What is the name of the pill after. Emergency contraception for emergencies. Can medications be used during lactation?

Emergency (urgent) postcoital contraception is carried out after unprotected sexual intercourse (within 1-3 days) to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

For emergency contraception, a hormonal method (antigestagens, gestatens) or intrauterine contraception (intrauterine device insertion) is usually used.

Emergency contraception is used if:

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

Hormonal method

Attention! Before using the drug, carefully read the instructions for use. It should be remembered that with a large number of sexual acts, the effectiveness of the drug decreases.

1) Antigestagenic drugs

• Gynepristone or Agest - a modern hormonal postcoital drug. Compared to Postinor, it is almost harmless. Used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

2) Progestin drugs

• Escapelle is an exclusive new means for emergency contraception. Recommended for use within 96 hours after unprotected sex. The earlier the pill is taken, the more effective it is.
• Mifegin (Mifepristone) - a modern drug that is used to perform medical (non-surgical) termination of pregnancy for a period from the first day of missed menstruation to 8 weeks. To carry out this procedure, you must contact a gynecologist licensed to use the drug.
• Postinor - a hormonal drug for emergency contraception from the “last century”. The earlier the pill was taken, the more pronounced the contraceptive effect. Postinor contains a very high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel, which has a very noticeable impact on the ovaries. Therefore, after using the drug, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted. This drug should not be used more than 2 times a year and should not be considered as one of the possible contraceptives! This especially applies to young women under 18 years of age whose hormonal balance has not yet been established. .

After taking emergency contraception:

• your next period may start earlier or later than usual;
• menstrual flow may be more abundant, in which case you should consult a doctor;
• be sure to consult a gynecologist before the start of your next menstruation to be examined for sexually transmitted infections; at the appointment, tell them that you used emergency contraception;
• if three weeks after taking emergency contraception you have not started menstruation or have signs of pregnancy, immediately visit a gynecologist;
• if pain occurs in the lower abdomen, you should immediately consult a gynecologist;
• Before the next menstruation, it is necessary to use barrier methods (condom).

Contraindications:

• thromboembolism and uterine bleeding in the past;
• severe liver diseases;
• severe attack of headache (migraine);
• age over 35 years;
• long smoking history.

Possible side effects of hormonal emergency contraception:

• headache;

  pain in the mammary glands;

  stomach ache;

  various menstrual cycle disorders;

  thrombosis.

Side effects of emergency contraception usually decrease or disappear completely within two days.

Due to the possible damaging (teratogenic) effect of hormones on the fetus, medical abortion is recommended if emergency contraception fails and pregnancy occurs.

Intrauterine contraception

Intrauterine emergency contraception involves the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) in the first 5-7 days after unprotected intercourse, which prevents implantation of an already fertilized egg.

The method is somewhat more effective than the method of hormonal emergency contraception, however, when using it, one should take into account the individual characteristics of the woman, her desire to continue to use this particular method of protection against unwanted pregnancy for a long time, as well as all possible contraindications to the insertion of intrauterine devices.

Emergency insertion of intrauterine devices is not recommended for use by young nulliparous women, as well as with a large number of sexual contacts and partners, or with casual sexual intercourse. If a woman wants to have an intrauterine device installed, but in the past she often suffered from inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, she should use antibiotics immediately before inserting the intrauterine device and in the next 5 days.

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

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

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

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

Otherwise, if you miss the next dose of pills, the risk of becoming pregnant after sexual intercourse, during which, for example, barrier methods of contraception were not used, increases sharply. What to do in such a situation and what to drink to avoid getting pregnant? There is one correct answer to these questions - emergency contraceptives .

In medicine, the name used for this term is postcoital , i.e. emergency, fire or emergency contraception. This method is effective after unprotected sexual intercourse. In addition, emergency contraceptives will help avoid pregnancy when taking birth control pills on a regular basis if a woman was unable or forgot to take the medicine more than twice in a row.

