It is usually customary to protect yourself before sexual intercourse, but different situations happen in life ... The condom burst ... Turned my head, and forgot about everything ... Interrupted intercourse did not work out ... There are doubts about the contraceptive used ...
For all these situations, there are emergency methods of protection called postcoital.
Such tablets can be taken within three days after intercourse. The performance will be the higher, the less time passes after the act.
Table of the effectiveness of contraceptives
To ensure that conception is prevented after unprotected intercourse, a large concentration of hormonal substances is required, so this option of contraceptives cannot be taken constantly. They are only for SOS cases. 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 the contact has taken place, but in this moment you or he is taking certain medicines that can cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus. These include:
- Antibiotics, especially tetracyclines.
- Contraceptives less than six months ago.
- Valproic acid and drugs based on it for the treatment of epilepsy.
- Steroids.
- Beta blockers.
- Antiviral.
- Antihelminthic.
Certain diseases, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, syphilis, rubella, serious disorders of the thyroid gland or kidneys, can also become indications. There is a chance of conception if you are taking oral contraceptives but missed a few doses. "Casual" one-night stands or abuse that you don't want to have a baby after are also good reasons for emergency protection.
Unplanned pregnancy is a very common event. Of all the cases of conception in the world, 66% are unplanned. Therefore, if you are sure that in any case you will interrupt the gestation, it is better to take 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 intercourse introduce an imbalance in the woman's body. In this case, there may be a deterioration in well-being.
- Nausea.
- Weakness, dizziness.
- Bleeding.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Stomach upset.
- Dryness in the vagina.
- Eruptions on the skin.
- Puffiness.
- Severe headaches.
- Violations in the blood circulation system, up to a heart attack.
In the future, you can observe changes in the monthly cycle, failures in menstruation. The consequences are especially pronounced after 35 years and in those women who smoke. If you use drugs too often, then over time there is a threat of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
The body will take time to recover and return to a balanced state. The optimal interval between tablets is three to six months..
Contraindications to emergency contraception are:
- Problems with blood clotting and a tendency to bleed.
- Young age - up to sixteen years.
- Lactation.
- Low hemoglobin.
- Serious liver and kidney disease.
Mechanism of action
You should know that contraceptives after sex have 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 ripen and come out, so conception does not occur in principle.
- Second group- does not allow an already fertilized egg to attach to the uterus, which for opponents of abortion and believers is equivalent to murder.
The first group includes drugs with a progestogen effect. They are similar to the 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 gestation. They also make the 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 contraceptives become useless.
The second group includes substances with an antiprogestogenic effect. They act 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 mucosa, which stop antigestagens. In parallel, they increase muscle contraction, pushing the zygote out of the organ cavity.
This group also includes intrauterine devices with copper. Their installation should take place no later than 120 hours after sex. 99% protection efficiency. The spiral 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. Also, not all women tolerate implantation well, the spiral causes uterine bleeding (24%), severe inflammation (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 intercourse.
Birth control pills after intercourse within 72 hours
Drugs that delay the release of the egg are released on the basis of levonorgestrel. Trade names may vary:
- Eskinor F.
- Escapelle.
- Gravistat.
- Microlute.
- Postinor.
Substances that protect the uterus from the fetal egg are made using mefipristone.
- Genale.
- Miropriston.
- Mifegin.
Another group is combined drugs with levonorgestrel and estradiol.. They are allowed to be taken as permanent oral contraceptives. Due to the presence of estradiol, they regulate the monthly cycle and lead to the onset of menstruation before the maturation of the egg - rejection of the endometrium. When used as an emergency, the dosage must be strictly observed so as not to cause uterine bleeding. These include:
- Triziston.
- Triquilar.
- Trinordiol.
- Gravistat 125.
- Klimonorm.
- Microgynon.
- Minisistron.
- Miranova.
- Anteovin.
- Silest.
- Non-Ovlon.
Despite the use of the same active substance, different drugs are tolerated differently. It depends on the auxiliary components, the degree of purification, the concentration of the active component. Consider the most effective in the opinion of women and physicians.
Good and effective birth control pills after the act: a list with names
Postinor
Counts the best drug efficacy and tolerability. Contains synthetic levonorgestrel, an analogue of the natural hormone. Helps to avoid unwanted pregnancy by slowing down ovulation. Good for women with regular cycles.
It is not used as a permanent contraceptive because it contains a higher dose of progestogen than conventional medicines for every day. However, less than in some drugs of similar action.
