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Accidental pregnancy pills. What is and when is postcoital contraception needed. Cycle calculation methods

How to properly protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy during intercourse? A very pressing issue that worries many girls and women of fertile age. Today, there is a widespread use of all kinds of methods of preventing pregnancy, including the use of various folk remedies.

Nevertheless, the huge range of modern methods of contraception only exacerbates the situation with the choice of the optimal means. Now the girls are plagued by even greater doubts related to the best way to protect themselves.

Difficulty choosing contraception

Who should decide how to protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy? Ideally, this should be done by the woman herself, after having listened to the opinion of a specialist. It is worth noting that in many countries cultural norms and traditions have a strong influence on people's opinion. For example, in China, intrauterine devices are used ten times more often than any other type of contraception.

Oddly enough, but most girls and women from the CIS countries often immediately limit themselves in their choice. They tend to ask a very specific question about how to protect themselves from an unplanned pregnancy without pills and spirals. However, the choice of a particular method of contraception should primarily be based on the following principles:

  • Efficiency.
  • Security.
  • Side effects.
  • Applicability.
  • The presence of additional properties.

In Japan, less than 1% of women of fertile age use the contraceptive pill, while in Austria the figure reaches almost 40%.

When choosing the optimal method of contraception, it is necessary, first of all, to take into account whether a woman wants to have a child in the future or not.

How to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy?

To have a complete understanding of how to properly protect against an unplanned pregnancy, every girl and woman should consult a family planning specialist or gynecologist. In each individual case, the question is decided whether it is possible to use traditional or modern methods of contraception, or even use folk remedies. Exclusively for information, consider the main ways of preventing unwanted pregnancy for women:

  • Birth control pills.
  • Implants and injectable contraceptives.
  • Intrauterine contraceptives.
  • Condoms.
  • Spermicides and barrier contraception.
  • Interruption of intercourse.
  • Tracking the menstrual cycle.

Oral contraceptives

Birth control pills are considered one of the safest and most effective methods of preventing an unplanned pregnancy. According to many clinical studies, the effectiveness of this method of contraception is up to 99%. Paradoxically, the use of birth control pills is safer than pregnancy and childbirth itself. In addition, hormonal pills that prevent conception have a number of non-contraceptive advantages:

  • Reduces menstrual pain.
  • Affect the intensity of menstrual bleeding.
  • Reduces the risk of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
  • Reduces the development of malignant pathology in the ovaries and uterus.
  • There is an increase in breast size.

If you are planning a pregnancy, you must stop taking birth control pills at least three months before the desired conception.

Along with the positive effects, the use of oral contraception does not exclude the possibility of developing quite serious consequences for the body. What kind of side effects can you expect from birth control pills?

  • Cessation of menstruation.
  • Uterine bleeding between menstrual cycles.
  • Nausea.
  • The appearance of a sensation of soreness in the area of ​​the mammary glands.
  • Frequent mood swings up to the development of a depressive state.
  • A noticeable increase in body weight.
  • Change in skin condition in the form of darkening, erythema, eczema, etc.
  • Decreased sex drive.
  • The occurrence of problems with breastfeeding.
  • Increased blood pressure.

If you want to prevent pregnancy without taking pills, but do not know how to do it correctly, then you should contact a family planning specialist or gynecologist.

If you have chosen an intrauterine device as a way to protect against unwanted pregnancy, then you do not need additional protection.

Implant contraceptives

There are birth control pills that can be injected under the skin. Norplant is a classic example of a group of implantation devices for preventing unwanted pregnancies. The main advantage of this type of contraception is that after a single injection of the drug, a continuous contraceptive effect is observed for 5 years.

However, norplant is not without a flaw. In addition to the fact that implants must be inserted and removed exclusively by a doctor, you can still encounter some side effects. What are the disadvantages of implantation contraception:

  • Cosmetic defect at the injection site.
  • Menstrual irregularities are possible.
  • Nausea, impaired appetite, headaches, dermatitis, and weight gain are common.

Norplant can be advised to all healthy women who want to provide themselves with long-term protection against unplanned conception of a child.

Intrauterine contraceptives (IUDs)

The mechanism of action of intrauterine contraceptives (coils) is rather complicated. Clinical studies have shown that the IUD affects a number of important processes, thereby preventing the development of pregnancy:

  • Reduces the motor activity of sperm.
  • Slow down the process of fertilization of the egg.
  • They contribute to the death of a fertilized egg or prevent its introduction into the wall of the uterus.