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

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

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

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

So, for pregnancy to occur, it must happen. This is the fusion of reproductive cells of partners (male spermatozoa and women's eggs ), resulting in the formation of cells zygotes (a diploid cell that can “give birth” to another cell). Sexual intercourse itself cannot be associated with the act of fertilization. Because not every contact between a man and a woman is for the purpose of procreation.

During unprotected intercourse, a man's sperm naturally enters a woman's vagina. It is noteworthy that the environment of the female body is destructive for sperm. This is due to the high level of acidity in the vagina. Therefore, after ejaculation, the vast majority of sperm die. However, their most mobile part still penetrates into uterus and can lead to fertilization. How long before you can get pregnant after unprotected intercourse?

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

• It is during this period that a woman should ovulate; this phenomenon is characterized by the state of maturity of the egg. If for some reason during a break follicle the egg did not “release” in fallopian tube or has not reached its maturity, fertilization will not occur;
• a man’s sperm must be strong and mobile enough to overcome the acidic environment of the vagina and penetrate the structure of the egg;
• when the sperm and egg unite, the process of dividing the fertilized egg should begin;
• Implantation of the fertilized egg must occur during the process of its division into the walls of the uterus.

The entire fertilization process takes about seven days. It is during this period of time that the formation occurs embryo , which with the help chorion (predecessor placenta ) is fixed in the uterus, where it grows and develops over the next nine months. It is important to emphasize that there are often cases when emergency contraceptive pills are not dangerous for conception.

This means that even if you follow all the rules for using emergency contraceptive pills after intercourse (for example, they must be taken after a maximum of 72 hours to avoid pregnancy), fertilization may still occur. Of course, such cases are not the majority, and they are more likely to be exceptions. However, the possibility of “getting pregnant,” as an unwanted pregnancy is popularly called, is always there, even if you use conventional contraceptives.

Pills for unwanted pregnancy after intercourse are divided into two main categories:

• morning after pills , i.e. medications that are best taken within the next 24 hours after unprotected contact. In fact, a woman has a maximum of 72 hours for the pregnancy pills to take effect and help avoid fertilization;
• COC or (so-called Yuzpe method ).

As for oral contraceptives belonging to COCs or drugs from the mini-pill series, this is not essentially emergency contraception. After all, birth control pills must be taken constantly. However, there are varieties of such drugs that can be used as pills to prevent pregnancy after an act unprotected by any means of contraception.

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

Emergency contraceptive pills are dangerous for pregnancy because they contain substances in their chemical composition that prevent fertilization. The main active compounds in tablets against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse can be either or antihormones .

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

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

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

So, before wondering what emergency contraceptive pill to take to avoid getting pregnant, you should remember that drugs of this type may contain:

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

Levonorgestrel-based drugs

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

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

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

After taking them, a hormonal imbalance occurs in the female body, the consequences of which can be unpredictable. Therefore, experts classify such contraceptive methods as “disposable” means, which are highly recommended not to be used more than 4 times a year. In addition, it is strictly prohibited to use such emergency contraceptive drugs more than once per menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraceptive pills (they are also called “morning-after pills” due to the specific nature of their administration) – although an effective, but rather controversial method of protection against unplanned pregnancy. Doctors say that after just a single dose of such drugs, serious changes occur in the body, so it takes time to fully restore the functions of a woman’s reproductive system.

Mifepristone-based drugs

What can be said about the second group of emergency contraceptive drugs containing an antihormone? mifepristone – they act in almost the same way as levonorgestrel-containing birth control pills, i.e. Also:

• inhibit the ovulation process;
• change the structure of the endometrium, which makes it impossible for the fertilized egg to attach to the uterine walls;
• strengthen uterine contractions, due to such hyperreactivity, the fertilized egg is “expelled” from the uterine cavity.

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

The above names of pills for pregnancy after an act unprotected by any means of contraception are not all. Currently, any pharmacy has a good selection of such drugs. You can find out what emergency contraceptive pills are called directly from the pharmacist at the pharmacy, but it is better to ask your doctor about these questions. After all, any medicine (and contraceptives are no exception to this rule) has its own contraindications and side effects.

