substance prevents the egg from implanting, delays ovulation, and significantly increases the contractile activity of the uterus. In combination with prostaglandin, muscle strength increases. The drug is used in the treatment of certain cancers and uterine nodes by blocking progesterone receptors.
For protection, use 10 mg once. May lead to exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the genital organs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Counts a strong drug Available at the pharmacy with a prescription.
Combined birth control pills after sex
Ovidon
A combined product based on ethinyl estradiol (0.05) and levonorgistrel (0.25). Causes changes in the fallopian tubes, cervical canal, endometrium, ovaries. The latter are at rest, and the endometrium temporarily atrophies. Acts most effectively - prevents pregnancy 100%.
However, there is a large list of contraindications, including:
- Feeding the baby.
- Heart pathologies.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Thrombosis.
- Anemia.
- Gallbladder diseases.
For permanent oral contraception, use one tablet, and for urgent oral contraception, up to 4 tablets at once, for example, 2 tablets with a break of 12 hours.
Consequences of taking postcoital birth control pills
You should be careful when choosing partners and monitor your safety. Unprotected sexual intercourse is dangerous for a woman due to its consequences, both in the case of abortion and emergency care. The use of postcoital contraception can unsettle you for a long time and harm your health. Many women experience:
- Severe paroxysmal migraine-type headaches.
- Cycle disturbances with delays of up to a week or more.
- Bleeding after taking it and between periods.
- Problems with pregnancy, including infertility.
- Blood clot formation.
- Risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Therefore, if possible, the use of these drugs should be reduced or completely eliminated. If you cannot avoid taking it, you should carefully study the contraindications and accurately calculate the dose without exceeding it.
Emergency contraceptives were designed specifically for emergencies. It doesn’t matter what happened - whether the condom broke, she forgot to take a pill, or intimate intimacy was unwanted for the woman. One thing is important: if for some reason sex was unprotected and pregnancy was unwanted, you should think about protective measures right now, in the next three days - before it’s too late. 72 hours - this is the period given for using emergency contraceptive pills. How to use such drugs correctly and what should you know about their mechanism of action?
Is it possible to get pregnant if the condom breaks?
The answer to this question depends on what day of the cycle the unplanned sexual intercourse occurred:
- Intimacy in the first 7 days of the cycle is unlikely to lead to an unwanted pregnancy. During this period, the lining of the uterus is shed and monthly bleeding occurs. The maturation of the follicles has not yet begun, and sperm live in the woman’s genital tract for no more than 7 days. With a standard 28-day cycle, the risks are minimal. The shorter the total duration of the cycle (21-27 days), the higher the likelihood of conceiving a child with intimacy during these days.
- Sex close to ovulation (7-14 days) is highly likely to lead to the conception of a child. During this period, follicle maturation and ovulation occur. The egg released from the ovary has every chance of meeting a sperm and fertilization will occur.
- Sexual intercourse in the second phase of the menstrual cycle (14-28 days) does not threaten the unwanted conception of a child. The egg dies 24 hours after leaving the ovary. After the death of the egg, a corpus luteum is formed. Conceiving a child during this period is impossible.
Does this mean that after unprotected sex in the second phase of the cycle you can not drink and not worry about possible pregnancy? Yes, but only if the woman is absolutely sure: ovulation has already occurred, and more than 24 hours have passed since then. Women who use natural methods of contraception (fertility detection method) probably know the date of ovulation. In other situations, it is quite difficult to catch the moment the egg leaves the ovary. Any cycle failure can lead to ovulation being postponed indefinitely, and all calendar calculations will be incorrect.
If in doubt, it is better to take an emergency contraceptive pill than to have an abortion if you are pregnant.
How often can I take emergency contraceptive pills?
The instructions for drugs for postcoital contraception indicate that such drugs can be taken no more than once a month. Practicing gynecologists point out that such recommendations are incorrect. Emergency contraception is ambulance in case of emergency, and not a routine method of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Experienced doctors do not advise their patients to get carried away with such drugs, which cause significant harm to reproductive health.
One gynecologist, when asked “How often can you take post-coital pills?” answered categorically: “Once in a lifetime!” There is some truth in this, because the more often a woman takes such drugs, the higher the risk of developing complications in the form of menstrual irregularities.
When should you take emergency contraception?
- Unprotected sexual intercourse when no contraceptives were used at all.
- Cases of sexual violence where a woman was unable to protect herself from an unwanted pregnancy.
- Situations in which there is reason to believe that the contraceptives used were ineffective.
Regarding the last point, they particularly highlight:
- Missing a dose more than two times in a row.
