Emergency contraceptives - get there at the last minute. Emergency contraception

No method of contraception, with the possible exception of sterilization, is considered completely effective. In addition, there are cases of unprotected sexual intercourse, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, emergency contraception methods are a pressing topic in gynecology. There is even an International Consortium on the use of such methods, the recommendations of which are taken into account in our article.

Postcoital contraception can be used by any woman of fertile age - from the beginning of the first menstruation (menarche) to 1 year after the last menstruation (menopause).

Types of emergency contraception

To prevent unplanned pregnancy urgently in different countries, several methods are used:

taking a combination of estrogens and gestagens (Yuzpe method);
introduction of a copper-containing intrauterine device in a medical institution;
use of tablets containing gestagen;
use of progesterone antagonists (mifepristone).

In Russia, the last two methods are most often used (you can read about other types of contraception in). However, when asked which emergency contraception is best, scientists from the World Health Organization answer that it is an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) installed within the next 5 days. It is most effective in preventing pregnancy. However, this method is expensive, not available to all women, and is not recommended for adolescents and nulliparous women.

As a result of numerous studies by scientists involved in evidence-based medicine, it was concluded that the new generation of emergency contraception is the use of drugs containing 10 mg of mifepristone.

Effect of oral medications

Emergency contraceptive pills have been studied for the last 30 years and have proven to be effective and fairly well tolerated by women. These medications are used to prevent pregnancy during unprotected sex in the following cases:

there were no means of planned contraception;
there is a rupture or displacement of the condom (one of the means), vaginal cap, diaphragm;
two or more doses were missed in a row;
a timely injection of long-acting contraceptives was not given;
interrupted sexual intercourse ended with ejaculation in the vagina or on the skin of the external genitalia;
the spermicidal tablet used in advance has not completely dissolved;
error when determining “safe” days for ;
rape.

In all these cases, you need to take the medication as quickly as possible.

Two types of drugs are used:

medications based on levonorgestrel (progestin);
a combination of ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestin).

Monocomponent drugs can be taken once after sexual intercourse or in two doses with a break of 12 hours. Combined drugs are taken twice. This allows you to reduce the single dose and reduce the likelihood of adverse events. You should take the drug as early as possible, because every hour of delay increases the likelihood of pregnancy. However, the effectiveness still lasts for 120 hours after coitus, and not 72 hours, as previously thought.

How emergency contraceptive pills work:

prevent or delay ovulation;
prevent the fusion of sperm and egg;
make it difficult for a fertilized egg to penetrate the endometrium for further development (although this statement has not been proven, and there is evidence that it is incorrect).

The effectiveness of levonorgestrel reaches 90%; combination drugs are less effective. No drug for emergency contraception is as effective as modern means for permanent contraception.

Safety of hormonal drugs

Possible unwanted symptoms:

nausea and vomiting;
abdominal pain;
feeling of weakness;
headache and dizziness;
soreness of the mammary glands;
bloody discharge from the vagina (not in the nature of menstruation);
change in the start date of the next menstruation (usually a week earlier or later than expected).

If your period is delayed by more than a week after emergency contraception, you must rule out pregnancy by purchasing a test at the pharmacy or consulting your doctor. Bleeding after administration is not dangerous and will stop on its own. Its likelihood increases with repeated use of tablets during one cycle. However, if it occurs in combination with delayed menstruation and abdominal pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor. This may be a sign of ectopic () pregnancy. However, it has been proven that taking postcoital contraception does not increase the likelihood of such an event. Women who have had an ectopic pregnancy before can also take these drugs.

To reduce the risk of vomiting, the use of combination drugs should be minimized, since levonorgestrel very rarely causes this side effect. If vomiting occurs within two hours after taking the medicine, you need to repeat the dose. In case of intense vomiting, antiemetic drugs (Metoclopramide, Cerucal) can be used.

If you experience a headache or discomfort in the mammary glands, you should use a regular painkiller (paracetamol, etc.).

Emergency contraceptive tablets have no contraindications as they are considered safe. They are not prescribed during an existing pregnancy, because there is no point in doing so. However, if pregnancy has not yet been diagnosed, taking levonorgestrel is harmless to the developing fetus. Levonorgestrel drugs are not able to terminate an existing pregnancy, so their effect is not similar to medical abortion. A normal pregnancy after emergency contraception can occur in the next cycle.