This is especially true for women when Breastfeeding (breastfeeding) or suffering from certain diseases in which large doses of hormones or antihormones can be fatal. Although there is no clear answer to the question of whether birth control pills related to postcoital contraception are harmful, since what will be good and effective for some may result in serious health problems for others, not a single woman should use this method of solving the problem of unwanted pregnancy without prior medical consultation.

Only a specialist will be able, firstly, to choose the right drug, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient (an ordinary person can simply get lost in the names of pills that say nothing about the composition, contraindications or side effects after an unprotected act). And, secondly, the doctor will tell you how to take emergency contraceptives correctly so as not to harm your body and achieve the desired result.

There are several basic rules for taking postcoital contraceptive medications:

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

Combined oral contraceptives

It is also worth paying attention to the so-called Yuzpe contraceptive method . As mentioned earlier, well-known drugs can be used as emergency contraceptives. COCs (combined oral contraceptives). This method can be an excellent solution for those for whom, for some reason, pills related to postcoital contraception are contraindicated.

The following COCs can be used as emergency contraceptives: , Tetragynon, Ovral, and others. As a rule, such tablets contain hormones - estrogen, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, ethinyl estradiol And progestogen .

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

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

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

Contraindications

We talked about how not to get pregnant after a “no strings attached” act. Now it’s time to discuss the negative aspects of emergency contraception and determine who should not resort to the help of such an uncompromising method.

There is no benefit from emergency contraceptive pills, apart from, of course, the psycho-emotional peace of mind of a woman - this is a fact. How much and what harm can they do?

levonorgestrel drugs:

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

It is prohibited to use containing mifepristone drugs:

• at liver failure ;
• at porphyria ;
• at renal failure ;
• in case of malfunctions hemostasis (blood clotting) systems ;
• upon admission glucocorticoids , For example, , and so on;
• upon admission anticoagulants ;
• at adrenal insufficiency ;
• with confirmed pregnancy;
• when breastfeeding; P
• in the presence of certain diseases in the chronic stage;
• at anemia ;
• women over the age of thirty-five;
• with ectopic pregnancy.

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

Emergency or fire contraceptive pills can be dangerous:

• risk of developing later ectopic pregnancy , which is caused by a disruption in the process of transporting a fertilized egg to the place of its attachment in the uterus for further development;
• risk of uterine bleeding , which even medical workers do not always cope with successfully;
• risk infertility , this is especially true for young women whose menstrual cycle has not yet established;
• risk of developing Crohn's disease , a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which affects all its parts (from the oral cavity to the rectum);
• risk of increased thrombosis , which is provoked by high doses of hormones contained in all “next” day pills without exception, which leads to , and even lethal effect.

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

• nausea;
• allergic reactions as rash And skin itching;
• swelling or breast tenderness (mastalgia);
• lower abdominal pain;
• severe headaches;
• stress ;
• emotional instability.

Abortion pills. Price, where to buy, how to use correctly

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

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

So, as we previously mentioned, after an unprotected act, birth control pills, which are classified as emergency contraception, can protect you from pregnancy for 72 hours. Medicines for medical abortion are used when pregnancy has already occurred.

So, when can you use abortion pills or until when? These medications can be taken in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 42 days amenorrhea -the first day of the last menstrual cycle).

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

It is worth noting that abortion pills are most effective on the fertilized egg that is still weakly attached to the uterus for up to four weeks.

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

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

To exclude possible harm to health, you must definitely consult with a gynecologist, and also take this type of pill only in his presence, so that a qualified specialist can provide quick help (for example, if heavy bleeding occurs) and prevent a serious outcome of a medical abortion. Unfortunately, not many people think about how dangerous abortion pills can be.

After all, you can even die from them if complications arise and doctors do not provide the woman with urgent medical care. Therefore, drugs for medical abortion containing mifepristone (steroidal antiprogestogen substance of synthetic origin), for example, or taken once in a dosage of no more than 200 mg exclusively under medical supervision.