- Pass for more than 3 hours.
- Delayed administration (timing depends on the specific drug).
- Loss or .
- Displacement or damage to the diaphragm or cap on the cervix.
- Rupture or slippage.
- An attempt at interrupted sexual intercourse, resulting in ejaculation into the vagina or external genitalia.
- Incomplete dissolution of spermicide before sexual intercourse.
- Incorrect definition of safe days for use natural methods contraception.
When is it not too late?
Emergency contraception should be taken no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. The optimal effect is achieved if the tablet is taken on the first day after intimacy. There is evidence that postcoital contraceptives remain effective for 120 hours, but drug manufacturers do not guarantee the desired result.
To protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy, you need to take the pills strictly according to the instructions.
When can I take the postcoital pill again?
The regimen of use depends on the chosen drug:
- Postinor should be taken twice. The second tablet should be taken 12 hours after the first.
- Escapelle and Mifepristone are prescribed once. Repeated administration of the drug is not necessary.
- According to the Yuzpe method, COCs are used as emergency contraception. The first dose is taken 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The second dose is prescribed 12 hours after the first dose of tablets.
As for the interval between repeated use of emergency contraceptives, the opinion of doctors is clear: the more, the better. There should be at least a month between taking post-coital pills.
Which emergency contraceptive pills are best?
All postcoital medications are effective in their own way if you take them on time and strictly follow the instructions for use. IN Lately in gynecology they are moving away from Postinor, giving priority to new drugs - Escapel and Mifepristone. These drugs need to be taken once, and thus eliminate the risk of insufficient effect from a forgotten second tablet.
All of these products have a large number side effects, so it’s quite difficult to single out a safe one among them.
How much do pills cost after unprotected sex?
The price of the drug depends on its type and manufacturer:
- The average cost of Postinor and Escapel is 300-500 rubles.
- Mifepristone-based drugs will cost 350-600 rubles.
Can COCs be used for emergency contraception?
This scheme was developed in 1977, but it is not very popular. According to the Yuzpe method:
- Take the first dose of the drug within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.
- Take the second dose 12 hours after the first.
For emergency contraception, 8 tablets of a low-dose COC (containing 30-35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) taken in two doses (4 tablets of the drug) are used at once. The following products are suitable: Microgynon, Rigevidon.
This type of scheme is not popular in Russia, as there are more convenient and affordable means.
Do emergency contraceptive pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No, such drugs only protect against pregnancy, but do not provide protection against infections. Pathogenic microorganisms easily penetrate a woman’s genital tract and cause dangerous diseases. The following measures will help slightly reduce the risk of infection:
- Hexicon (candles).
- Betadine (suppositories).
- Miramistin (spray).
Antiseptics should be used in the first hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. These drugs do not provide 100% protection and practically do not protect against the penetration of HIV infection and viral hepatitis.
What happens if you get pregnant while on emergency birth control pills?
Women using Mifepristone for postcoital contraception should know that if the effect does not occur, they should consider terminating the pregnancy. When using the drug, there is a high risk of congenital malformations in the fetus.
Levonorgestrel-based drugs (Escapelle and Postinor) are contraindicated during pregnancy, but there is no evidence of an adverse effect of the drugs on the fetus.
Can breastfeeding mothers take emergency contraceptive pills?
According to the instructions, drugs for postcoital use penetrate into breast milk and are considered unsafe for children. Nursing mothers are prohibited from drinking such products. If there is an urgent need to take a contraceptive, you need to interrupt breastfeeding:
- for 24 hours for drugs based on levonorgesterl (Escapelle, Postinor);
- for 14 days for Mifepristone.
Do emergency contraceptive pills have an abortifacient effect?
The answer to this question depends on when the drug was taken:
- In the first phase of the cycle, postcoital contraceptives inhibit ovulation and interfere with the release of the egg. Conception in this case becomes impossible, and there is no talk about the abortive effect.
- In the second phase of the cycle, the tablets prevent the implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine cavity. In this situation, a miscarriage occurs within 7 days. This is considered to be the abortifacient effect of the drug.
Important! After implantation occurs, emergency contraception methods are not used.
The effectiveness of drugs used after unprotected sexual intercourse is 85-95%. Despite all the possible disadvantages, such means are considered the best alternative to abortion. Even if the drug leads to termination of pregnancy as a result of impaired implantation of the fertilized egg, this will be the best outcome for the woman. In this situation, abortion will occur at a very early stage and will occur with minimal consequences for reproductive health. On the contrary, termination of pregnancy at a later stage (after a delay in menstruation) threatens serious health problems, including infertility.