According to some reports, about 100 million women worldwide use IUDs to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The advantages of this method:

  • The effectiveness of the use of the IUD reaches 80%.
  • The spiral can be left unchanged for 3-5 years.
  • The woman does not in any way feel the presence of a spiral in the uterine cavity.
  • Fast return of fertility. It is enough to remove the spiral, and the conception of the child can occur after the first ovulation.
  • The IUD is not an obstacle to taking other medications or performing surgery.
  • The method is relatively inexpensive and readily available to most women.

With irregular vaginal bleeding over the past 3 months or suspicion of precancerous pathology of the endometrium of the uterus, it is not recommended to use this type of contraception, such as an IUD. What other disadvantages of using an intrauterine device should be noted:

  • It is extremely rare, but vaginal bleeding may occur.
  • If the spiral is incorrectly installed, it is possible that pains of varying intensity in the lower abdomen may appear.
  • Traumatization of the uterus up to its rupture with the introduction of the IUD.
  • The prolapse of the IUD from the uterine cavity.
  • The development of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
  • The IUD does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
  • The risk of ectopic pregnancy is not excluded.

Barrier contraception

To prevent the direct entry of sperm into the uterus, a barrier method of contraception is used. The penetration of male sex cells can be stopped either chemically or mechanically. Barrier contraceptives are recommended to be used regularly while using condoms.

Spermicides are chemicals that inhibit sperm activity. The method is not very effective, but it can be combined with other contraceptives. In addition, spermicides significantly reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Mechanical contraception includes:

  • The vaginal diaphragm is a rubber or latex cap with a rather flexible dome-like rim. Injected into the vagina until intimacy. Spermicide is used to treat the side of the diaphragm that will be adjacent to the cervix. Diaphragms are available in several sizes and types depending on the design of the rim. The diaphragm should be in the vagina for no more than 24 hours.
  • A contraceptive sponge is a special polyurethane product made in the form of a pillow and impregnated with spermicide. Available in one size. No prescription is required for this product. They are inserted into the vagina after being moistened with water. The sponge in a woman's body remains effective for 24 hours.
  • A cervical cap is a cup-shaped rubber product that is placed on the cervix. Lubricated with spermicide, the cap must be inserted into the vagina half an hour before intimacy. Contraceptive effectiveness lasts up to a day. It is literally a miniature version of the vaginal diaphragm, but with an elongated dome. After 24 hours, the cervical cap should be removed from the vagina.

There are no specific warnings for the use of spermicides, female condoms, sponges, or diaphragms. Nevertheless, there are several factors that can limit the use of barrier contraception:

  • Allergy to contraceptive material or spermicide.
  • Abnormalities of the vagina that can prevent the correct installation of the contraceptive.
  • Frequent infectious processes in the genitourinary system.
  • Failure to learn the correct administration of these funds.
  • Recent abortion, childbirth, or uterine bleeding.
  • There is no access to clean water and personal hygiene products.

It is worth noting that in girls and women who have given birth, the effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge is significantly inferior to the vaginal diaphragm or cap. For nulliparous women, all barrier contraceptives are approximately the same effective.

Natural methods of protection

Many young girls are interested in how to protect themselves from an unplanned pregnancy when they do not want to take a pill, do not use spirals or other means? There are two natural ways - interruption of intercourse and counting "safe days" in the menstrual cycle. At the same time, these methods have the lowest efficiency and the highest availability and safety compared to all other types of contraception.

Traditional medicine for unplanned pregnancy

Despite the common skepticism among specialists, it is still worth listing some of the folk remedies for preventing pregnancy, which are especially popular among different segments of the population. It turns out that the following can be used to protect against conception at home:

  • Douching with a weak solution of potassium permanganate immediately after intercourse.
  • Douching with citric acid solution. Dilute 5 ml of citric acid per liter of water.
  • After intimacy, drink a glass of beet juice or bay leaf infusion.
  • Before intercourse, a man should take a hot bath.

The best answer to the question of what is the best way to protect a young girl from unwanted pregnancy will only be given to you by a qualified specialist doctor.

If you are using condoms to protect yourself, it is best 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. Emergency contraceptives are different, and 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 primary protection against pregnancy has failed. If you are sure that conception has occurred, you must take action within 3 days. Contraceptives for such cases can be of one of the types:

  • preparations of the next day;
  • 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 have a negative effect not only on reproductive function, but also on the body as a whole.