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

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

These are analogs of prostaglandins that stimulate the process of “expulsion” of the fetus from the uterus. It is very important to understand that in order to avoid serious complications, the patient must be under mandatory medical supervision for 2 hours after taking the above medications.

In order to be completely sure that a termination of pregnancy has occurred, the woman needs to undergo an ultrasound two days after the procedure, and then re-appear for an appointment with the gynecologist two weeks later. According to experts, the effectiveness of this method reaches 99%. However, in some cases, abortion pills do not completely help get rid of the fetus, and then the woman has to undergo such unpleasant procedures as:

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

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

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

The following complications may occur during a medical abortion:

• bleeding in the uterus;
• allergic reactions;
• nausea;
• sharp pain in the abdomen;
• incomplete abortion, those. a situation in which pregnancy progresses because fetal rejection has not occurred;
• blood pressure surges;
• vomit.

Price of birth control pills

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

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

If you protect yourself with condoms, then it is better to know in advance what to do if they break. In this situation, there is no time to find out the reasons; it is necessary to take measures to prevent pregnancy from occurring. There are different means of emergency contraception; their choice must be approached based on the situation.

Before using contraceptives, you need to study their positive and negative qualities.

SOS contraception is used after unplanned intercourse or in situations where the main option for protection against pregnancy has failed. If you are sure that conception has occurred, you need to take action within 3 days. Contraceptives for such cases can be one of the following types:

• next day preparations;
• installation of an intrauterine device;
• combination drugs.

Women should familiarize themselves with these in advance, and remember that they cannot replace basic contraceptives. This is due to the fact that doses of hormones negatively affect not only reproductive function, but also the body as a whole.

Of the listed options, IUDs have fewer side effects; the risk of conception when using them remains minimal. If conception occurs with these devices, then the woman has to decide what is better: carrying the child and removing the IUD or terminating the pregnancy.

Features of contraceptive drugs

The “morning-after pill” is different in that it must be taken after possible fertilization and before implantation. You only have 72 hours, but you need to understand that delay increases the chances of conception. By 65-72 hours after intercourse, the effectiveness of most drugs decreases to 45-65%.

The 72-hour pregnancy pill is used in cases where the harm from abortion or fetal development to the body is higher than from taking it. Gynecologists recommend using them in cases where less than 3 years have passed since birth by Caesarean section, as well as in a number of other cases, for example, after rape.

Since in our country emergency medications are sold without a prescription, women often use them to prevent conception when it is undesirable and the usual option of birth control has not worked.

How do they work?

Birth control pills taken within 72 hours after intercourse act immediately in several ways:

1. They prevent the onset of ovulation by suppressing the activity of the ovaries.
2. Contractions of the fallopian tubes are suppressed, preventing the fertilized egg from quickly entering the uterus.
3. They thin the endometrial layer, preventing the fertilized egg from attaching.
4. Under the influence of hormones, cervical mucus becomes thicker, it clogs the cervix, preventing sperm from entering.

In most cases, these processes occur under the influence of large doses of hormones, which trigger the body’s process of natural endometrial rejection, that is, menstruation.

At this time, the uterus contracts, expelling the fertilized egg. The production of specific hormones that support pregnancy is blocked.

Is it possible to use vaginal capsules in SOS cases?

Doctors recommend, if a little time has passed after intercourse, to use local rather than oral options. There are special anti-pregnancy pills for the vagina after intercourse that do not have a pathogenic effect on the woman’s liver and digestive system.

They can be used when the absorption of nutrients in the intestines is impaired. The only drawback of local capsules is their low effectiveness; even with timely use, they only help in 85% of cases.

The most popular drugs are:

• "Benatex";
• "Pharmatex";
• "Ginakotex".

The main advantage of vaginal capsules is that they are safe as they are not hormonal. However, to increase effectiveness, you should use the Yuzpe method or emergency contraceptives taken orally. Without the use of other means, the risk of conception is high.