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Pregnancy is the most joyful and wonderful period of life for a woman. However, not for everyone. In some cases, conception comes as a surprise and forces the fairer sex to take emergency measures. In this article we will talk about what pills there are against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. You will learn how these drugs are used and whether they can be used regularly. It is also worth mentioning what they are. The price of such drugs and their name will be indicated below.
A little anatomy: how conception occurs
First, it’s worth finding out how conception occurs, as a result of which a child can be born. On average, once a month the average woman experiences hormonal changes in her body. The production of estrogen is replaced by progesterone, and an egg is released from the follicle. If sexual intercourse occurs at this moment, pregnancy may occur. Conception can also occur if sperm enters the woman’s body a few days before or after the follicle ruptures.
Immediately after ovulation, under the influence of progesterone, active preparation of the endometrium begins. The layer thickens and becomes looser. In this way, the body prepares to accept the fertilized female gamete. If conception has taken place, the fertilized egg descends to the reproductive organ through the fallopian tube within a few days. Once in the uterus, the embryo is securely attached to the endometrial layer. This is where it will develop in the following months if the pregnancy continues.
How can you interrupt an existing conception?
Currently, there are many ways to stop the development of an embryo. It is worth noting that in this case it is better not to engage in amateur activities. Otherwise, you may end up with serious health problems.
One of the most popular methods of terminating a pregnancy is curettage or vacuum aspiration. During the procedure, the doctor removes the fertilized egg and part of the endometrium from the uterus. This manipulation is carried out up to 12 weeks of embryo development.
It can also be done with medication. In this case, a prerequisite is a delay in menstruation of no more than forty days. After taking certain medications, a woman’s endometrium and fertilized egg are shed and menstruation begins.
There are also special emergency methods of contraception. In this case, the drug is taken several hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Due to the action of the drugs, the woman begins to experience hormonal changes and menstrual bleeding occurs.
Emergency methods of contraception
There are several that allow you to terminate a pregnancy even before the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. Anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse have different effects and methods of use. Remember that these medications should not be used as permanent protection against unwanted conception. Anti-pregnancy pills should be used after unprotected intercourse only in emergency cases. Otherwise, you may end up with serious health problems. Let's consider what drugs exist for emergency interruption of the development of the fertilized egg.
The drug "Postinor"
This product contains synthetic progestin. It is this component that affects the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and the condition of the endometrium. Under the influence of a substance called levonorgestrel, the fallopian tubes reduce their mobility and slow down the activity of the fertilized egg. As a result, the fertilized egg dies before it reaches the uterine cavity. If a set of gametes descends into the reproductive organ, then levonorgestrel changes the state of the endometrium. The egg is simply not able to attach to such a cavity.
Postinor tablets should be taken two capsules every 12 hours. This is exactly the period of validity of the substance described above. The first pill should be taken no later than 16 hours after intercourse. The course of taking the medicine is three days. During this period, the woman should begin menstrual bleeding. Only then is emergency contraception considered successful.
Postinor tablets, the price of which is approximately 250 rubles, can be purchased at any pharmacy chain. It is worth noting that one package of the medicine contains only two capsules. This means that for the course you will need 6 packs. In this case, the price for Postinor tablets increases and is about 1,500 rubles.
The drug "Escapelle"
These tablets are also based on the action of a substance called levonorgestrel. However, here the dosage of the medicine is slightly different. A woman needs to take one tablet within 24 hours after intercourse. Next, you should repeat the procedure twice with a difference of 24 hours.
For Escapelle tablets the price ranges from 250 to 300 rubles. The pack contains one capsule. This means that for the full course you will need three packs of Escapelle tablets. The price in this case will be approximately 1000 rubles. It is worth noting that this medicine is somewhat cheaper than the drug Postinor.
The drug "Eskinor F"
This product has the same effect as Escapelle tablets. After taking the drug, the reverse transformation of the endometrium begins and the activity of the fallopian tubes decreases.
It is worth noting that this drug is less popular than the first two analogues. However, this does not mean that the drug will not be as effective.
Preparations containing mifetpristone
Anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse may have a slightly different effect. Such drugs include the following: “Mifegin”, “Zhenale”, “Miropriston” and others. It is worth noting that these drugs are most often used for The active substance of such drugs changes the transformation of the endometrium and enhances contractions reproductive organ. Under this influence, the endometrium is rejected and the egg is released from the female body.
Unlike drugs containing levonorgestrel, tablets containing mifepristone can interrupt even after a delay in menstruation. This way the woman has time to accept correct solution. These contraceptive pills are taken once after sexual intercourse. In this case, you should first obtain a doctor’s approval for such a correction. If the drug was not taken within the first three days after sperm entered the woman’s body, then the patient will need additional ones that block the production of progesterone.