It is best to take the pill 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 after using the contraceptive, the dose is repeated. Due to the low concentration of the active substance, this combination is allowed twice a month.
Do not prescribe the drug to women with cholecystitis and liver disease. Treatment with antibiotics (tetracyclines and ampicillins) reduces the effectiveness of protection. After using Postinor, nausea is observed, there is a lack of menstruation 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. In this case, the efficiency will be different. If you drink two tablets at once within three days, then the probability of becoming pregnant will be 16%. When taken at intervals, it all depends on the timing of the start of treatment. By the last third day, the probability of protecting yourself from an unplanned pregnancy is only 58%.
At the same time, it must be understood that the expression side effects at a double dose is much higher. They consist of migraine and loss of consciousness, weakness, pain in the lower abdomen and nausea, bleeding in 10% of cases and more often.
There is evidence of a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment in obesity. Do not use Escapel 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 begun, the medicine will not affect the baby. Three hundred rubles costs one pack of 2 pieces of 0, 75 or one piece of 1.5 mg.
Ginepriston
Includes 10 milligrams of mifepristone. According to studies, this is the optimal dose, increasing the concentration does not increase the effectiveness of the drug. Pills work by blocking the receptors for progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy. As a result, the body does not undergo the changes necessary to start the development of the baby. 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 kidney failure. The action is opposite to glucocorticosteroids (inhalations for asthma, drugs for the treatment of joints), therefore, Ginepristone is not used during 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 Ginepristone tablets. One tablet costs 180 rubles.
Mifepristone
Mifepristone concentrated preparation - 10 or 200 mg in each pill. It is used not only for protection, but also for medical abortion, up to 1.5 months of pregnancy, as well as stimulation of childbirth. The active substance does not allow the egg to be fixed, delays ovulation, significantly increases the contractile activity of the uterus. In combination with prostaglandin, the strength of the muscles 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, diarrhea. Counts strong drug dispensed at the pharmacy by prescription.
Combined birth control pills after sex
Ovidon
Combined agent based on ethinylestradiol (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. It works as efficiently as possible - 100% obstacle to pregnancy.
However, there is a large list of contraindications, including:
- Feeding a child.
- Pathology of the heart.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Thrombosis.
- anemia.
- Diseases of the gallbladder.
For permanent oral contraception, one tablet is used, and for urgent, up to 4 tablets at once, for example, 2 tablets with a break of 12 hours.
Consequences of taking postcoital contraceptive pills
You should carefully approach the choice of partners and monitor your safety. Unprotected intercourse is dangerous for a woman with its consequences, both in the case of an abortion and in emergency care. The use of postcoital contraception can permanently unsettle and damage health. Many women experience:
- Severe paroxysmal migraine headaches.
- Violations of the cycle with delays up to a week or more.
- Bleeding after taking and in between periods.
- Problems with bearing up to infertility.
- Thrombus formation.
- risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Therefore, whenever possible, the use of these drugs should be reduced or completely eliminated. If the reception cannot be avoided, then you should carefully study the contraindications and accurately calculate the dose, not exceeding it.
Contraceptives for emergency contraception were invented specifically for emergency cases. It doesn't matter what happened - whether the condom broke, she forgot to take the pill, or intimacy was undesirable 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 the use of pills for emergency contraception. How to use such drugs correctly and what should you know about the mechanism of their action?
Can you get pregnant if a condom breaks?
The answer to this question depends on what day of the cycle the unplanned sexual intercourse happened:
- Intimacy in the first 7 days of the cycle is unlikely to lead to an unwanted pregnancy. During this period, the mucous membrane of the uterus is rejected, and monthly bleeding occurs. The maturation of the follicles has not yet begun, and the spermatozoa live in the genital tract of a woman 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 in terms close to ovulation (7-14 days), with a high degree of probability, will lead to the conception of a child. During this period, the maturation of follicles and ovulation occurs. The egg that came out of the ovary has every chance of meeting with the sperm, and fertilization will occur.
- Sexual intercourse in the second phase of the menstrual cycle (14-28 days) does not threaten unwanted conception of a child. The egg cell dies 24 hours after leaving the ovary. After the death of the egg, a corpus luteum is formed. It is impossible to conceive a child during this period.
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 sure that she has already ovulated, and more than 24 hours have passed since then. Women who use natural methods of contraception (fertility recognition method) probably know the date of ovulation. In other situations, it is quite difficult to catch the moment the egg leaves the ovary. Any failure of the cycle can lead to the fact that ovulation will be postponed indefinitely, and all calculations on the calendar will be incorrect.