Emergency contraceptives

To interrupt fertilization, options from two groups can be used:

• non-hormonal;
• containing large doses of estrogens.

Side effects are possible when using hormonal drugs, but the risk of pregnancy after using them is lower. If complications occur, you should always consult a doctor. This is due to the fact that some symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

If after taking estrogen you feel pain in the limbs, aching joints, then this means the dosage was incorrectly chosen. Most often, the body reacts this way to high doses of hormones, but this condition quickly passes.

What is the Yuzpe method?

The Yuzpe method is an unusual option for using oral contraception to prevent pregnancy. It does not use SOS drugs, but regular oral pills, which can be bought at any pharmacy at an affordable price. The effectiveness when taken in the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse reaches 94%.

The most commonly used in emergency situations are:

• "Novinet";
• "Femoden";
• "Miniziston."

At one time you need to take 4-5 birth control pills, and after 12 hours repeat the procedure. Emergency contraception using the Yuzpe method is recommended to be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, since it is necessary to select the correct dosage of oral hormones.

The correct choice of drug should also be entrusted to a specialist. If pregnancy does occur, it is necessary to have an abortion, since contraceptives negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

Active ingredient: levonorgestrel

The most common hormonal contraceptives, taken in the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, most often contain artificially synthesized progesterone - levonorgestrel. Their names:

• "Postinor" is a remedy in which the dose of the hormone is divided into 2 doses. To prevent conception, you need to take 2 tablets, each containing 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. The drug is well tolerated and side effects are rare. You should not take it if you have problems with bile drainage and poor liver function. When taken after 72 hours, its effectiveness will be only 58%; when used on the first day after unprotected intercourse, the chance of not getting pregnant is higher than 95%.
• “Escapelle” is more convenient to take due to the fact that you only need to drink 1 tablet. Its effectiveness on the third day after sexual intercourse is 58%. After taking it, you may develop vomiting, in which case you will need to take another pill. It is permissible to take the medicine "Cerucal" at the same time - it will save you from vomiting.
• "Eskinor F" is sold in two versions: a package with two capsules of 0.75 levonorgestrel and one with a dosage of 1.5 mg of this active substance. It is easier to tolerate than similar drugs.

All of the options listed are based on a synthetic hormone. Their main disadvantage is their strong impact on the cycle and fertility.

Each pill against unwanted pregnancy, taken over 72 hours, contains the same amount of hormone as the female body produces in a year. Against the background of hormonal shock, ovarian functions are suppressed, which leads to temporary infertility.

Active ingredient: mifepristone

Mifepristone-based contraceptives block the action of progesterone. As a result, the changes necessary for implantation do not occur in the endometrium. Also, against the background of this synthetic steroid, the force of uterine contractions increases, which allows you to quickly get rid of a fertilized egg. The most effective contraceptive pills are “72 hours” with the names:

• "Mifegin";
• "Miropriston";
• "Pencrofton."

All of them are about 50% effective when taken on the third day; on the first day they prevent pregnancy in 85% of cases. Their advantage is that they are not hormonal. They do not affect the menstrual cycle. If pregnancy does occur, you will have to resort to surgical or medical abortion, since a large dose of steroids can harm the fetus and cause developmental pathologies in it.

How are 72 hour contraceptives used?

Preparations based on levonorgestrel and mifepristone must be used in the first three days after sexual intercourse, which could lead to fertilization. If you need to take more than one tablet, then the first dose should be taken within 24 hours after intercourse, and the subsequent ones should be used according to the instructions.

Although they can be used for several days, keep in mind the effectiveness. You should try to take birth control as soon as possible, which lasts for 72 hours. Their effectiveness gradually decreases, by the end of 3 days it reaches 45-55%. If you drink them immediately after intercourse, you are more likely to prevent conception. After using them, you should consult a doctor:

• there is a possibility that the pregnancy will continue,
• do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

If you have used mifepristone-based postcoital medications and are still pregnant, you should have an abortion. Large doses of steroids have a negative effect on the fetus. For this reason, you should not delay visiting a doctor.