These medications containing mifepristone are slightly more expensive than previous medications. So, one package can cost you from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
An alternative method for emergency interruption of egg development
In addition to the above, there are medications (contraceptives) to prevent unwanted conception after sexual intercourse. These include the most common ones. However, doctors strongly do not recommend using similar method due to possible side effects and complications. These drugs include the following drugs: birth control pills “Yarina”, “Logest”, “Novinet” and others.
They should be used only after carefully reading the instructions. Here you will need school knowledge mathematics. It is necessary to calculate the amount of hormones contained in one tablet. After this, you should calculate how many capsules you need to take at one time to achieve the desired dose (as in Postinor tablets and its analogues). On average, a woman needs two to five capsules. You need to drink them every 12 hours for three days.
How effective are pregnancy pills?
It is worth noting that drugs that interrupt the development of the embryo at the most early stages, have different effectiveness. A lot depends on what time the medicine was taken. So, if you follow the instructions and take the first dose immediately after intercourse, the effectiveness of the drug will be more than 90 percent. In the case when at least a day has passed after sexual intercourse, the effect of the medicine will already be 70-80 percent effective. If the subsequent intake of the substance is disrupted or you are very late in taking the first dose, then the probability of a successful outcome will be from 50 to 70 percent.
It is worth recalling that if termination of pregnancy in the earliest stages with the help of the above drugs was not successful, then doctors strongly recommend curettage. The thing is that these drugs affect not only female body. The substances included in the tablets have a detrimental effect on the condition of the fertilized egg. If you want to leave the unborn baby, then be prepared for the fact that the child will be born sick or have some deviations.
and prices
In order to avoid the need to use emergency contraception, it is necessary to take care of methods of protection in advance. If you have a regular sexual partner, then it makes sense to start taking birth control pills. The price of such drugs can vary and range from 200 to 2000 rubles.
Absolutely all means of preventing pregnancy are divided into combined oral contraceptives and mini-pills. The latter contain a small dose of hormones and are not able to block ovulation in all women. However, it is worth noting that such drugs are the only tablets approved for use during the period breastfeeding. The drugs in the mini-pill group include the following:
- Charozetta tablets (cost about 800 rubles);
- drug "Laktinet" (price about 600 rubles);
- Orgametril pills (cost from 1000 rubles) and many others.
The effect of combined oral contraceptives is somewhat different. Such drugs completely block the functioning of the ovaries, preventing ovulation. The active substance of the tablets thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from penetrating into the uterine cavity and surviving there. In addition, hormonal drugs affect the condition of the endometrium, transforming it so that the fertilized cell cannot attach to the wall of the uterus. All oral contraceptives are divided into monophasic, biphasic and triphasic.
The following drugs are monophasic:
- Regulon tablets (cost from 300 rubles);
- “Zhanine” pills (approximately 800 rubles);
- birth control pills “35 Diane” (price from 1000 rubles) and others.
Two-phase contraceptives include Regvidon tablets (cost from 200 rubles) and other drugs.
Triphasic birth control pills include the following:
- Tri-Regol pills (cost from 200 rubles);
- Tri-Mercy capsules (price from 400 rubles).
Also, contraceptives may differ in the content of hormonal substances. So, tablets come in micro-dose and low-dose. There is also a group of high-dose drugs.
Microdosed ones include the following:
- Novinet tablets (cost from 500 rubles);
- the drug "Logest" (price approximately 900 rubles);
- Jess pills (cost around 1000) and others.
Low-dose drugs are:
- birth control pills “Yarina” (price from 700 rubles);
- the drug “Diane 35” (cost from 1000 rubles);
- means “Janine” (cost around 1000 rubles) and others.
Such drugs are more often prescribed to women who have given birth or to women over 30 years of age.
High-dose drugs have the following names:
- Trikvilar tablets (price about 500 rubles);
- the drug “Non-ovlon” (costs about 700 rubles) and so on.
In the work brought to your attention, we will look at pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Let's start with the fact that unwanted pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon in our country. At the same time, the girl’s position in society does not matter at all.
Sociologists have noted that half of pregnancies in Russia are unplanned. And a quarter of all cases are perceived by future parents as extremely undesirable. Very often, women resort to artificial abortion (medical or surgical). In order not to resort to the help of a gynecologist, it is necessary to properly protect yourself. If this is not taken into account, then there are pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, the names of which we will consider in the article.
What medications can be used?