When in doubt, it is better to take an emergency contraceptive pill than to have an abortion in case of a confirmed pregnancy.
How often can I take emergency contraceptive pills?
The instructions for preparations 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 contraceptives are ambulance in case of emergency, and not a routine method of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Experienced doctors do not advise their patients to get involved in such drugs that cause significant harm to reproductive health.
One gynecologist, when asked "How often can I take postcoital pills?" answered categorically: "Once in a lifetime!". There is some truth in this, because the more often a woman drinks such drugs, the higher the risk of complications in the form of menstrual irregularities.
When should you take emergency contraception?
- Unprotected intercourse, when contraceptives were not used at all.
- Cases of sexual violence where a woman was not able to protect herself from an unwanted pregnancy.
- Situations in which there is reason to believe that the contraceptives used were ineffective.
On the last point, they highlight:
- Missed an appointment more than twice in a row.
- Pass more than 3 hours.
- Delayed administration (the timing depends on the specific drug).
- dropout or .
- Displacement or damage to the diaphragm or cap on the cervix.
- Rip or slip.
- Attempted coitus interruptus, ending with ejaculation in the vagina or on the external genitalia.
- Incomplete dissolution of spermicide before intercourse.
- Incorrect determination of safe days when using natural methods contraception.
When is it too late?
Emergency contraceptives must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The optimal effect is achieved if the tablet was 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 drink pills strictly according to the instructions.
When can I take the postcoital pill again?
The scheme of application depends on the chosen drug:
- Postinor should be drunk 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 needed.
- The Yuzpe method uses COCs as emergency contraceptives. The first dose is taken 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The second dose is given 12 hours after the first tablet intake.
As for the interval between repeated use of emergency contraceptives, here the opinion of doctors is unambiguous: the more the better. At least a month should elapse between taking postcoital tablets.
Which emergency contraceptive pill is best?
All postcoital drugs 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 leaving Postinor, giving priority to new drugs - Escapel and Mifepristone. These drugs need to be taken once, and thus there is no risk of insufficient effect from a forgotten second pill.
All of these tools have a large number side effects, so it is quite difficult to distinguish among them the safe one.
How much do pills cost after unprotected intercourse?
The price of the drug depends on its type and manufacturer:
- The average cost of Postinor and Escapel is 300-500 rubles.
- Preparations based on mifepristone will cost 350-600 rubles.
Can COCs be used for emergency contraception?
Such a scheme was developed in 1977, but it is not very popular. According to the Yuzpe method, you should:
- Drink 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 μg of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) taken in two doses (4 tablets of the drug) are used at once. Such means are suitable: Microgynon, Rigevidon.
Such a scheme is not popular in Russia, as there are more convenient and affordable means.
Do emergency contraceptive pills protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No, these drugs only protect against pregnancy, but do not protect against infections. Pathogenic microorganisms easily penetrate the female genital tract and cause dangerous diseases. The following remedies will help reduce the risk of infection to some extent:
- Hexicon (candles).
- Betadine (candles).
- Miramistin (spray).
Antiseptics should be used in the first hours after unprotected 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: if there is no effect, you need to think about terminating the pregnancy. Against the background of the use of the drug, there is a high risk of congenital malformations in the fetus.
Means based on levonorgestrel (Escapel and Postinor) are contraindicated in pregnancy, however, data on the adverse effects of drugs on the fetus have not been identified.
Can breastfeeding mothers drink emergency contraceptive pills?
According to the instructions, drugs for postcoital use penetrate into breast milk and are considered unsafe for the child. Nursing mothers are not allowed to drink such drugs. If there is an urgent need to take a contraceptive, you need to stop breastfeeding:
- for 24 hours for drugs based on levonorgesterl (Escapel, Postinor);
- for 14 days for mifepristone.
Are emergency contraceptive pills abortive?
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 of an abortive effect.
- In the second phase of the cycle, the tablets prevent the implantation of the ovum into the uterine cavity. In this situation, a miscarriage occurs for up to 7 days. This is considered an abortive effect of the drug.
Important! After the onset of implantation, emergency contraceptive methods are not used.
The effectiveness of drugs used after unprotected intercourse is 85-95%. Despite all the possible disadvantages, such funds are considered the best alternative to abortion. Even if the drug leads to an abortion as a result of a violation of the implantation of the ovum, this will be the best outcome for the woman. In this situation, the abortion will occur at a very early stage and will take place with minimal consequences for reproductive health. On the contrary, termination of pregnancy at a later date (after a delay in menstruation) threatens with serious health problems, including infertility.
