Emergency contraception: modern methods and folk remedies. Birth control pills after intercourse

In a woman's life, unprotected intimacy occurs, after which emergency contraception is necessary to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. In gynecological practice they use pills against unwanted pregnancy, folk remedies with a similar effect, spirals.

Indications for emergency contraception

For about thirty years, emergency contraception methods have been studied by doctors, many of them have proven their effectiveness and their tolerability by women. Their gynecologists recommended after sexual intercourse, the consequences of which can lead to unwanted pregnancy, namely the following situations:

• there was no planned protection;
• there has been a shift in barrier contraceptive devices;
• the condom broke;
• oral contraceptives have not been taken for at least two days;
• long-acting injection was not given;
• the spermicidal tablet did not have time to dissolve;
• ejaculation (during interruption of sexual intercourse) partially occurred in the vagina;
• incorrect definition of the “safe” period if a calendar method of protection was used;
• rape occurred.

Types of emergency contraception

If a woman does not plan pregnancy and childbirth, she should know types of emergency contraception. These include:

• intrauterine devices;
• traditional methods;
• hormonal drugs, tablets.

Timely emergency postcoital contraception will help avoid fertilization of the egg. It is enough to have an idea of ​​the features of each of the possible protection options and be able to use them.

Intrauterine devices

There are reliable methods of contraception that are not medicinal. You can protect a woman from pregnancy that she does not plan with the help. This procedure is performed by a doctor within 5 days after intimacy, during which there were no means of protection.

The mechanical device provides a protective effect of 99%. IUD for emergency contraception used for women with children, victims of rape, and teenage girls.

Traditional methods

An alternative to traditional (medical) methods are folk remedies for emergency contraception. It is worth noting that they do not provide a guaranteed result. They are used when there is no opportunity to use medications.

The most effective among “grandmother’s recipes” are:

• Douching using a weak solution of fresh lemon juice. To do this, mix 200 ml of water with the juice of one large lemon and wash the vagina. To avoid disruption of the microflora, after douching, the mucous membranes must be thoroughly rinsed.
• Douching with a very weak solution of potassium permanganate. The protective effect of this procedure is about 60%, but this method must be used extremely carefully. If the concentration of the solution is incorrect, it can only cause harm. The solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:18. After douching, the genitals should be washed using mild soap for intimate hygiene.
• A slice of peeled lemon inserted into the vagina immediately after intimacy is a dangerous but effective method. Under the influence of acid, emergency contraception will occur in a few seconds. Next, the pulp is removed, and the genitals should be washed with warm water and soap.
• Dangerous methods of protection include inserting a small piece of laundry soap into the vagina. After 15-20 seconds it is removed, the mucous membranes must be rinsed well. After this, it is advisable to treat them with a special moisturizer.
• For immediate protection, use an aspirin tablet. The effectiveness of its protection is about 60%.

All of the above methods of emergency intervention have a certain effect only within 5-7 minutes after intercourse. They disrupt the acid-base balance in the vagina, which has a detrimental effect on sperm, they lose the ability to fertilize.

Traditional methods have the same destructive effect on the mucous membranes of the female genital organs. You can use them extremely rarely, and do not combine them for protection purposes. After using them, you need to contact your gynecologist and talk about contraception performed in a similar way.

Emergency contraception using hormonal pills

Emergency contraception is effective with the help of hormonal drugs. They contain hormones that have a suppressive effect on the maturation of the egg, inhibit the penetration of the fertilized egg into the uterus, and reject it from the uterus, disrupting the implantation process.

Hormonal pills work in different ways. They cannot be used constantly; these are emergency contraceptive drugs.

If there is a risk of becoming pregnant after sexual intercourse, it is important take the pills right away after him. Their effectiveness in the first hours of admission is 94%, by the end of the third day the probability of protecting everything 57% . When resorting to emergency contraception using pills, you need to take into account the rules of administration and possible contraindications.

Applying hormonal remedies at home, You need to know that there are drug options:

• Only 1 tablet is needed to protect against possible pregnancy;
• The drug is required to be taken according to the regimen for 3 days, up to 6 tablets.

The choice of emergency contraceptive measures depends on the length of time after the act.

All contraceptive pills after an act that may have consequences must be taken strictly according to the instructions, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and possible complications.