Of course, it is better not to bring the situation to the point of using methods to prevent conception, but if you compare abortion and taking SOS drugs, the latter have several advantages:

• the body recovers faster;
• if the instructions are followed, complications occur less frequently;
• no hospitalization required;
• With one-time use, serious hormonal imbalances do not occur.

However, SOS tools cannot be considered a panacea. They are not recommended to be used more than 4 times a year. They can lead to infertility if a woman uses them several times over 1-3 months. It is important to follow the instructions so that there is no harm to the body.

What side effects occur?

The most common side effects from taking SOS medications are:

• swelling and discomfort in the mammary glands;
• nausea, sometimes turning into vomiting;
• migraines and severe headaches;
• allergic reactions, most often expressed by rash and itching;
• pulling and cutting pain in the lower abdomen;
• mood swings.

If they pass quickly, there is no need to panic. If these symptoms persist for a week or more, you should consult a doctor. Taking high-dose contraceptives leads to short-term failure of the reproductive system, which affects the entire body.
Complications from using tablets

There are several consequences that can result from the use of emergency medications. It is worth knowing about them before taking the pills, as they may be irreversible:

1. Ectopic pregnancy is more common when using levonorgestrel-based drugs, as they reduce the motility of the fallopian tubes.
2. Severe bleeding that can only be stopped by surgical cleansing of the uterine cavity. This is a fairly common complication that occurs in women with an unstable cycle.
3. Infertility occurs when girls under 16 years of age use SOS contraception, as well as when they are used frequently.
4. The risk of Crohn's disease increases 3 times.
5. Blood clots – usually occurs when a woman has problems with blood clotting. May lead to negative consequences: stroke, pulmonary embolism and death.

Due to the possibility of dangerous complications, you must carefully study the instructions for the contraceptive pills you want to take. If you have contraindications to the use of such products, it is better to avoid them.

Negative consequences that require medical intervention after using emergency methods are observed in only 2% of women.

When is the use of 72 hour tablets contraindicated?

If there are several cases where contraceptives may not work as expected or become dangerous for the woman. You should not take medications if:

• liver and kidney failure;
• when taking coagulants;
• having problems with blood clotting;
• a decrease in red blood cell mass and the amount of protein containing iron in the blood;
• history of ectopic pregnancy;
• taking synthetic hormones and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• malignant tumors;
• impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestine;
• Crohn's disease.

SOS drugs can aggravate the listed pathologies and also lead to their complications. In particular, in case of cancerous tumors, large doses of steroids and hormones provoke the growth of tumors, especially those that have affected the organs of the female reproductive system and the mammary glands.

Can medications be used during lactation?

Most drugs cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation. Mifepristone is used to induce labor in late pregnancy. It can pass into breast milk, so it is recommended to stop breastfeeding the baby for 36 hours.
Levonorgestrel does not have a negative effect on early pregnancy.

It is not recommended to use it after confirmation of implantation, since hormonal imbalance can harm the woman herself. During lactation, this drug can be used in extreme cases. After you drink it, you must refrain from breastfeeding for 8 hours.

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

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

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

The result depends on when the woman took the product. It can give a positive effect within 3 days. Some methods give the desired result if they are used by a woman within 5 days after sex. The use of EC after this is pointless. Pregnancy will occur and the methods will be powerless.

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

In what cases can EC be used?

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

• after voluntary sex, in which the partners did not use any means of protection;
• in those moments when the usual means of contraception fail, for example:
  • due to the condom breaking or slipping;
  • due to incorrect application of the calendar method to prevent unwanted pregnancy (partners could incorrectly identify “dangerous” and “safe” days);
  • the man was unable to interrupt sexual intercourse in time, and the sperm entered the vagina;
  • skipping the use of oral contraceptives (more than 3 days);

• during involuntary sexual intercourse.