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Pregnancy is the most joyful and wonderful life period 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 kind of anti-pregnancy pills are after an unprotected act. You will learn how these drugs are used and whether they can be used regularly. It is also worth mentioning what the price of such drugs is and their name will be indicated below.
A bit of anatomy: how conception occurs
To begin with, it is worth finding out in what way conception is performed, as a result of which a child can be born. On average, once a month, the average woman undergoes hormonal changes in the body. The production of estrogen is replaced by progesterone, and an egg is released from the follicle. If sexual intercourse occurs at this point, pregnancy may occur. Also, conception can take place if the sperm enters the woman's body a few days before or after the rupture of the follicle.
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, then the fetal 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 persists.
How can you interrupt the conception that has taken place?
Currently, there are many ways to stop the development of the embryo. It is worth noting that in this case it is better not to engage in amateur activities. Otherwise, you can earn serious health problems.
One of the most popular ways to terminate a pregnancy is curettage or vacuum aspiration. During the procedure, the doctor removes the fetal egg and part of the endometrium from the uterus. Such manipulation is carried out up to 12 weeks of embryo development.
You can also use medication. In this case, a prerequisite is a delay in menstruation no more than forty days. After taking certain drugs, the endometrium with the fetal egg is rejected in a woman and menstruation begins.
There are also special emergency methods of contraception. In this case, the remedy is taken a few hours after unprotected intercourse. As a result of the action of drugs, a woman begins to restructure hormones, and menstrual bleeding occurs.
Emergency methods of contraception
There are several that allow you to terminate a pregnancy even before the fetal egg is fixed on the wall of the uterus. Pills against pregnancy after an unprotected intercourse have a different effect and method of use. Remember that you can not use these drugs as a permanent protection against unwanted conception. Anti-pregnancy pills should be used after an unprotected intercourse only in emergency cases. Otherwise, you can get serious health problems. Consider what drugs exist for emergency interruption of the development of the fetal egg.
The drug "Postinor"
This product contains a synthetic progestin. It is this component that has an effect on the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and the state of the endometrium. Under the influence of a substance called levonorgestrel, the fallopian tubes reduce their mobility and slow down the activity of a fertilized egg. As a result, the fetal egg dies before it reaches the uterine cavity. If the set of gametes descended into the reproductive organ, then levonorgestrel changes the state of the endometrium. The egg is simply not able to attach to such a cavity.
Tablets "Postinor" should be taken two capsules every 12 hours. This is the duration of the above substance. The first pill must be drunk no later than 16 hours after intercourse. The course of drug use is three days. During this period, the woman should begin menstrual bleeding. Only then is emergency contraception considered successful.
Tablets "Postinor", the price of which is approximately 250 rubles, can be purchased at any pharmacy chain. It is worth noting that in one package of the drug there are only two capsules. This means that for the course you will need 6 packs. For Postinor tablets, the price in this case increases and amounts to about 1,500 rubles.
The drug "Escapel"
These tablets are also based on the action of a substance called levonorgestrel. However, here the dosage of the drug is somewhat different. A woman needs to take one tablet within a day after sexual intercourse. Next, repeat the procedure twice with a difference of 24 hours.
For tablets "Escapel" the price is in the range from 250 to 300 rubles. The pack contains one capsule. This means that for the full course you will need three packs of Escapel 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 remedy has the same effect as the Escapel tablets. After taking the drug, the reverse transformation of the endometrium and a decrease in the activity of the fallopian tubes begin.
It is worth noting that this drug is less popular than the first two analogues. However, this does not mean that the effect of the drug will not be so effective.
Preparations containing mifetpriston
Anti-pregnancy pills after an unprotected intercourse may have a slightly different effect. Such drugs include the following: "Mifegin", "Zhenale", "Miropriston" and others. It is worth noting that these funds are most often used for The active substance of such drugs changes the transformation of the endometrium and enhances contractions reproductive organ. Under such influence, the endometrium is rejected and the egg is released from the female body.
Unlike preparations containing levonorgestrel, mifepristone tablets are able to interrupt even after a missed period. So the woman has time to take correct solution. These contraceptive pills after sexual intercourse are taken once. In this case, it is necessary to first obtain the approval of a doctor for such a correction. If the drug was not taken within the first three days after the sperm enters the woman's body, then the patient will need additional ones that block the production of progesterone.
These products containing mifepristone are slightly more expensive than previous medicines. So, one package can cost you from 1500 to 3000 rubles.