Serious adverse effects on women's health have not yet been reported following the use of levonorgestrel drugs for postcoital contraception. Therefore, they are allowed to be used even without a doctor’s examination, including in many countries around the world they are sold without a prescription.

Use of hormones in special cases

Emergency contraception during lactation is considered safe for both mother and baby. However, some doctors advise first feeding the baby, then taking the drug, periodically expressing milk over the next 6 hours without using it to feed the baby, and only then resuming feeding. It is better if this time is up to 36 hours. If less than 6 months have passed since the birth of the child, and the woman is breastfeeding and does not have menstruation, then it is possible that she does not need to use protection, since she has not yet ovulated.
If more than 120 hours have passed since sexual intercourse, then the use of emergency contraception medications is possible, but its effectiveness has not been studied. In this case, emergency intrauterine contraception becomes preferable.
If several unprotected contacts have occurred over the past 120 hours, then one dose of the pill will eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. However, it should be taken after the first such sexual intercourse.
Emergency postcoital contraception can be used as often as needed, even during a single cycle. The harm from frequent use of such drugs has not been proven in large studies, and in any case, the occurrence of an unwanted pregnancy is much more dangerous. However, it is much more effective and convenient to take oral contraceptives regularly or use other planned methods.

The most common emergency contraceptives

The most common drugs for post-coital contraception

Postinor;
Escapelle;
Eskinor-F.

One tablet contains 750 mcg or 1500 mcg of the hormone levonorgestrel; depending on the dosage, you need to take one or two tablets.

Although these drugs are safe when taken once, they should be used with caution for the following conditions:

severe liver diseases with liver failure (liver cirrhosis, hepatitis);
Crohn's disease;
lactose intolerance;
age up to 16 years.

Combined estrogen-progestin agents:

Microgynon;
Rigevidon;
Regulon and others.

These are monophasic contraceptives, usually used for planned protection against pregnancy, but in emergency cases they can also be used for postcoital contraception. This method of emergency contraception is considered the most dangerous, since estrogens in the composition of the drugs have contraindications and quite a lot of side effects, which are intensified due to the high dosage of hormones: 4 tablets are prescribed twice with a break of 12 hours. The use of these drugs is especially undesirable in the following situations:

thrombosis of arteries and veins;
migraine;
vascular damage due to diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hypertension;
severe diseases of the liver and pancreas;
tumors of the reproductive organs;
period after injuries, operations, immobilization.

The main danger is increased blood clotting and the threat of blockage of arteries or veins by the resulting blood clots.

Non-hormonal postcoital contraception

Emergency non-hormonal contraception is carried out using products containing mifepristone. This is a synthetic substance that blocks progesterone receptors in a woman’s body. The mechanism of action of the drug includes:

suppression of ovulation;
a change in the inner lining of the uterus - the endometrium, which prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg;
If, however, implantation of the egg occurs, under the influence of mifepristone, uterine contractility increases, and the fertilized egg is rejected.

So, the main difference between mifepristone and levonorgestrel tablets for postcoital contraception is the ability to cause a “mini-abortion,” the death and release of an egg already implanted in the uterine wall. Indications for use are the same as for hormonal drugs - unprotected sexual intercourse.

Medicines containing mifepristone 10 mg:

Agesta;
Gynepristone;
Genale.

Emergency contraception with Zhenale is possible if you are sure that the woman is not pregnant. In addition, mifepristone should be taken with great caution in the following cases:

liver or kidney failure;
changes in the blood (anemia, clotting disorders);
adrenal insufficiency or long-term use of prednisolone;
lactation, after taking the drug you should not feed your baby breast milk for 2 weeks;
pregnancy.

Mifepristone-based products can cause undesirable effects:

bloody discharge from the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen;
exacerbation of chronic adnexitis, endocervicitis,;
dyspeptic disorders and diarrhea;
dizziness, headache;
weakness, fever, skin rash and itching.

Mifepristone-based emergency contraceptives cannot be used every month. It is strongly recommended to start using routine contraception. If, despite taking the pill, pregnancy does occur, it is recommended to terminate it, as there is a risk of damage to the fetus.