Of the listed options, coils 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 which is better: to carry the child and remove the spiral or to terminate the pregnancy.

Features of contraceptive drugs

"Next day pills" differ in that they 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 for the body is higher than from taking it. Gynecologists recommend using them in cases where less than 3 years have passed after childbirth by cesarean section, as well as in a number of other cases, for example, after rape.

Since in our country emergency drugs are sold without a prescription, women often use them to prevent conception when it is undesirable, and the usual method of contraception did not work.

How do they work?

Contraceptive pills, taken within 72 hours after intercourse, work in several ways:

  1. Prevent the onset of ovulation by suppressing the activity of the ovaries.
  2. The contractions of the fallopian tubes are suppressed, preventing the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus quickly.
  3. Thin the endometrial layer, preventing the ovum from attaching.
  4. Cervical mucus under the influence of hormones becomes thicker, it clogs the cervix, preventing sperm from getting inside.

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

At this time, the uterus contracts, ejecting the ovum from itself. The production of specific hormones that support pregnancy is blocked.

Can vaginal capsules be used in SOS cases?

Doctors recommend, if a little time has passed after intercourse, to use not oral options, but local ones. There are special pills for pregnancy after intercourse for the vagina, which 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 intestine is impaired. The only drawback of local capsules is their low efficiency, even with timely use, they help only 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 be effective, you should use the Yuzpe method or oral emergency contraceptives. 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 estrogen.

When using hormonal drugs, side effects are possible, but the risk of pregnancy after using them is lower. If complications arise, you should always see a doctor. This is because some symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

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

What is the Yuzpe way?


The Yuzpe method is an unusual use of oral contraception to prevent pregnancy. For him, not SOS drugs are used, but ordinary oral pills, which can be bought in every pharmacy at an affordable price. The effectiveness when taken in the first 24 hours after intercourse reaches 94%.

The most commonly used in emergency cases:

  • Novinet;
  • "Femoden";
  • "Minisiston".

At one time, you need to drink 4-5 contraceptive pills, and after 12 hours repeat the procedure. Emergency protection using the Yuzpe method is recommended under the supervision of a physician, since it is necessary to choose the correct dosage of oral hormones.

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

Active ingredient - levonorgestrel

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

  • "Postinor" is a drug in which the dose of the hormone is divided into 2 doses. To prevent conception, you need to drink 2 tablets, each containing 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel. The drug is well tolerated, side effects are rare. You can not take it if you have problems with bile flow and insufficient 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%.
  • "Escapel" is more convenient to take due to the fact that you need to drink only 1 tablet. Its effectiveness on the third day after sexual intercourse is 58%. After taking it, vomiting may develop, in which case it will be necessary to take another pill. It is permissible to take the medicine "Cerucal" at the same time as it - 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 these options are based on a synthetic hormone. Their main disadvantage is their strong influence on the cycle and fertility.

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

Active ingredient - mifepristone

Contraceptives based on mifepristone 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 contractions of the uterus increases, which allows you to quickly get rid of a fertilized egg. The most effective are contraceptive pills "72 hours" with the names:

  • "Mifegin";
  • Miropriston;
  • Pencrofton.

All of them have an efficiency of about 50% 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. The menstrual cycle is not influenced. 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 the 72 Hours contraceptive used?

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

Although they can be used for several days, be aware of their effectiveness. You should try to take contraceptives as soon as possible, which work within 72 hours. Their effectiveness is gradually decreasing, by the end of 3 days it reaches 45-55%. Drinking them immediately after intercourse is more likely to prevent conception. After using them, you must consult a doctor:

  • there is a possibility of continuing the pregnancy,
  • do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

If you have used postcoital mifepristone and the pregnancy continues, an abortion should be done. Large doses of steroids negatively affect the fetus. For this reason, you should not delay with a visit to the doctor.

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

  • the body recovers faster;
  • if the instructions are followed, complications occur less often;
  • no hospitalization required;
  • with a single use, serious hormonal disorders do not occur.

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

What side effects occur?

The most common side effects from taking SOS drugs 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 a short-term failure of the reproductive system, which affects the whole body.
Complications from the use of pills

There are several consequences that the use of emergency medications can lead to. You should know about them before taking pills, as they may be irreversible:

  1. Ectopic pregnancy - more common when using levonorgestrel-based drugs, since against their background, the motility of the fallopian tubes decreases.
  2. Heavy 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 a blood clotting problem. May lead to negative consequences: stroke, pulmonary embolism and death.