Alternative method of emergency interruption of egg development
In addition to the above, there are drugs (contraceptives) to prevent unwanted conception after intercourse. These include the most common. However, doctors strongly do not recommend using similar way due to possible side effects and complications. These drugs include the following drugs: birth control pills "Yarina", "Logest", "Novinet" and others.
Use them 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 that, you should calculate how many capsules you need to drink at one time to achieve the desired dose (as in Postinor tablets and its analogues). The average woman needs two to five capsules. You need to drink them every 12 hours for three days.
How effective are pregnancy pills?
It should be noted that drugs that interrupt the development of the embryo at the most early dates have different efficiencies. A lot depends on when the medicine was taken. So, if you follow the instructions and drink the first dose immediately after intercourse, then 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 disturbed or you are very late with the use of the first dose, then the probability of a successful outcome will be from 50 to 70 percent.
It is worth recalling that if abortion at the earliest possible time with the help of the above drugs failed, then doctors strongly recommend scraping. The thing is that these drugs affect not only female body. The substances that make up the tablets have a detrimental effect on the condition of the fetal egg. If you want to leave the future baby, then be prepared for the fact that the child will be born sick or will have some deviations.
and prices
In order to avoid the need to use drugs for emergency contraception, it is necessary to take care of the 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 be different and range from 200 to 2000 rubles.
Absolutely all means that protect against pregnancy are divided into combined oral contraceptives and mini-pills. The latter contain a small dose of hormones and not all women are able to block ovulation. However, it is worth noting that such funds are the only tablets allowed to be taken during the period breastfeeding. Mini-pill drugs include the following:
- tablets "Charozetta" (they cost about 800 rubles);
- the drug "Laktinet" (price about 600 rubles);
- pills "Orgametril" (cost from 1000 rubles) and many others.
The action of combined oral contraceptives is somewhat different. Such drugs completely block the work of the ovaries, preventing ovulation. The active substance of the tablets thickens the cervical mucus, preventing spermatozoa from entering the uterine cavity and surviving there. In addition, hormonal drugs affect the state 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.
Monophasic agents include the following:
- tablets "Regulon" (cost from 300 rubles);
- pills "Janine" (about 800 rubles);
- contraceptive pills "35 Diana" (price from 1000 rubles) and others.
Biphasic contraceptives include Regvidon tablets (they cost from 200 rubles) and other drugs.
Triphasic birth control pills include the following:
- pills "Three-Regol" (cost from 200 rubles);
- capsules "Three-Merci" (price from 400 rubles).
Also, contraceptives may differ in the content of hormonal substances. So, tablets are microdosed and low-dose. There is also a group of high-dose drugs.
Microdosed include:
- tablets "Novinet" (cost from 500 rubles);
- the drug "Logest" (the price is about 900 rubles);
- pills "Jess" (cost within 1000) and others.
Low dose drugs are:
- birth control pills "Yarina" (price from 700 rubles);
- drug "Diana 35" (cost from 1000 rubles);
- means "Zhanin" (they cost within 1000 rubles) and others.
Such drugs are more often prescribed to women who have given birth or ladies after 30 years.
High-dose drugs have the following names:
- tablets "Trikvilar" (price about 500 rubles);
- the drug "Non-ovlon" (cost about 700 rubles) and so on.
In the work brought to your attention, we will consider pills against pregnancy after an unprotected act. Let's start with the fact that unwanted pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon in our country. At the same time, the position of the girl in society does not matter at all.
Sociologists noted that half of the pregnancies in Russia are unplanned. And a quarter of all cases are perceived by future parents as highly undesirable. Very often, women resort to artificial interruption (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 an unprotected act, the names of which we will consider in the article.
What drugs can be used?
Anything can happen in our life, but, unfortunately, few people remember about safe sex. Pay attention to the fact that it is simply necessary to protect yourself with non-permanent partners. This will protect you not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from the mass 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 a woman and a man.
Birth control pills after an unprotected intercourse will only prevent an unplanned pregnancy. This method of contraception can only be used with a regular sexual partner that you are sure of. A woman who is not protected during sex and does not plan to have a baby in the near future is simply obliged to always have drugs with her that can prevent pregnancy, since this event is not currently desired.
What birth control pills to take after an unprotected intercourse, we will consider 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 exclude the appearance of allergies).
Use oral contraceptives with great caution. To exclude side effects and the occurrence of health problems, you should contact a specialist so that he selects the drug that is the least dangerous and most suitable for you.