Mifepristone is a more powerful, but also more dangerous drug for preventing unwanted pregnancy. It is recommended to take it only after consulting a doctor. The drug is available by prescription.

Contraception without pills

Let’s say right away that the effectiveness of the methods we will discuss is low, and the application is inconvenient. However, women should be aware of such methods.

In the first minute after ejaculation, while sperm have not yet penetrated through the cervical canal into its cavity, you can douche with clean water or with the addition of potassium permanganate, that is, potassium permanganate. Then you should immediately insert a suppository with a spermicidal effect into the vagina.

Of course, the effect of spermicides will be much better if you use them as expected - 10-15 minutes before coitus. Suppositories such as Pharmatex, Contraceptin T, Patentex oval and others are used.

Contraindications for local contraception:

inflammation of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia (colpitis);
individual intolerance to the drug.

Intrauterine contraception

Intrauterine device T Cu 380 A

It is recommended to use copper-containing IUDs, which release this metal into the uterine cavity. Copper has a spermicidal effect, and the presence of a foreign body in the uterine cavity prevents implantation of the egg if fertilization does occur.

The most famous remedies from this group:

T Cu-380 A;
Multiload Cu-375.

The second model is preferable because its soft shoulders do not injure the uterus from the inside, which reduces the risk of spontaneous removal of the IUD.

The introduction of an intrauterine contraceptive is contraindicated in the following cases:

an existing pregnancy that the woman did not know about;
tumors and inflammatory processes of the reproductive organs;
previous ectopic pregnancy;
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
individual intolerance;
promiscuous sex life;
adolescence (up to 18 years);
abnormalities of the uterus, and other cases when the internal shape of the organ is changed.

So, the choice of means for emergency contraception is quite large. Some of them are more effective, but have more restrictions on their use, others are safe, but often do not have the desired effect. In any case, postcoital contraception is preferable to terminating an unwanted pregnancy.

After using any of the methods of emergency prevention of pregnancy, you must consult a doctor and choose an acceptable option for planned contraception. Emergency contraception should not be used regularly, also because of its low effectiveness.

“Emergency” protection from fertilization of the egg is resorted to to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception is a list of methods and means used after unprotected intimacy between a man and a woman. Methods include medicinal and mechanical. Emergency medication is effective for 72 hours after sexual intercourse. Intrauterine devices can prevent fertilization for 120 hours. Despite their effectiveness, the solutions cause damage to the woman’s body, and their constant use is contraindicated.

When is emergency contraception needed?

For any woman, an unplanned pregnancy is a serious stress. Intimacy is not always associated with long-term relationships, so in some cases it’s better right away. The circumstances in which a woman may find herself “in a position” that was not planned can hardly be called ordinary, but it still happens. Below is a list of cases after which emergency contraception is required:

unprotected sexual intercourse;
rape;
improper use of regular contraception when ejaculation occurs during vaginal sex;
unsuccessful use of regular contraceptives.

The last point may include any of the following cases:

ruptures of barrier contraceptives;
skipping contraceptive medications;
delayed introduction/displacement or premature removal of the hormonal contraceptive ring;
premature removal of the contraceptive transdermal patch;
incomplete dissolution of spermicidal agents;
premature removal/displacement/breakage/rupture of the contraceptive diaphragm/cap;
loss of the contraceptive intrauterine device;
interrupted sexual intercourse.

Types of postcoital contraception

Modern medicine knows several ways to effectively and at the same time safely prevent fertilization after unprotected sex. Every sexually mature girl should know the classification of emergency contraception. You need to have a general understanding of each variety. In the following sections we will look at the most reliable methods of getting rid of the possible consequences of unprotected sex.