Taking a hormonal contraceptive during the day

There are medications that will provide reliable protection if taken immediately after intimacy or within twelve hours after it. List of names of such drugs:

• Ovidon – 2 tablets;
• Non-Ovlon – 2 tablets;
• Ministison – 3 tablets;
• Rigevidon – 3 tablets;
• Marvelon – 4 tablets.

Reliably protect tablets that contain an artificial analogue of progesterone - levonorgestrel. These are the drugs Eskinor F, Escapelle, Postinor. The action of these drugs is based on decreased egg activity after ovulation,reducing the speed of movement of the fallopian tubes.

The egg dies under the influence of these hormonal contraceptives before reaching the uterine cavity. Even if the egg has penetrated the uterus, the mucous membrane is rejected and it is not able to implant.

Protection after the act for 72 hours

This group includes combined oral medications that contain a high concentration of hormones (estrogen, gestagen). They should be used according to the schedule in a certain dosage. They cause the endometrium to slough and cause bleeding.

Non-hormonal pills as a means of protection

Emergency contraception is possible using the latest drugs that do not contain hormones. The active ingredient is mifepristone. These drugs are: Zhenale, Mifolian, Mifetin, Ginepristone.

Their action is based on changing the inner lining of the uterus and increasing its contractile activity. As a result of these processes, the fertilized egg is unable to implant and is rejected. It is enough to drink one contraceptive capsule at any phase of the cycle.

Emergency contraception during lactation

After childbirth, the female reproductive system does not recover immediately. With the onset of lactation, she works in a special mode; contraception during lactation is difficult due to the absence of menstruation. To avoid unwanted pregnancy, which is not uncommon during breastfeeding, emergency contraception methods are used.

A reliable method of contraception when breastfeeding is insertion of an intrauterine device. There is no need to stop feeding the newborn for this. It is important to install a contraceptive no later than the fifth day after unprotected sex; it will continue to protect the woman in the future.

When breastfeeding You can use hormonal contraception after intercourse, but in this case you should adhere to strict rules:

• after taking the first protective tablet, feeding stops for 36 hours;
• in order not to disrupt the lactation process during a forced break, breast milk should be expressed and the baby should be fed with recommended milk formulas;
• You can start feeding only 36 hours after taking the last hormonal pill.

Names of drugs prescribed to breastfeeding women:

• Postinor, Escapel (contain gestagens - analogues of progesterone);
• Mifegin, Mifepristone, Agesta, Zhenale (contain antigestagens - substances that block the production of progesterone).

Very popular during breastfeeding Escapelle, as it is taken once within 72-96 hours after sexual intercourse has occurred.

Of the antigestagenic drugs, preference is often given to Zhenale, Ageste, and Ginepristone. The concentration of the active substance is only 10 mg in one tablet. This amount is quite sufficient for emergency protection, and significantly fewer adverse reactions occur.

Regular birth control pills are not suitable for emergency contraception

Despite the fact that today hormonal contraception is the most effective method of protection, the effect regular birth control pills and the means for “fire” contraception are different. Although both are developed on the basis of hormones.


Conventional birth control pills are selected individually and are used by a woman every day throughout her menstrual cycle. Their action is aimed at suppressing the ovulation process, changing the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus. When asked whether regular birth control pills will help after intercourse, the answer is clear - no, if the woman has not taken them before.

Emergency contraception using hormonal drugs taken immediately after unprotected sex once, according to the instructions for the drug. The effect of such contraceptives based on egg rejection decreased peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, changes in the endothelium.

The dangers of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is best used only in cases of extreme necessity; the consequences of such protection may become irreversible:

• ectopic pregnancy;
• bleeding;
• infertility;
• thrombus formation;
• Crohn's disease.

These drugs have many side effects:

• soreness of the mammary glands;
• nausea, vomiting;
• severe headaches;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• increased emotionality;
• allergic reactions.

Modern medicine helps a woman plan a pregnancy. In case of unforeseen situations, you should not trust advice; only a specialist will tell you the most effective and safest way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Emergency contraception (the names of the drugs will be given below) is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy in cases where other methods of protection were not provided for this. There are various options that a woman independently chooses for herself.