Pills against pregnancy after an unprotected intercourse is an emergency measure to prevent an undesirable phenomenon. To avoid pregnancy, it is necessary to take a special drug in the near future. Please note that these drugs should not 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 the 5th to the 7th and from the 16th to the 28th. This example is given for a menstrual cycle of twenty-eight days, provided that it is constant. If your menstrual cycle is unstable, then this method of contraception will not work for you. With this problem, you should definitely contact a gynecologist to find out the cause of this phenomenon.
When choosing an emergency contraceptive, pay attention to the following points:
- contraindications;
- application scheme;
- duration of use;
- regularity;
- compound.
All this will help you avoid unpleasant consequences after application. Please note that this method is effective only in the very early stages. That is, the earlier you take the pill, the less likely you are to get pregnant. For example, if you drank 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 an unprotected act of pregnancy, the names of which will be presented in this section of the article, help if they are used within a day after sex on fertile days. Pay attention to the fact that there are drugs that need to be taken once, but there are also those that should be taken according to the scheme 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 an unprotected intercourse, then the probability of preventing an adverse 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 that you should take. For the first two drugs 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 norm is highly discouraged to prevent unpleasant consequences.
There are also some anti-pregnancy pills after unprotected intercourse that are worth taking within twenty-four hours. These include drugs based on levonorgestrel or mifepristone. For emergency use, drugs can be used:
- Eskinor F.
- "Postinor".
- Escapelle.
- "Mifetin".
- "Mytholian".
- "Ginepriston".
- "Genele".
Tablets against pregnancy after an unprotected act "Postinor", "Eskinor F" and "Escapel" contain levonorgestrel as the main component. Now we will consider the effect of drugs. It is based on the fact that the efficiency of the uterus decreases, which produces fewer hormones than is necessary for fertilization. As a result, the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus and dies. If she nevertheless reached 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.
In the next three drugs from our list, the main component is mifepristone. This substance can cause uterine contractions and changes in the endometrium. These are new generation drugs, if you take one pill, then the egg will not be able to gain a foothold in the uterine cavity and will come out.
In any case, you can not use these drugs often, so as not to harm your health and not harm the functions of the ovaries, which can later lead to infertility.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
What other anti-pregnancy pills exist after an 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 it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and scheme of application. 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 rejection of the endometrium occurs, so the fertilized egg will not be able to gain a foothold in the uterine cavity. Be sure to take COCs very responsibly, because their action can cause bleeding.
- Ovidon.
- "Non-Ovlon".
- "Silest".
- "Rigevidon".
Tablets after an unprotected act of pregnancy, the names of which are presented above, belong to the COC group. Note that there are several contraindications to taking these drugs. If you have found 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 more than thirty years (there is a possibility of occurrence of cardiovascular diseases);
- smoking;
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- the 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 preparations is strictly prohibited.
We have discussed how to prevent pregnancy after an unprotected intercourse with a COC tablet, now we will talk a little about the return of the proper functioning of the ovaries and the return of reproductive capacity.
In 90% of cases, women were able to become pregnant within a year after stopping taking contraceptives. Do not worry that taking drugs can somehow affect your future reproductive life. If you follow the instructions, then the possibility of becoming pregnant after discontinuing the medication is very high and the intake will not affect the development of pregnancy in any way.
The erroneous use of the COC drug during pregnancy should not cause anxiety, this is not the reason for the appointment for an abortion. Nevertheless, it is simply necessary to refuse to take COCs so that pregnancy and fetal development take place correctly.
Action COC
This section will discuss the mechanism of action of contraceptive pills after unprotected intercourse (COCs). These drugs are able to suppress the process of ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus so that the movement of spermatozoa is much more complicated, change the endometrium, which is an obstacle to the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity.
This action provides a component that is part of the drug - progestogen. Also in the composition you can find ethinyl estradiol, which provides a normal menstrual cycle, that is, there should be no intermediate bleeding. The menstrual cycle should not go astray. In addition, it is worth knowing that when taking COCs, estradiol is not produced in the ovaries, which is responsible for the growth of the follicle. The substance ethinylestradiol replaces it.
Emergency contraception regimen
The most popular contraceptive pills after an unprotected act, the names of which are:
- "Postinor".
- "Ginepriston".
- 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 pack. For the least chance of getting pregnant, you should purchase four packs. It is worth taking according to this scheme:
- two tablets once within twelve hours after sexual intercourse;
- one tablet twelve hours after the first dose;
- one tablet twelve hours after the second dose.