Hormonal drugs

This category of emergency medicinal contraception is aimed at hormonal suppression of ovulation. Such drugs contain synthetic analogues of female sex hormones that provide protection against fertilization. There are two types of hormonal contraception for emergency use: oral (tablets) and long-acting (injections/injections). Below is a list of the most effective drugs in this category:

Agest. A modern drug that demonstrates high efficiency and does not cause harm to the female body. Taken no later than 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Fasile-Van. A drug that prevents the fertilization of an egg within 72 hours after sexual intercourse without contraception. There are no strict contraindications.
Postinor. A widely used remedy. The sooner a woman takes the pill, the higher the contraceptive effect will be. The maximum interval is 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The drug contains a powerful dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, which provides a high probability of termination of pregnancy, but at the same time causes significant damage to the ovaries. In 90% of cases, the drug disrupts the menstrual cycle. The use of Postinor more than three times a year is strictly contraindicated.
Escapelle. Exclusive pills against unwanted pregnancy based on hormones. The desired effect is achieved within four days after unprotected sex.
Gynepreston. The drug is indicated for use when emergency contraception is necessary. A Ginepreston tablet is taken no later than three days after unprotected coitus.

Intrauterine devices

The only non-drug method of emergency pregnancy prevention is the installation of an intrauterine device. The mechanical device is inserted by a gynecologist within five days after unprotected sex and provides a contraceptive effect in 99% of cases. The disadvantage of this method is the lengthy preparation, which includes undergoing a medical examination (tests, ultrasound, etc.). Emergency insertion of an intrauterine device is contraindicated in women who have given birth, adolescents and victims of rape.

Traditional methods of contraception after unprotected intercourse

Traditional methods of preventing unplanned pregnancy are not the only ones. There are also traditional methods of contraception for women. It’s worth noting right away that none of them can provide a guaranteed effect. If you do not want to risk your future, use medications or an IUD. Grandmother's recipes are used in cases of absolute necessity, when it is not possible to visit a doctor or purchase a contraceptive drug.

Write down more or less effective folk remedies for yourself so as not to be unarmed in an unforeseen situation:

Douching with a weak solution of lemon juice and water using an irrigator. Mix 200 ml of boiled water with the juice of one large lemon and thoroughly rinse the vagina with an irrigator. At the end of the emergency contraception procedure, wash the mucous membranes with clean water so that the acid contained in lemon juice does not disturb the vaginal microflora.
Emergency douching with a solution of potassium permanganate. This procedure provides a contraceptive effect in 60% of cases, however, if the vagina is not properly treated, it can harm the internal genital organs, so be extremely careful. Make a solution in a ratio of 1:18 and perform the douching procedure. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent that can deprive active sperm of their main function. After washing, perform genital hygiene using gentle soap.

Slice of lemon. A dangerous, but at the same time quite effective method of contraception. After completing sexual intercourse, place a peeled medium-sized lemon slice into your vagina. The acid will do its job in a matter of seconds. Remove the pulp and wash the mucous membranes with warm water and soap to prevent disruption of the microflora.
Laundry soap. Such contraceptives are extremely dangerous for women, but in some cases, when it is not possible to avoid pregnancy in other ways, you have to take risks. Within 10 minutes after unprotected intercourse, insert a matchbox-sized piece of soap into your vagina. After 15-20 seconds, remove it and immediately rinse the mucous membranes with clean water. To avoid depressing consequences, try to quickly get a moisturizer for the intimate area.
Aspirin. Another method of emergency abortion using acid. Its effectiveness is about 50-60%. Like lemon juice, acetylsalicylic acid reduces the activity of sperm, as a result of which they do not reach their main goal - eggs. Do not try to use such contraceptive methods regularly as there may be consequences. Violation of the acid balance of the vagina can lead to serious diseases.

The listed “grandmother’s” means of emergency contraception can provide the desired result if used within 5-7 minutes after unprotected coitus. Combining the described methods is not recommended, as this can cause even more serious complications. If you are forced to resort to one of them, visit your gynecologist as soon as possible and describe in detail everything you have done for contraception.

Side effects and contraindications

When studying the topic of postcoital method of protection against pregnancy, you must clearly understand the main thing: any, even the most effective methods of medical emergency contraception cannot be absolutely harmless. The following side effects may occur after using medications:

disruption of the menstrual cycle;
heavy menstrual flow;
pain in the lower abdomen;
drowsy, lethargic state;

Birth control pills after unprotected sex are contraindicated if the following diseases/conditions occur:

uterine bleeding;
age over 35 years;
attacks of headache;
many years of smoking experience;
severe forms of liver disease.

Find out more ways if it is unwanted.