Anything can happen in our lives, but unfortunately, only a few people remember about safe sex. Please note that it is simply necessary to protect yourself with unstable partners. This will protect you not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from a host of infections that can be transmitted from a partner. In this case, we are talking about condoms, which are a barrier to infection from both women and men.
Taking birth control pills after unprotected intercourse will only prevent unplanned pregnancy. This method of contraception can only be used with a regular sexual partner in whom you are confident. A woman who does not use protection during sex and does not plan to give birth to a child in the near future is simply obliged to always have medications with her that can prevent pregnancy, since this event is not currently desired.
We will look at which birth control pills to take after unprotected intercourse a little later. Now it is worth noting that any medication, if used incorrectly or for a long time, can be harmful to health. Be sure to read the instructions before use (duration and regularity of use, dosage and side effects, composition of the drug - to avoid the occurrence of allergies).
Oral contraceptives should be used with great caution. To exclude side effects and health problems, you should contact a specialist so that he can select the drug that is the least dangerous and most suitable for you.
Anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse are an emergency measure to prevent an undesirable phenomenon. To avoid pregnancy, you must take a special drug as soon as possible. Please note that these medications cannot be taken continuously. Be sure to monitor your menstrual cycle: there are days that are unfavorable for conception, during these periods you can avoid taking the drug. We are talking about days: from 5th to 7th and from 16th to 28th. This example is given for a menstrual cycle of twenty-eight days, assuming it is constant. If your menstrual cycle is inconsistent, then this method of contraception will not suit you. With this problem, you should definitely contact a gynecologist to find out the cause of this phenomenon.
When choosing an emergency contraceptive drug, pay attention to the following points:
- contraindications;
- application diagram;
- duration of use;
- regularity;
- compound.
All this will help you avoid unpleasant consequences after use. Please also note that this method is effective only in the very early stages. That is, the sooner you take the pill, the less chance you have of getting pregnant. For example, if you take the drug within a few hours after intercourse, then the chance of pregnancy is 5%, but by the third day this figure increases to 45%.
If you take a pill during the day?
Pills after unprotected intercourse against pregnancy, the names of which will be presented in this section of the article, help if they are used within 24 hours after sex on days favorable for conception. Please note that there are drugs that need to be taken once, but there are also those that should be taken according to a regimen for several days. For this reason, be sure to pay attention to the method of application and dosage. If you take a birth control pill after unprotected intercourse, the chance of preventing an unfavorable pregnancy is more than ninety percent.
Now we will present to your attention a number of drugs recommended by gynecologists throughout Russia. These medicines include:
- "Ovidon".
- "Non-Ovlon."
- "Ministison."
- "Rigividon".
- Marvelon.
Be sure to pay attention to the number of tablets you should take. For the first two drugs presented above, the dosage is two tablets, for the next two - three tablets, and for Marvelon the dosage is four tablets. Taking more than the prescribed amount is highly not recommended to prevent unpleasant consequences.
There are also some anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse that should be taken within twenty-four hours. These include drugs based on levonorgestrel or mifepristone. For emergency use, you can use the following medications:
- "Eskinor F".
- "Postinor".
- "Escapelle".
- "Mifetin."
- "Mytholian".
- "Gynepristone."
- "Genale".
Tablets against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse “Postinor”, “Eskinor F” and “Escapelle” contain levonorgestrel as the main component. Now we will look at the effect of the drugs. It is based on the fact that the efficiency of the uterus, which produces less hormones than is needed for fertilization, decreases. As a result, the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus and dies. If she nevertheless reaches it, then the drug affects the state of the endometrium, as a result of which the fixation of the egg in the uterine cavity becomes impossible.
The main component of the next three drugs on our list is mifepristone. This substance can cause uterine contractions and changes in the endometrium. These are new generation drugs; if you take one tablet, the egg will not be able to gain a foothold in the uterine cavity and will come out.
In any case, you should not use these medications frequently, so as not to cause harm to health and not harm the functions of the ovaries, which can subsequently lead to infertility.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
What other pills exist against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse? In this section, you will learn about combined oral contraceptives, which are called COCs for short. These drugs contain a very large dosage of the hormone progestogen and estrogen. When taking these medicines You should strictly follow the dosage and application regimen. Long-term and uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs brings with it a whole list of serious problems that will affect reproductive function.
They act as follows: the endometrium is rejected, so the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterine cavity. Be sure to take COCs very responsibly, because their action can cause bleeding.
- "Ovidon".
- "Non-Ovlon."
- "Silest".
- "Rigevidon".