Any woman can use emergency contraception. The products can be used when breastfeeding. Hormonal drugs that prevent pregnancy are undesirable for young girls and adolescents whose hormonal background has not yet been formed.

Groups of emergency contraception

There are 4 groups of contraceptives that prevent unwanted pregnancy depending on how sexual intercourse occurs. Let's look at each of them in detail.

1. Hormonal drugs with progestogen

High-dose progestogen emergency post-coital contraceptive pills are taken in different ways. In some cases a tablet is required, in others a couple of tablets are required. This depends on the drug used. Some funds are accepted according to the following scheme:

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

An example of hormonal emergency contraception containing a progestogen is Postinor (levonorgestrel - international name). This synthetic drug prevents fertilization and causes significant changes in the endometrium, making egg implantation impossible.

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

2. Hormonal drugs with an antigestagenic substance

Emergency contraception methods include the use of tablets containing an antigestagen substance. These are also hormonal drugs. You will need to take one tablet. A woman must do this within 3 days from the moment of unprotected sexual intercourse.

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

3. Combined oral contraceptives

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

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

The total dose of ethinyl estradiol consumed should be 200 mcg.

Emergency contraception during breastfeeding (breastfeeding) in the form of combined oral preparations containing estrogen and progestogen is undesirable. A woman's lactation period may be shortened. It is also possible that the quality and quantity of milk may deteriorate.

4. Non-hormonal copper-containing intrauterine devices

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

The intrauterine device is a small device made of plastic and copper. It reduces the lifespan of the egg and prevents its attachment to the walls of the uterus after fertilization. The efficiency of the spiral is 99%.

Contraindications and possible consequences

Emergency contraception also has contraindications. They should be clarified with your doctor or read in the instructions included with the medications. Contraindications may include:

• the onset of pregnancy;
• the presence of serious hereditary diseases;
• increased sensitivity in women to the components included in the products;
• severe liver failure.

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

Experts do not recommend resorting to EC too often. The products are contraindicated for regular use. They should never be used as permanent contraception. It is recommended to use the drugs no more than 1-2 times a year.

The following side effects occur when using hormonal EC:

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

Among the most common consequences of emergency contraception is uterine bleeding. It begins a few days after taking the funds. Some women, on the contrary, experience a delay (5–7 days).

Most pregnancy protection methods only work if you take care to use them BEFORE sexual intercourse. For example, it makes no sense to start taking birth control pills if sex has already happened. This is no smarter than putting on a condom after the man has ejaculated.

Emergency contraception is a method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse has already occurred.

In what cases will emergency contraception help?

Emergency contraception will help avoid unwanted pregnancy in the following situations:

• If you have had unprotected sex
• If during sex and you didn't notice it in time
• If you missed 2 or more

Emergency contraception rules

• Almost any emergency contraceptive drug must be taken no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse. If more than 3 days have passed since sex, the drug will be ineffective.
• If 3-5 days have passed since sex, then you can contact a gynecologist who will insert an intrauterine device. An intrauterine device is a device that is inserted into the uterine cavity and prevents pregnancy.
• Before taking any emergency contraception, you should consult your gynecologist.
• Certain digestive diseases (such as Crohn's disease) and other medications may reduce the effectiveness of emergency contraception. These medications are listed in the instructions for emergency contraception.

What pills will help you not get pregnant after sex?

There are several drugs that are classified as emergency contraception. We will look at each of them separately.

Postinor

Postinor is the oldest and most famous means of emergency contraception among women. This drug contains a loading dose of the hormone levongestrel, which prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

One Postinor tablet contains 750 mcg of levongestrel. In order for the effect of Postinor to be maximum, you need to take 2 tablets 12-16 hours apart.

It is necessary to take the first dose of Postinor in the first 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take the first pill, the higher the likelihood that Postinor will help avoid pregnancy. So, on the first day after sex, the drug will work in 95% of cases; if the interval between sexual intercourse and taking Postinor was 24-48 hours, then in 85% of cases, and if more, only in 58% of cases. Taking Postinor later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse will not bring any effect.