If you want to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex, listen to the advice in the video below. A qualified specialist will tell you how emergency contraceptives work and explain in detail the rules for their use. In addition, your doctor will list the names of the most effective and safe emergency contraceptive medications to make it easier for you to choose the right one.

This method of contraception can hardly be called contraception, in the true meaning of this concept. After all, all methods of modern contraception are designed to prevent conception and unwanted pregnancy.

The essence of this method is completely different: to prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the wall of the uterus and continuing its development. This is a kind of “micro-abortion”, since a real, but only very small, miscarriage occurs in the woman’s body.

Emergency contraception is resorted to in situations where:

rape has been committed;
unprotected sexual intercourse occurred;
interrupted sexual intercourse was performed incorrectly;
the condom broke or slipped off during intercourse;
other similar situations.

Emergency contraceptive pills

Gynepriston, Genale
Modern postcoital drugs. Compared to the outdated Postinor, they are almost harmless, because they contain anti-progesterone, it is no less effective in preventing pregnancy, but this is not a huge dose of hormones, but a small dose of antihormone. There is no damage to the ovaries.
Escapelle
A new means of emergency contraception. Recommended for use within 96 hours after unprotected sex. The earlier the pill is taken, the more effective it is.
Postinor
A hormonal drug from the “last century” for emergency contraception. The earlier the first tablet was taken, the more effective the effect.

ATTENTION!!!
Postinor is an outdated drug containing a very high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, many times higher than the content of this hormone in oral contraceptives. This dose is a powerful blow to the ovaries. In addition to the fact that the existing pregnancy will be interrupted, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted.

Other emergency contraception

Mifegin
A modern drug that can be used to carry out medical (non-surgical) termination of pregnancy from the first day of missed menstruation up to 6 weeks. To carry out this procedure, you must contact a gynecologist licensed to use this drug.
Intrauterine device
Insertion of an intrauterine device in the first 5 days after sexual intercourse without protection. The spiral should only be administered by a gynecologist after examination and taking a gynecological smear.
ATTENTION!!!
It is dangerous to insert an intrauterine device after rape, since this could lead to infection with sexually transmitted diseases, and this procedure facilitates the path of infection into the upper genital tract.

Precautionary measures

Unfortunately, many of you would rather run to the nearest pharmacy and purchase emergency contraception than go to an appointment with a gynecologist. Undoubtedly, this is a very convenient way to solve the “problem”. But you must be aware that you are playing with fire.

If an unexpected situation happens to you, try not to panic and pull yourself together. First, you need to go for an examination with a gynecologist. It may happen that you had an unfavorable day for conception and there will be no pregnancy. Therefore, do not grab the above-mentioned drugs first!

Even if you used emergency contraception on your own, you should definitely visit a gynecologist! The most unpleasant thing is that during unprotected sexual intercourse you could not only become pregnant, but also become infected with one of the sexually transmitted infections.

The doctor will conduct the necessary examination and take all the necessary tests. It is always better to be 100% sure of your safety, or otherwise prevent the development of a particular disease at its initial stage.

In addition to a routine examination, the gynecologist will monitor your menstrual cycle over the next months. If necessary, he will prescribe hormonal drugs that stimulate ovarian function.

To avoid such unforeseen situations in the future and maintain your health for the upcoming desired conception, I would recommend that all women reconsider their views on contraceptive methods and choose those with a reliability rate exceeding 80%.

In a fit of passion, many couples forget about contraception, deliberately do not use them, or use them incorrectly. Nevertheless, such “playing with fire” often leads to unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception may help in this case. However, women's parts often suffer from such assistance.

What to do if everything happened by accident?

First of all, there is no need to panic. This will only make the situation worse. In addition, you should not immediately run to the bathroom and do douching. This practice will be useless in 99% of cases, since the part that gets into the vagina almost instantly ends up in the cervix. And even one lost cell already increases the risk of pregnancy.

You should not resort to others traditional methods of contraception. Using lemon, potassium permanganate and boric acid will only harm sexual health and will not protect you from pregnancy.

Usually, used in tablets within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. After this time, the effectiveness of such protection decreases, and its further use is simply pointless. If you take the drug within the first 12 hours after sex, it will significantly reduce your chance of getting pregnant. Moreover, after some time, taking the drug is often repeated to consolidate the contraceptive effect.