Operating principle

Products that belong to this category must be used for a short period of time after the end of sexual intercourse. Before starting intimacy, there is no need to use them, since the desired effect will not be obtained. However, even after the end of sexual intercourse, they should not be frequently abused, as they can cause considerable harm to women’s health.

The main principle of the action of emergency contraception is that the components included in the composition have a significant effect on the body, thereby preventing the egg from attaching to the uterus after fertilization, and as a result, pregnancy simply does not occur.

The final result depends on the time when the woman took the drug. It can give the desired effect within 3 days. In the future, you will not need to use emergency contraceptive pills, since pregnancy will occur and everything will be pointless.

The effectiveness of these funds ranges from 70 to 98%. None of the manufacturers can give a 100% guarantee that pregnancy will not occur. In medical practice, there are cases when, after using the drug, the egg still attached to the uterus and pregnancy occurred. No negative effects of the drug on the fetus have been recorded. Deviations in development in children do not occur due to the fact that a woman used one of the methods of emergency contraception.

Target

It is thanks to this method that it is possible to help a woman of childbearing age reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies, and ultimately the number of abortions. Of course, it is better to choose the lesser of two evils. And if in the future you have to commit a kind of crime in the form of an abortion, then it is better to avoid pregnancy by all possible means.

There are cases when sexual intercourse occurs under duress, then various emergency contraception drugs are used as measures to protect against unwanted fertilization and against the psychological trauma that will be associated with this whole situation.

Therefore, it must be noted that fire protection should only be used in rare cases and after conventional means become ineffective. Thanks to these methods of protection, a woman can be more confident that pregnancy will not occur.

When to use

Many girls of reproductive age may need emergency contraception at any time. It is better to resort to these methods infrequently, but there are cases when you cannot do without them:

1. After voluntary sexual intercourse, in which the partners did not use other means of protection.

2. When standard contraceptive options fail partners:

• condom slipping or breaking;
• in case of incorrect use of the calendar method to prevent fertilization (it often happens that when calculating, partners incorrectly determine safe and dangerous days);
• the man failed to interrupt sexual intercourse in time, after which the sperm ended up in the vagina;
• missing more than three days of using oral contraceptives.

Any woman can use emergency contraception after sex. It is allowed to use these products during breastfeeding (it is necessary to maintain an interval of 8 hours between taking and feeding). It should be noted that hormonal drugs that help prevent pregnancy are not advisable for young girls and adolescents, since their hormonal background is not fully formed.

Hormonal agents with levonorgestrel

Emergency contraceptive pills, which contain a very high dose of progestogen, are taken differently. Some remedies will only need to be taken once, while others will need to be taken several times. This directly depends on the drug that will be used; this scheme will definitely be described in the instructions for use. It often looks like this:

• the first pill, which contains a very large amount of the hormone, is drunk within 3 days after the end of sexual intercourse, and the other is not needed at all;
• one tablet is taken for 3 days, and the second - half a day after taking the first.

The main representative of this group is familiar to many women - this is “Postinor” (the international name of the drug sounds like “Levonorgestrel”). This completely synthetic drug perfectly prevents the onset of fertilization, as it causes significant changes in the endometrium, so eventually implantation of the egg becomes impossible. An analogue of "Postinor" is "Escapelle".

Studies have shown that Postinor is effective in 85% of cases. On the first day of use after sexual intercourse, the effectiveness is 95%, if you use the product on the second day, then 85%, and on the third day it is only 58%. Many doctors call this remedy “the medicine of the past”, as it causes very serious consequences.

Mifepristone

This group refers to the best emergency contraception methods. These medications are also hormonal. To prevent fertilization, it is enough to take just one tablet. A woman must perform this procedure within three days after the end of the act of intercourse, which was not protected.

A fairly popular example of this category is Ginepristone. It is considered the best, since this modern drug is safer than the previous one, but there are still side effects and contraindications. The drug, depending on what phase of the menstrual cycle it was taken, actively inhibits ovulation or does not allow the fertilized egg to join the uterus. Other medications containing mifepristone are Agesta, Zhenale.

An alternative method of emergency contraception is to take several combined oral contraceptive pills at a higher than usual dose.