Tablets after unprotected intercourse against pregnancy, the names of which are presented above, belong to the COC group. Please note that there are several contraindications to taking these medications. If you are diagnosed with at least one of them, then you should stop taking COCs. Contraindications include:
- thrombosis or a high probability of occurrence of this disease;
- congenital thrombophilia;
- stroke;
- cardiac ischemia;
- arterial hypertension;
- atrial fibrillation;
- septic endocarditis;
- age over thirty years (there is a possibility of developing cardiovascular diseases);
- smoking;
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- presence of viral hepatitis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- liver tumor;
- migraine;
- diabetes mellitus that lasts more than twenty years;
- breast cancer (this includes cases where the diagnosis is confirmed or only suspected);
- lactation period;
- pregnancy.
In all of the above cases, the use of COC drugs is strictly prohibited.
We have discussed how to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse with a COC tablet, now let’s talk a little about returning the proper functioning of the ovaries and the return of reproductive ability.
In 90% of cases, women were able to become pregnant within a year after stopping taking contraceptives. Do not worry that taking medications may somehow affect your future reproductive life. If you follow the instructions, then the possibility of getting pregnant after stopping the medicine is very high and taking it will not affect the development of pregnancy in any way.
Incorrectly taking a COC during pregnancy should not cause concern; this is not a reason for prescribing an abortion. Nevertheless, it is simply necessary to stop taking COCs so that pregnancy and fetal development proceed correctly.
Action of COC
This section will discuss the mechanism of action of birth control pills after unprotected intercourse (COC). These drugs can suppress the ovulation process, thicken the cervical mucus so that the movement of sperm becomes much more difficult, and change the endometrium, which is an obstacle to the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity.
This action is provided by a component included in the drug - progestogen. You can also find ethinyl estradiol in the composition, which ensures a normal menstrual cycle, that is, there should be no intermediate bleeding. The menstrual cycle should not be disrupted. In addition, it is worth knowing that when taking COCs, the ovaries do not produce estradiol, which is responsible for follicle growth. The substance ethinyl estradiol replaces it.
Emergency contraception regimen
The most popular are contraceptive pills after unprotected intercourse, the names of which are:
- "Postinor".
- "Gynepristone."
- "Ovidon".
Now we propose to get acquainted with the scheme of their use. Let's start with Postinor. This drug is available in one tablet per package. To reduce the likelihood of getting pregnant, you should purchase four packs. It should be taken according to this scheme:
- two tablets once within twelve hours after intercourse;
- one tablet twelve hours after the first dose;
- one tablet twelve hours after the second dose.
Within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, anti-pregnancy pills “Ginepriston” will prevent unwanted conception. It is very important to know that this drug is taken once. No re-appointment is required.
The drug "Ovidon", which we mentioned earlier in this section, should be taken in the following course:
- first you need to take two tablets at a time (please note that this must be done in the first 24 hours);
- repeat the dose after 12 hours.
Indications
Pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, the names of which were presented to your attention in the article, have a list of indications and contraindications. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the indications for use in this section. These include:
- spontaneous sex;
- skipping oral contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partner;
- a broken condom during sex;
- sexual intercourse while intoxicated;
- untimely interruption of contact if a condom is not used;
- negative attitude towards contraception;
- sexual violence.
These drugs contain a large number of hormones. At frequent use Serious health problems may arise. Gynecologists recommend using emergency measures to protect against unwanted pregnancy no more than three times a year. Before use, you must carefully read the instructions, familiarize yourself with contraindications and dosages. One of these issues will be considered right now.
Contraindications
Before you familiarize yourself with the contraindications for use, it is worth clarifying one fact: the more time has passed after sex, the greater the likelihood of pregnancy. The likelihood that anti-pregnancy pills will help after unprotected intercourse a week later is very low. It is recommended to take emergency contraception measures during the first three days.
Contraindications to their use include:
- liver diseases;
- age over thirty-five years;
- thromboembolism;
- migraine;
- age less than sixteen years;
- lactation;
- uterine bleeding;
- instability of the menstrual cycle;
- pregnancy;
- kidney disease;
- anemia;
- smoking (especially long-term smoking).
This issue should be treated with maximum responsibility, because the drugs are hormonal. They can greatly harm your health. Be sure to read the instructions that come with the medicine very carefully before use.
Side effects
Any woman must read the instructions for use of these drugs. This should be approached with great responsibility, because hormonal drugs can lead to a whole list of serious diseases and consequences. Some of them are incurable. Side effects after using emergency contraception include:
- infertility;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- thrombosis;
- Crohn's disease;
- irregularities in the menstrual cycle;
- stomachache;
- nausea;
- hormonal imbalances;
- severe fatigue;
- allergic reaction;
- emotional stress and so on.