Facilities emergency contraception mostly suppress hormone production, responsible for ovulation and a woman’s ability to conceive. By the way, conception itself occurs in the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. That is why it is important to take the pill before the end of this period, before pregnancy occurs.

Is emergency contraception always necessary?

Not every sexual intercourse ends in conception, even with complete abandonment of contraceptives. The fact is that the birth of a new life occurs only during the period ovulation– during the release of the egg from the ovary into the fallopian tubes. This process is relatively rare and very short: the egg does this only 1 time per month and is located in the fallopian tubes about 24 hours. After this time, the egg simply dies.

Since the egg lives only for a day, a woman is actually unable to become pregnant on other days of the menstrual cycle. However, in practice pregnancy can occur when having sex on any day of the cycle, even during menstruation. But the probability of conception will be significantly lower than during the period of ovulation.

As a rule, in women with an even menstrual cycle, pregnancy does not occur if sexual intercourse occurs during the non-fertile phase (on safe days). Typically this period lasts from 1st to 7th, and also from 20th to 28th day(provided that the cycle is constant and its duration is 28 days). In this case, you can refuse funds at your own peril and risk emergency contraception. However, the likelihood of pregnancy will be much higher.

What are the methods of emergency contraception?

Typically, oral hormone-containing medications are used to prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception- these are funds based levonorgestrel (Postinor, Escapel, etc.) And mifepristone (Agesta, Zhenale). In addition to them, drugs with ulipristal acetate, which also prevent conception. The mechanisms of action of the listed contraceptives are somewhat different. However, despite this, they are all effective in preventing pregnancy.

In addition to emergency medications, they are used to prevent pregnancy. combined oral contraceptives (COOK). As a rule, COCs are used on an ongoing basis as contraceptives. But in emergency cases, if the woman has not previously taken them, these drugs can be used to prevent conception.

Note that emergency contraception includes not only pills, but also intrauterine device with a contraceptive effect. However, to get the latter, you need to install it within 5 days after intercourse, since then its effectiveness will decrease significantly. However, the IUD is not recommended for nulliparous women. In addition, this method of contraception requires the intervention of a doctor.

The dangers of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception dangerous for women's health, especially if drugs of this group are used more than 2 times a year. First of all, taking such drugs is a serious blow to the hormonal system. By interfering with the balance of hormones, emergency contraceptives can lead to a temporary cessation of ovulation, and then completely infertility.

In addition, an imbalance of female hormones when using emergency contraception leads to decreased bone density and early menopause. Due to the frequent use of these drugs, the level of and, which are responsible for the mineralization of bone tissue, decreases. A decrease in these two hormones in a woman’s body promotes development, which significantly increases the risk.

In addition, in half of the cases of taking “emergency” contraceptives, uterine bleeding, similar to menstruation. At the same time, women may experience severe pain in the lower abdomen, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and pain in the mammary glands.

Special danger presents during breastfeeding. Use of hormonal drugs during this period may harm the baby's health, since part of the drug enters the child’s body with mother’s milk.

The intrauterine device also has a lot of disadvantages. Its long-term use increases the risk gynecological diseases. In this case, the IUD itself can grow into the uterus and cause many complications. In addition, its installation is not suitable for every woman. And the procedure itself requires careful preparation with tests and diagnosis of the pelvic organs.

Advice for women when using emergency contraception pills

To avoid harming yourself when using emergency contraception, you must adhere to the following recommendations.

Don't use the funds emergency contraception more often than once every six months.
The second emergency contraceptive pill should be taken exactly 12 hours later. A delay of 2–3 hours can significantly reduce the contraceptive effect.
To avoid nausea and vomiting, it is recommended to take the tablets with milk or plenty of water.
In the future, take care of barrier contraception methods (it is better to use condoms, caps, etc.).
If your period is late, you should visit a doctor, as this may indicate pregnancy due to the ineffectiveness of contraceptives.
To maintain hormonal health and maintain bone density, take natural. For these purposes, an excellent supplement is suitable, which preserves even with long-term use of COCs and products emergency contraception.