Within 72 hours after an unprotected intercourse, Ginepristone anti-pregnancy pills will prevent unwanted conception. It is very important to know that this drug is taken once. Re-admission is not required.
The drug "Ovidon", which we mentioned earlier in this section, should be taken in a course:
- first you need to take two tablets at a time (note that this must be done in the first 24 hours);
- repeat the reception after 12 hours.
Indications
Pills against pregnancy after an unprotected act, 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;
- torn condom during sex;
- sexual intercourse while intoxicated;
- untimely interruption of contact if a condom is not used;
- negative attitude towards contraceptives;
- sexual abuse.
These preparations contain a large number of hormones. At frequent use serious health problems may arise. Gynecologists recommend using emergency protection against unwanted pregnancy no more than three times a year. Before use, you must carefully read the instructions, familiarize yourself with the contraindications and dosages. One of these questions will be considered right now.
Contraindications
Before you get acquainted 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 pregnancy pills will help after an unprotected intercourse a week later is very small. It is recommended to take emergency contraceptive measures during the first three days.
Contraindications to their use include:
- liver disease;
- over thirty-five years of age;
- thromboembolism;
- migraine;
- age less than sixteen years;
- lactation;
- uterine bleeding;
- instability of the menstrual cycle;
- pregnancy;
- kidney disease;
- anemia;
- smoking (especially long experience).
This issue should be taken with the utmost responsibility, because the drugs are hormonal. They can be very harmful to health. Be sure to carefully read the instructions that come with the medicine before use.
Side effects
Any woman is obliged to read the instructions for the 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;
- violations in the menstrual cycle;
- stomachache;
- nausea;
- hormonal disruptions;
- severe fatigue;
- allergic reaction;
- emotional stress and so on.
Many women are interested in - what anti-pregnancy pills will help after an unprotected act in a month? Such miraculous drugs do not exist, since the period is already very long. In this case, you have to resort to the help of gynecologists to terminate the pregnancy with the help of special drugs. Tablets for this procedure are not sold in pharmacies, they can only be obtained from a doctor and drunk under his supervision. We propose to discuss this issue in the next section.
How is a medical abortion procedure performed?
We note right away that even this type of abortion has its own specific terms of usefulness and safety. It can be held up to the tenth obstetric week. A woman herself can easily calculate the last day of the opportunity to terminate a pregnancy with a medical abortion (sixty-three days from the first day of the last menstruation). Going beyond these limits is highly discouraged, it is not only useless, but also very dangerous.
- familiarization (a woman signs papers stating that she is familiar with the rules and possible complications);
- taking the drug (this drug completely blocks the production of progesterone);
- taking a prostaglandin preparation (the stage is not mandatory, since in 99% of cases the fetal egg comes out on its own and stimulation of this process is not required);
- ultrasonography.
It is important to clarify what drugs are used in 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 review the reviews and price of anti-pregnancy pills after an unprotected intercourse. Reviews of women are numerous and varied. In 90% of cases with correct reception and meeting the deadlines, women did not experience any discomfort and could get rid of unwanted pregnancies.
Prices in Russia are shown in the table.
When buying any drug, read the instructions, dosage, indications, contraindications and composition.
With the current variety of contraceptives, from condoms and pills to the intrauterine device, the chance of an unwanted pregnancy is reduced to almost zero.
However, dangerous situations happen: a damaged condom, sexual intercourse not interrupted in time in the absence of any contraceptives ... In such a case, there is also a method of protection - emergency contraception: birth control pills in the first 24 hours after the act 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 use of some drugs orally, however, the list of methods and methods of urgent contraception also includes, for example, the immediate introduction of a spiral (within one hundred and twenty hours after the act took place).
Usually, under the means related to the emergency contraception section, they understand some kind of miracle pill that will instantly eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. However, even in this area there are subtleties.
Most importantly, 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 one hundred percent.
The "magic pill" does not exist in a single form. The drugs are divided into two types, based on different active substances and have effects 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 name:
- Tablets containing the substance levonorgestrel. These are: "" and "Postinor";
- Means based on another component, mifepristone - Genale, Agesta, Miropristone.
Both types of drugs act on the body in different ways.
The principle of action of drugs. The action of both types of pills has much in common - the development of ovulation is inhibited. Further there are some differences.
Means whose active ingredient is levonorgestrel change the composition of the mucus of 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 decreases, and therefore the delivery of the egg is slower, and 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 necessary state, and increase uterine contractions in order to remove an egg that has not had time to attach.