Due to the likelihood of dangerous complications, you must carefully study the instructions for the contraceptive pill that you want to take. If you have contraindications to the use of such funds, it is better to refuse 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. Do not take medications for:

  • hepatic and renal failure;
  • when taking coagulants;
  • having problems with blood clotting;
  • a decrease in the red blood cell mass and the amount of protein containing iron in the blood;
  • a 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, as well as lead to their complications. In particular, in cancerous tumors, large doses of steroids and hormones provoke the growth of neoplasms, especially those that have affected the organs of the female reproductive system and mammary glands.

Can drugs be used during lactation?

Most drugs cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation. Mifepristone is used to induce labor in late pregnancy. It is able to penetrate into breast milk, therefore 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.

Emergency (postcoital, emergency, fire) contraception is a special method of preventing unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or when other methods of contraception are ineffective.

Scientists have been studying the female body for a long time in order to find out how a new life is born and what environmental factors are necessary for its further development. Thanks to the development of science, doctors have learned to control the processes of fertilization. But not every pregnancy is long-awaited. Therefore, women, sacrificing their health and life, tried various methods of stopping the development of the fetus.

Today, the development of obstetrics and gynecology as a science has led to the creation of multiple contraceptives, including for an emergency. These drugs are allocated to one special group due to a similar mechanism of action on the woman's body in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraception disrupts the physiology of the menstrual cycle.

In addition to affecting the cycle itself, contraceptives increase the viscosity of cervical mucus, slow down the movement of germ cells and the embryo through the uterine (fallopian) tubes, thereby disrupting the processes of implantation of it to the endometrium for further development.

Classification

There are two ways to administer fire-fighting contraceptives:

  1. Pills for unwanted pregnancy after intercourse;
  2. Copper-containing intrauterine devices.

According to the hormonal composition, emergency contraception is divided into medicines containing:

  • High doses of estrogen.
  • Gestagens.
  • A combination of estrogen-progestogen.
  • Antigonadotropins.
  • Antigestagens.

According to experts, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptive drugs against pregnancy after an unprotected act is limited in time. The shorter the time interval between sex and taking medications, the greater their effectiveness, but this time interval should not exceed 72 hours. If this period is exceeded, the likelihood that fertilization of the egg has already occurred increases.

From the 6th day of pregnancy, the production of chorionic gonadotropin begins, which prevents the resorption of the corpus luteum. Its main task is to produce progesterone before the formation of the placenta in order to further develop the fetus. It is much more difficult to interrupt the process of embryo development at this time.

These pills for pregnancy cannot be used constantly and they should not be the predominant and only method of preventing the fertilization of an egg with a sperm. The drugs used for fire-fighting contraception affect not only the processes of conception and development of the embryo, but also the entire body as a whole. Since the drugs also have a negative effect, not every woman can take them as contraceptives.

Therefore, before use, consultation and follow-up control is necessary in case of appointment by a gynecologist. Only a doctor can help you choose a specific method of emergency contraception for a woman.

The main indications for postcoital contraception are:

  1. Rape.
  2. Improper use / breakage of the condom.
  3. Late use of combined oral contraceptives.
  4. Interrupted intercourse.
  5. Unprotected intercourse.

In addition to indications, there are diseases and conditions of the body, when the use of various methods of emergency contraception is possible under the strict supervision of a doctor:

  1. Diabetes.
  2. A combination of factors - premenopausal age and the presence of the fact of smoking (more than 1 pack of cigarettes per day).
  3. Hepatitis, cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia.

Estrogens

These drugs for emergency contraception were the first to be used in gynecology. The use of sex steroid hormones is an effective way. To prevent pregnancy, high doses of estrogens are used, so the main disadvantage of these contraceptives is the frequent occurrence of adverse side effects. The following symptoms are most common: nausea, vomiting, imbalance between the blood coagulation and anticoagulant systems.

In addition, a large number of researchers are of the following opinion, if a woman managed to become pregnant after taking female sex hormones, then such a pregnancy should be completed. Estrogens are carcinogenic to the embryo. In women, whose mothers took estrogens in the first half of pregnancy, several years later, malignant diseases of the genital organs developed, and in men, the processes of puberty were disrupted.

Gestagens

The most famous and widely used group of drugs in Russia. The main drugs are gestagens - Postinor and Escapel. These drugs are disposable birth control pills after intercourse. The progestogen underlying these drugs is levonorgestrel.