After taking contraceptive medications, young mothers should stop breastfeeding for 36 hours so as not to worsen the child’s health.

USEFUL TO KNOW:

ABOUT JOINT DISEASES

What kind of prejudices can you come across when, after sexual intercourse that happened yesterday (unplanned), they begin to remember traditional methods of emergency contraception. Some people jump out of chairs 50 times, others take a hot bath. But these are just, we emphasize, prejudices and nothing more.

Our ancestors sometimes resorted to crazy methods. So, a girl should have spat in the mouth of a toad or eaten as many bees as possible to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. “Folk sages” on emergency contraception also advised rinsing the male dignity in a vinegar solution, while girls of African tribes had to look for the roots of tropical plants on moonlit nights, supposedly, if you eat them, you will definitely not “get pregnant.” But let's return to our times. Fortunately, today many emergency contraceptive drugs can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription and used without visiting a doctor. But it is advisable to contact a specialist so that he can offer you the most suitable method and determine whether there are any contraindications for use.

In general, it is better not to take risks and not bring the matter to an abortion - any surgical intervention, as we know, is harmful to health and leads to negative consequences. Do not resort to emergency methods of contraception over and over again - it is better to think about a reliable method of protection in advance. That's why they are emergency, they are used a maximum of twice a year in cases of extreme necessity (casual love relationships, forced sexual intercourse, condom rupture).

The difference between emergency contraception and termination of pregnancy

If anyone is interested in understanding how emergency contraception differs from methods of abortion, then the difference is as follows. We do emergency treatment even at the stage of ovulation and fertilization, when the egg “meets” the sperm and is implanted into the uterine mucosa. The pills either suppress ovulation and prevent the “meeting” of germ cells, or, if fertilization has already occurred, do not allow it to attach to the uterus. The first 3 days after sexual intercourse, it (the egg) moves to the uterus, and the next 3 days it attaches to it. That is, everything takes about 6 days. As soon as this time passes, all emergency methods will be powerless, then abortion is carried out at a short term.

Emergency contraception methods:

Douching: ineffective even immediately after intercourse. Do not try to get ahead of the sperm - they will have time to penetrate exactly 60 seconds after ejaculation. Know that some sperm are released with lubricant. You should not douche too often - this harms the microflora and dries out the vagina in an alkaline environment.
Hormonal contraception (pills): take several tablets of Rigevidon, Miniziston, Microgynon, Femoden, Marvelon, Regulon (two times 4 tablets with an interval of 12 hours). Logest, Novinet, Mercilon - twice 4 tablets. This method is called the Yuzpe method. If casual sex occurs before ovulation, the effectiveness is below 75-85%. The method has a positive effect only during the first 3 days. Among the side effects, every 3rd woman experiences nausea, vomiting, dizziness, pain in the mammary glands, and headaches. If pregnancy does occur, and the pills are taken and do not help, it should be terminated, since estrogens have a negative effect on the fetus.
Progestins can be used instead of estrogen-containing drugs. The most common are Excapel and Postinor. The first is used once, the second - 2 times every 12 hours. An alternative is Charozetta or Exluton: take 20 tablets every 12 hours. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, less often - headaches and engorgement of the mammary glands.
Which is better - Postinor or Escapelle?
The effectiveness of both drugs is the same - 98%. However, Postinor is used in the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse, and Escapelle can be used within 96 hours (4 days). Side effects are also the same, they disappear within two days. Menstruation begins early (or later). If the delay is more than three weeks, be sure to contact a specialist.
Are there any contraindications for hormonal contraception?
It should not be used if there is bleeding of unknown cause, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, severe liver disease, breast or endometrial cancer.
Non-hormonal emergency contraception: drugs Mifepristone and Danazol. Features: when using Danazol, there are fewer side effects than with hormonal contraception: the same nausea and chest pain, but without vomiting. However, its effectiveness is lower compared to the Yuzpe method.
After taking Mifepristone, a menstrual-like reaction occurs. Efficiency is 98%. It is also used to terminate short term pregnancies (in the first 5 weeks).
Intrauterine device: inserted into the uterine cavity within 6 days after unplanned sexual intercourse. Cannot be used for nulliparous women or with inflammatory processes. The main advantage of the method is the absence of side effects.