Their use should be carried out according to the following scheme: within twelve hours from the moment of intercourse, take tablets so that the total amount of ethinyl estradiol is 200 mcg, and levonorgestrel is 1.5 mg.

The main representatives of this category are the drug "Silest" and its main analogues - "Miniziston" and "Rigevidon".

It is not advisable to use this category of emergency contraception when breastfeeding. Women can simply stop this procedure, as the lactation period will be shortened. The product can also significantly deteriorate the quality and reduce the quantity of milk.

Intrauterine contraceptive method - copper-containing device

To prevent unwanted fertilization, you can resort to another option, namely, inserting an intrauterine device. In order to obtain this device, you must consult a doctor, and the procedure must be performed as quickly as possible after sexual intercourse has been completed. Often the period during which this remedy can be used is 5 days.

An intrauterine device is a small device made from copper and plastic. It significantly reduces the lifespan of the egg, and also prevents it from attaching to the lining of the uterus after the fertilization process. The effectiveness of the spiral is 99%.

Myths

It should be noted that there are many entrenched myths about emergency contraception in society:

1. After unprotected sexual intercourse, you can prevent unnecessary pregnancy using folk remedies. Of course, this is a myth. Any douching, physical activity or hot baths will not help in solving this problem, since sperm enter the uterus a few minutes after ejaculation. It should be noted that a minimal amount of sperm can be released during sexual intercourse.
2. After using these drugs, the next time you conceive, the child may be born with developmental abnormalities. This is, of course, fiction. There are many emergency contraceptive medications available, and none of them affect subsequent pregnancies or fetal development.
3. The drugs cause changes in the figure, as well as weight gain, this is a myth, and minimal weight gain can be caused by long-acting contraceptive methods.
4. Components in this category are allowed to be taken continuously. This is still not true. These drugs are recommended for occasional use only, as they are not approved for use as long-term protection.
5. The effect of emergency contraception on periods is deplorable. This statement is not entirely true, since the drugs do not completely disrupt the cycle, but can only cause a slight delay.

It should be noted that the sooner a woman uses this drug after unprotected intercourse, the much higher the chance of not getting pregnant. Experts say that this technique is an excellent backup option only when standard contraceptives do not work.

Contraindications

Since anyone can purchase emergency contraception without a prescription, you need to know who should not use it, so you must first consult with your doctor. The main contraindications may be:

• age under 16 years;
• pregnancy;
• increased sensitivity, as well as an allergic reaction in a woman to the components that are part of the product;
• severe liver failure.

Some drugs must be taken with caution if there are problems with the biliary tract, liver, Crohn's disease, chronic heart failure, lactation, and arterial hypertension.

Side effects

It also happens that women feel unwell after taking emergency contraception. What negative symptoms there are are described below:

• nausea in 23-50% of cases;
• dizziness in 11-17%;
• 6-9% of girls vomit;
• general weakness is observed in 17-29% of the fair sex.

Among the most common consequences of emergency contraception, uterine bleeding can also be noted. It may begin within a few days after taking the drug. For certain girls, on the contrary, there may be a delay of 5-7 days.

The reaction of each organism is absolutely individual. Allergic manifestations, soreness of the mammary glands and diarrhea also occur.

Women who decide to use a copper-containing intrauterine device may also experience side symptoms. Mainly, there is pain in the lower abdomen, exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages and blood discharge from the genital tract. It happens that the installation of a spiral is accompanied by perforation of the reproductive organ.

There are no folk remedies for emergency help, so you shouldn’t even look for them. Hot baths, lemon slices, and decoctions of bay leaves will not help get rid of an unwanted pregnancy.

Before you start using emergency contraception methods, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. The funds cannot be called completely safe. Before using them, it is recommended to determine the day of the menstrual cycle. For example, if sex occurred a few days after menstruation or a couple of days before its onset, then such drugs do not need to be used, since, most likely, ovulation simply did not occur. This process occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle, but there are still exceptions.

Flaws

1. The use of drugs in this category is safe only at the very beginning of egg attachment. It is advisable to take the first dose, according to gynecologists, no later than eight hours after sexual intercourse, although the packaging indicates that there are three whole days for this.
2. Not all drugs are completely safe for women’s health; they have many contraindications, so their use is allowed no more than 2 times a year.