Many women are interested in what anti-pregnancy pills will help after unprotected intercourse in a month? There are no such miracle drugs, since the period is already very long. In this case, you have to resort to the help of gynecologists to terminate the pregnancy using special drugs. Tablets for this procedure are not sold in pharmacies; they can only be obtained from a doctor and taken under his supervision. We propose to talk about this problem in the next section.
How is the medical abortion procedure performed?
Let us note right away that even this type of abortion has its own specific terms of usefulness and safety. It can be carried out up to the tenth obstetric week. A woman herself can easily calculate the last day of opportunity to terminate a pregnancy using medical abortion (sixty-three days from the first day of her last menstrual period). Going beyond these limits is highly discouraged; it is not only useless, but also very dangerous.
- familiarization (the woman signs papers stating that she is familiar with the rules of the procedure and possible complications);
- taking the drug (this drug completely blocks the production of progesterone);
- taking a prostaglandin drug (this step is not necessary, since in 99% of cases the fertilized egg comes out on its own and stimulation of this process is not required);
- ultrasonography.
It is also important to clarify what drugs are used for this method of abortion. As a rule, they are based on mifepristone. These include:
- "Mifegin."
- "Mifeprex."
- "Mifepristone."
- "Mifolian" and others.
Cost and reviews
In this section we will briefly look at the reviews and price of pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Feedback from women is numerous and varied. In 90% of cases when correct intake and compliance with the terms, women did not experience any discomfort and could get rid of an unwanted pregnancy.
Prices in Russia are shown in the table.
When purchasing any drug, read the instructions, dosage, indications, contraindications and composition.
With the current variety of contraceptives, from condoms and pills to intrauterine devices, the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy is reduced to almost zero.
However, dangerous situations occur: a damaged condom, uninterrupted sexual intercourse in the absence of any contraceptives... In such cases, there is also a method of protection - emergency contraception: birth control pills in the first 24 hours after intercourse can solve the problem.
What is emergency contraception
- any methods used to prevent the possibility of pregnancy a few days after unprotected intercourse.
Usually it means the oral use of certain drugs, but the list of methods and techniques of emergency contraception also includes, for example, the immediate introduction of a spiral (within one hundred and twenty hours after the act has taken place).
Usually, emergency contraception means a kind of miracle pill that will instantly eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. However, even in this area there are subtleties.
The most important thing: if you take birth control pills within 24 hours, their effectiveness will be the highest and will be up to 95%... but even in this case, sadly, the guarantee is not 100%.
The “magic pill” does not exist in just one form. The drugs are divided into two types, are based on different active ingredients and act according to different principles, albeit with the same result - stopping the possible development of pregnancy.
Types of birth control pills in the first 24 hours, their names:
- Tablets containing the substance levonorgestrel. These are: "" and "Postinor";
- Products based on another component, mifepristone - Zhenale, Agesta, Miropriston.
Both types of drugs affect the body in different ways.
The principle of action of drugs. The effect of both types of tablets has much in common - the development of ovulation is inhibited. Below are some differences.
Drugs whose active ingredient is levonorgestrel change the composition of the mucus in the cervical canal, making it difficult for sperm to pass through the canal. At the same time, two processes are launched that prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterus: the fallopian tubes are affected, the number of their contractions is reduced, and therefore the delivery of the egg occurs more slowly, and at the same time the composition of the endometrium of the uterus changes.
Mifepristone-based drugs also change the properties of the endometrium, preventing it from transforming into the required state, and increase uterine contractions in order to remove an egg that has not yet implanted.
Are vaginal tablets suitable for SOS cases? Most of existing vaginal contraceptives are not designed for emergency use after intercourse, since they have a completely different principle of action. Unfortunately, their effectiveness is unlikely to be greater than zero, which, however, is expected.
Review of emergency contraceptives
As is clear from the previous part of the article, emergency contraception is divided into types, represented by several different drugs with their own disadvantages and advantages. We should stop and look at some of them in more detail.
- Postinor. The product belongs to those containing levonorgestrel. Considered one of the best of its kind. The volume of active substance in one tablet is 0.75 mg, which is much higher than in tablets for “standard” contraception.
If you take the drug exactly according to the instructions, its effectiveness is at least 95%. However, the more time has passed since sexual intercourse, the less effective it will be and the higher the likelihood of still getting pregnant. At the end of the third day (i.e. after) its effectiveness is slightly more than fifty percent.