12-16 hours after taking the first tablet, you must take the second Postinor tablet. If you vomit a few hours after taking the first or second tablet, you need to take another tablet.

Postinor can cause disruption of the menstrual cycle, early or late arrival of menstruation, chest pain, and spotting. The presence or absence of menstruation (or discharge) after taking Postinor does not indicate its effectiveness.

You can be sure that you are not pregnant only by doing it at least 3.5 weeks after intercourse. You can find out if you are pregnant earlier by taking a test. This can be done as early as 11 days after unprotected sex. Postinor does not distort the results of a pregnancy test or hCG blood test.

If menstruation does not come on time and lasts more than 5 days, take a pregnancy test and consult a gynecologist.

What if Postinor didn't help?

If you have taken Postinor, but pregnancy still occurs, contact your gynecologist. Taking this drug increases your risk, so you need to undergo a test that will show where the fetus is located.

Taking Postinor, as a rule, does not have an adverse effect on the development of the child, so there is no need to terminate the pregnancy (abortion). If you decide to have an abortion, tell your doctor.

Escapelle

ATTENTION: The drug has contraindications. Do not start using this drug without first consulting your doctor.

Escapelle, like Postinor, contains a large dose of the hormone levongestrel, which prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. The only difference is that one Escapel tablet contains 150 mg of levongestrel, and you only need to take this drug once.

Escapelle should be taken no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The greatest effectiveness is observed if the pill is taken on the first day after unprotected sex.

Escapelle may cause nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you will need to take a repeat dose of Escapelle.

As a result of taking Exapel, disruption of the menstrual cycle, bleeding, and chest pain may occur. If your period is more than 5 days late, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test. Escapelle does not affect the result of a pregnancy test.

What if Escapelle didn't help?

If pregnancy does occur, contact your gynecologist. The doctor will perform an ultrasound and clarify where the fetus is located. If the pregnancy is proceeding normally, then there is no need to interrupt it, since taking Escapel does not affect the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. If you do decide to have an abortion, tell your gynecologist.

How often can I take Postinor and Escapelle?

Postinor and Escapelle are intended for emergency situations and cannot be used for regular contraception. However, these drugs can be taken as many times as needed, even if the need arises a second time during the same menstrual cycle. There are no studies that would prove the unsafety of repeated use of Postinor or Escapel.

If you often need to take Postinor or Escapel, you need to seriously think about which one is right for you.

How many days does Postinor and Escapelle protect against pregnancy?

Postinor and Escapelle act only after sexual intercourse has taken place. Any subsequent unprotected sexual intercourse may cause pregnancy, even if you have recently taken Postinor or Escapelle.

What happens if you take Postinor or Escapelle during pregnancy?

These drugs are ineffective if pregnancy has already occurred. Taking Postinor or Escapel during pregnancy will not lead to its termination.

Gynepriston and Zhenale

ATTENTION: The drug has contraindications. Do not start using this drug without first consulting your doctor.

These are modern means of emergency contraception that do not contain hormones, do not cause disruption of the menstrual cycle and other side effects, while being highly effective.

Both of these drugs contain the same substance in the same dose. The only difference is in the manufacturing company. Ginepristone and Zhenale contain the active ingredient Mifepristone in a dose of 10 mg. Mifepristone, unlike Postinor and Escapel, is not a hormone, but it also prevents pregnancy by preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine cavity.

The Ginepristone or Zhenale tablet should be taken in the first 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you take the drug, the higher its effectiveness will be. If the pill is taken in the first 12 hours after sex, the effectiveness of the drug will be about 98%, if on the first day, then 95%, if later - 85-90%. These drugs are not effective if pregnancy has already occurred.

Important: in order for the drug to be as effective as possible, you should take a Ginepristone or Zhenale tablet 2 hours after meals and do not eat for 2 hours after taking the tablet. Within a week after taking the pill, it is not recommended to take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

What if Ginepriston or Zhenale didn’t help?