1. You must first select the time for taking the drug so that it is convenient to take a second dose, if necessary (for example, 21:00 and 9:00).
2. To prevent unpleasant sensations such as vomiting and nausea, it is recommended to start taking tablets in the evening immediately before bed, during a meal, and wash them down with milk.
3. During the period that lasts until the next menstruation, it is necessary to use barrier methods of contraception.
4. We must not forget that these options are intended for one-time use, and as a permanent contraception, it is recommended to choose a product after consulting with your doctor.
5. If the expected menstruation occurs a week late, you should definitely contact your doctor to rule out pregnancy.

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 of the 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 make the right decision. 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 this 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 in 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 earliest stages have varying 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 the 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 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 products 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.

Children are happiness, but it’s good when they are desired and from a loved one. But situations in life are different. Sometimes it is necessary to use emergency contraception - for example, if a condom breaks.

What is emergency contraception

Methods of birth control that are used if sexual intercourse was unprotected, or if contraceptives such as spermicides, a condom or a cap were used incorrectly or failed, are considered emergency.

The essence of this method is to prevent the fertilized egg from implanting into the wall of the uterus and preventing the development of the child. In essence, this is a miscarriage at a very early stage of pregnancy. The effectiveness of the method will depend on the period in which it was applied - usually the first few days, in some cases - up to 5 days.

When it is shown

Typically, such contraception is indicated during rape, during sexual intercourse, if no contraception , in case of failure with interrupted sexual intercourse, if the condom breaks, the vaginal diaphragm falls out, or in some other cases.

How does this method of contraception work?

Emergency contraceptives block ovulation and interfere with the fertilization process, either by interfering with the movement of the egg and its mechanical implantation, or by causing endometrial sloughing.

For emergency cases, use a large dose of conventional contraceptive pills - combined or purely progestin, they will block the maturation of the follicle. In addition, they cause rejection of the endometrium with menstruation, in other words, they cause hormonal disbalance in organism.

Mifepristone drugs block the hormone progesterone, increasing uterine contractility and rejection. endometrium . Intrauterine devices cause an irritating effect and prevent the egg from implanting.

Doses and methods

• The use of combined contraceptives is necessary for one to three days from the moment of unprotected contact.
• Ethinyl estradiol-based drugs are taken, usually in tablets they have doses of 30 or 50 mcg.
• Drugs with a dose of 30 mcg (for example, Femoden or Marvelon) are used twice with an interval of 12 hours, 4 tablets (120 mcg), the total dose is 8 pills.
• Drugs with a dose of 50 mcg (for example, non-ovlon or ovidone) are used in 2 tablets, also with an interval of half a day, the total dose is 200 mcg or 4 tablets.
• Progestin preparations, also called mini-pills, are used no later than two days after sexual intercourse. An effective dose is 750 mcg. This dose contains the drug postinor, used twice with an interval of 12 hours, but if contraceptive mini-pills are used (for example, microlune or excluton) - this is 20 pieces at the same interval.
• A modern analogue of postinor, escapelle, contains a double dose of progestins, so it is taken once, up to three days from the moment of the miss.

Taking mifepristone

Mifepristone is a substance that blocks the action of hormones in the body, causing suppression of female hormones and increasing uterine contractility. This is the most effective drug for emergency contraception, and it is also used for medical abortions in early pregnancy under the supervision of a physician.

It is necessary to take it three times within 3 days from the moment of unprotected sex or also within 72 hours, but three tablets at a time.

Setting up the spiral

These are also quite effective emergency contraceptive measures, if the installation is carried out within three, less often – five days from the moment of problematic sex.

However, the spiral is inserted in the doctor’s office and its installation requires tests and examinations with the exception of contraindications, so it is used infrequently, especially for emergency cases. They are applicable only to women who do not have genital infections, and difficulties may arise during placement.

What are the dangers of emergency contraception?

Naturally, it is better to protect yourself from pregnancy in other ways, thinking about safety before sexual intercourse. Of course, there are also force majeure circumstances such as a broken condom or violence. However, emergency contraception should only be used if the risk of pregnancy is very high and it is impossible to keep the baby.

Emergency contraception: what to choose?

First of all, calculate the days of your cycle and estimate how great your chances are of getting pregnant. If more than 7 days have passed since ovulation, there is no point in using such shock measures.