If you take these contraceptive pills within 24 hours after intercourse, and do not procrastinate, hoping for the best, then the effect is almost guaranteed.
Contraindications for Postinor are typical for conventional contraceptives. It is highly not recommended for cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, or any problems with blood clotting. The drug should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. From possible complications Bleeding from the uterus, abdominal pain, cycle disruptions, and migraines are noted.
- Escapelle. Belonging to the same group as the drug discussed above, this product contains twice as much active ingredient; Thus, it is enough to take just one tablet. The side effects and contraindications of these two drugs are almost completely the same, with the exception that Escapelle is contraindicated in Crohn's disease and jaundice.
- Mifepristone. Now we move on to consider another type of contraception - mifepristone-based pills. This remedy is unique in that it is suitable for use for medical abortion. Thus, even if you do not take it within the standard three days after unprotected sex, you can use the drug to terminate an existing pregnancy, but not later than six weeks. As such, it is used only under the supervision of doctors in a hospital. The drug contains 200 mg of the active ingredient of the same name. Due to the presence of many side effects, it can be used, even in the traditional way, only under the supervision of a doctor.
- Agesta. It is a complete analogue of the previous drug.
- Gynepristone. It differs from the two above-mentioned drugs only in the concentration of the active component, which does not allow for medical pregnancy. The drug is contraindicated in case of liver and kidney failure, otherwise the contraindications are the same as all the drugs described above. Side effects may include allergies and cycle disorders.
The Yuzpe method involves the use of typical combined contraceptive drugs as emergency drugs and consists of taking them in an increased dosage. The effectiveness of the method is clearly lower than that of full-fledged emergency contraceptives, but with the correct dosage calculation this method is quite workable.
Method of using tablets
The principle of using all drugs is the same - the faster, the better. The pill against unwanted pregnancy is taken within 24 hours after contact and in this case the result is almost guaranteed. The instructions indicate that the tablets are effective for three days after the act, but it also states that the later the drug was taken, the lower the likelihood of the result.
Benefits and Side Effects
Emergency contraception also has its advantages over planned contraception. For example, if we compare them with conventional combined hormonal drugs, in case of irregular sex life it is preferable to use a harmful pill once than to take slightly less harmful ones constantly - after all, both have an effect on hormonal levels.
The method of installing an intrauterine device has a serious drawback - the device is installed for a long time.
However, the side effects make you seriously think about whether it is worth using them at all or whether it would be better to take care reliable contraception in advance. These drugs have a serious effect on hormonal levels, disrupt the menstrual cycle, many of them have Negative influence on the cardiovascular system, increase the likelihood of thrombosis (much stronger than combined “scheduled” drugs).
If the second type of medication is used incorrectly, there is a risk of developing severe consequences, including the inability to become pregnant in the future.
Complications when taking such drugs are inevitable. Among the most common:
- From the digestive system - nausea and vomiting, diarrhea;
- Headaches and dizziness;
- Disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
- Uterine bleeding.
Due to the strong effect on hormonal levels, all medications should be taken only as directed by a doctor.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications to the use of these drugs is quite extensive. Among them:
- cardiovascular diseases,
- thrombosis,
- anemia,
- any abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys or liver,
- unstable cycle
- individual intolerance.
For any serious illnesses In chronic cases, these drugs are also prohibited.
During pregnancy and lactation, taking any hormonal medications, with rare exceptions prescribed by a doctor, is highly discouraged. This group of drugs is prohibited for use at all.
Where can I buy?
Most of the products on the list are sold in almost any pharmacy. However, no one will sell them without presenting a prescription - all drugs containing hormones are dispensed only as prescribed by a doctor.
Drug prices are not particularly high. Products containing levonorgestrel are usually sold for 300-350 rubles per package containing two or one (depending on the amount of the active component) tablets. However, in the case of tablets of another group containing mifepristone, the situation is different: due to the danger of their use, all such drugs, with the exception of gynepristone, sold for 350-400 rubles. per package, have a cost of 5000 and above.
Gynecologists have ambivalent views on these drugs. Considering reviews of many side effects with the development of complications that can affect life in the future, doctors would rather not recommend this method. However, they do not unequivocally suggest abandoning it either - there are situations when this option is preferable.
Conclusion
Of course, it would be better to avoid using these drugs. With so many existing methods To prevent pregnancy, it is better to choose something less hazardous to health, and to be on the safe side, you can combine several methods.
However, sadly, the use of pills in the first 24 hours of pregnancy may be the only adequate solution to some situations. For the future, it is worth remembering that using traditional methods of contraception, even scheduled hormonal pills, is much less harmful to health.