Are vaginal tablets suitable for SOS cases? Most of existing vaginal contraceptives are not designed for emergency use after an act, since they have a completely different principle of action. Unfortunately, their efficiency is unlikely to be greater than zero, which, however, is expected.
Overview of emergency contraceptives
As is clear from the previous part of the article, emergency contraceptives are divided into types, represented by several different drugs with their own disadvantages and advantages. Let's stop and consider some of them in more detail.
- Postinor. The drug refers to containing levonorgestrel. Considered one of the best of its kind. The volume of the 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 intercourse, the less effective it will be and the higher the likelihood of getting pregnant. At the end of the third day (i.e. later), its effectiveness is slightly more than fifty percent.
If you take these contraceptive pills after the act within 24 hours, and do not play for time, hoping for the best, then the effect is almost guaranteed.
Postinor's contraindications are typical for conventional contraceptives. It is highly not recommended for cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, any problems with blood clotting. The drug is strictly forbidden to take during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. From possible complications bleeding from the uterus, abdominal pain, cycle failures, migraines are noted.
- Escapelle. Referring to the same group as the drug discussed above, this remedy contains twice as much active ingredient; thus, it is enough to take just one tablet. The side effects and contraindications of these two remedies are almost exactly the same, except that Escapel is contraindicated in Crohn's disease and jaundice.
- mifepristone. Now we turn to another type of contraception - tablets based on mifepristone. This remedy is unique in that it is suitable for use in 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 the onset of pregnancy, but no later than six weeks. In this capacity, 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 physician.
- Agesta. It is a complete analogue of the previous drug.
- Ginepriston. It differs from the two above funds only in the concentration of the active ingredient, which does not allow medical pregnancy. The drug is contraindicated in hepatic and renal insufficiency, otherwise the contraindications coincide with all the above drugs. Side effects can include allergies and cycle disorders.
The Yuzpe method involves the use of typical combined contraceptive drugs as an emergency and consists in 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 calculation of the dosage, this method is quite efficient.
Method of application of tablets
The principle of application of all drugs is the same - the sooner the better. An unwanted pregnancy pill is taken within 24 hours of contact, in which case the result is almost guaranteed. The instructions indicate that the pills are valid for three days after the act, but it also indicates that the later the drug was taken, the lower the likelihood of a result.
Benefits and Side Effects
There are emergency contraceptives and their advantages in comparison with the planned ones. For example, when compared with conventional combined hormonal drugs, in the case of an irregular sexual life, it is preferable to use a harmful pill once than to take a slightly less harmful one all the time - after all, both have an effect on the hormonal background.
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 it would be better to take care of them. reliable contraception in advance. These drugs have a serious effect on the hormonal background, knock down the menstrual cycle, many of them have Negative influence on the cardiovascular system, increase the likelihood of thrombosis (much stronger than the combined "planned" drugs).
If the second type of funds is used incorrectly, there is a danger of developing serious consequences, up to the impossibility of becoming pregnant in the future.
Complications when taking such drugs are inevitable. Among the most frequent:
- From the digestive system - nausea and vomiting, diarrhea;
- Headaches and dizziness;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- Uterine bleeding.
Due to the strong effect on the hormonal background, all drugs 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 disorders in the functioning of the kidneys or liver,
- unstable cycle,
- individual intolerance.
For any serious illnesses chronic course, these funds are also prohibited.
During pregnancy and lactation, any hormonal drugs, with rare exceptions prescribed by a doctor, are highly discouraged. This group of drugs is prohibited for use in general.
Where can I buy?
Most of the funds from the list are sold in almost any pharmacy. However, no one will sell them without presenting a prescription - all preparations containing hormones are released only on prescription.
Medicine prices are not particularly high. Products containing levonorgestrel are usually sold for 300-350 rubles for a package containing two or one (depending on the amount of the active ingredient) 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 ginepristone, which is sold for 350-400 rubles. per package, have a cost of 5000 and above.
Gynecologists treat these funds ambiguously. Given the reviews about the many side effects with the development of complications that can affect life in the future, doctors rather do not recommend this method. However, they also do not offer to unambiguously refuse it - there are situations when this way out is preferable.
Conclusion
Of course, the use of these funds would be best avoided. With so many existing methods Pregnancy protection is better to choose something less hazardous to health, and for reliability, you can combine several methods.
However, sadly, the use of tablets in the first 24 hours of pregnancy may be the only adequate solution for some situations. For the future, it is worth remembering that using traditional methods of contraception, even planned hormonal pills, is much less harmful to health.