What about folk remedies?

What cannot be used categorically, due to ineffectiveness and unsafe for health, are douching and folk remedies - such as herbs and decoctions, going to the bathhouse or sauna. This can cause severe disorders in the body and will not protect against pregnancy.

What is better to choose?

Of course, it is worth choosing “softer” means from among oral contraceptives and mini-pills, but, we repeat, all these means are unsafe, as, in fact, is an emergency termination of pregnancy.

You should always remember that such drugs dramatically interfere with metabolism and hormonal levels and may be poorly tolerated. There may be nausea and vomiting, discomfort, pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding from the genital tract.

Before taking them, it is very important to consult with your doctor and, perhaps, consider the possibility of continuing the pregnancy, the probability of which is still not one hundred percent.

Alena PARETSKAYA

It often happens that sexual intercourse occurs unplanned, when neither the boy nor the girl has any contraceptives with them. Or, for example, the “barrier” method does not work, that is, the condom breaks. What to do in this situation? You can't rely on chance. Action must be taken immediately. It is best to go to the gynecologist the next morning after unprotected intercourse to decide on emergency contraception.

"Pills after sex" are primarily intended to prevent pregnancy as a result of unprotected intimacy and includes various methods and drugs. The essence of emergency contraception is to prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus and starting to develop.

WHEN TO USE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS

* You did not use any contraceptives;
* Interrupted sexual intercourse;
* The condom broke;
* You did not take a contraceptive injection on time;
* missed one or more birth control pills or started a new pack late;
*You were forced into sexual intercourse.

Emergency contraception -
a chance to prevent unwanted pregnancy without abortion!

*For how long is it applicable?
Emergency contraceptive pills can prevent pregnancy within the first 72-96 hours.

* What is their composition?
These drugs contain estrogen, corpus luteum hormone, or a combination of both. However, due to the need for quick and successful assistance, these drugs for immediate protection against pregnancy contain a larger amount of hormone compared to the daily dose of contraceptive pills used in recent years for regular use.

* How do they work?
Depending on when such a contraceptive drug is used, it affects the rupture of follicles, prevents conception and/or implantation of the egg. Emergency contraception does not affect the already implanted fertilized egg and, therefore, the development of intrauterine pregnancy.

* How effective are emergency birth control pills?
They are very effective in emergency situations, although 100% protection cannot be achieved. After a single sexual intercourse, with the correct use of these drugs, pregnancy develops in 2 out of 100 women.

* Are there any contraindications to their use?
Due to the fact that they are used to prevent possible abortion or surgical intervention, there are no absolute contraindications to their use. If you need to use them, you should always consult a doctor!

* How to use emergency contraceptive pills?
The drug should be taken within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The drug is taken twice with an interval of 12 hours. It is advisable to take the first dose at a time so that the second dose is taken during the daytime. You cannot delay taking it, as this reduces effectiveness.

* What side effects may occur?
Most often, nausea or vomiting occurs. Less common are headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue or a feeling of tension in the mammary glands; these phenomena usually disappear within 24 hours. In the days following taking the drug, bleeding may occur, in most cases of a spotting nature.

* Do they affect the timing of menstruation?
In most cases, your period comes at the expected time after using emergency contraception, sometimes a few days earlier or later. If the delay exceeds a week, pregnancy is suspected and a doctor's consultation is required.

What emergency contraceptive medications are available?

Disadvantages of pills after the act

“Firefighter” contraception is completely useless if the process of implantation of the egg in the uterus has already taken place. Therefore, effectiveness can only be observed if the drug is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

The best emergency contraception

Mifepristone. This drug is not hormonal. Its action is aimed at suppressing the female hormone at the level of receptors in the uterus and increasing contraction of its muscles. Mifepristone (Ginepristone, Zhenale) is by far the best and most effective means of emergency contraception. It blocks the egg so that it cannot enter the uterine lining and also stimulates its rejection. Mifepristone should only be used after consulting a doctor.

Warning:
Birth control pills after intercourse do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you suspect that you have been exposed to an STI, you should contact your doctor immediately. “Pills after intercourse” do not affect an existing pregnancy and cannot cause its artificial termination!

PRICE FOR EMERGENCY CONTRACPETION