The principle of action of levonorgestrel is based on the violation of the processes of maturation of eggs. The drug works only in the phases of maturation of the dominant follicle and its subsequent development. During ovulation, levonorgestrel is not effective, and three days before it, the drug's ability decreases to 68%.

The following scheme for taking the drug Postinor has been developed: the starting dose is taken up to 72 hours after sex, and the second dose is taken 12 hours after the first pill. The manufacturers of the drug remind that Postinor should not be taken more than 1 time in one menstrual cycle.

Levonorgestrel is found in a drug called Escapel. This emergency contraceptive contains only one pill, which is very good to use. Taking the drug is also limited to a time interval of 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness in the first 24 hours of these drugs is 95%.

Due to the heterogeneous effectiveness of gestagens at different periods of the menstrual cycle, an important question remains how these emergency drugs affect the fetus if this method of contraception is ineffective.

Based on many studies, experts argue that Postinor and Escapel do not adversely affect the embryo and the course of pregnancy if they are ineffective.

Estrogen-progestogen

Yuzpe and Lancee in 1977 developed an effective program for taking combined oral contraceptives containing progestogen-estrogen components. Low-dose birth control pills for unwanted pregnancies after intercourse can also be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Depending on the dosage of chemically active substances in them, only the number of tablets changes. The essence of the method is the use of fixed doses of estradiol and levonorgestrel, divided into two doses. The greatest effectiveness of the Yuspe method lies in the time frame - 72 hours after sex, and the interval between the first and second dose should be 12 hours.

The effectiveness of this method depends on:

  • The time frame for taking medications.
  • Phases of the menstrual cycle.
  • The occurrence of undesirable reactions. The most common complication is vomiting, if you do not take again, identical to the first dose, then the effectiveness decreases.

Antigonadotropic drugs

The mechanism of action of these drugs is based on a decrease in the production of hormones by the pituitary gland, which entails inhibition of the function of the ovaries, a slowdown in the rate of release of the egg during the rupture of a mature follicle and changes in the mucous membrane of the body of the uterus, which prevent the attachment of the ovum. One of the drugs is Danazol or Danol.

The way of using Danazol is variable. The drug can be taken two or three times. The interval between doses should be 12 hours in order to create the required content of hormones in the blood. The main thing to remember is that the entire course of taking Danazol must be completed no later than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Antigestagens

Antigestagens are a new and most studied pharmacological group of substances, the pathogenetic action of which is based on blocking progesterone-sensitive receptors. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum at the beginning of pregnancy and is necessary for its maintenance.

The main advantage of the drugs is the highest efficiency during all stages of the menstrual cycle among emergency contraceptive pills. This is due to a wide variety of mechanisms of action. In the pre-ovulatory period, disposable contraceptive pills suppress ovulation, in the period after it, it affects the mucous membrane of the uterine body and disrupts the process of implantation of the embryo to it.

Mifepristone is an emergency contraceptive that has these effects. By origin, it is a synthetic antiprogestin. This substance contains pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse with the names: Agesta, Zhenale.

Mifepristone is an emergency contraceptive pill that affects all pathogenetic mechanisms of pregnancy, so the time interval without reducing the percentage of effectiveness is 120 hours. If the fusion of the germ cells has occurred, then taking mifepristone can interrupt the unwanted pregnancy, causing a reaction similar to menstruation.

The use of antigestagens as postcoital contraception is not permitted. In Russia, mifepristone is registered as a drug for medical abortion (when menstruation is delayed for no more than 42 days). In pharmacies, drugs can be called differently, depending on the pharmacological company, but they are dispensed only with a doctor's prescription and can be taken only after consulting a gynecologist.

Despite the high efficacy of mifepristone, there is a possibility of pregnancy. In such cases, it is recommended to interrupt it, since the drug has an adverse effect on the embryo.

Mechanical emergency contraception

Installing a copper-containing IUD is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. The main condition for achieving the necessary goal is to set it no later than 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

Today we have a wide range of different intrauterine devices. These emergency contraceptives come in a variety of shapes, sizes, rigidity and materials. Individual selection of the required spiral is the task of the gynecologist. The main principle of action is to prevent the migration of a fertilized egg to the endometrium - the mucous membrane of the body of the uterus, and copper has a fatal effect on sperm, as a result of which they lose their ability to conceive.

The installation of any foreign devices in the uterine cavity is accompanied by an increased risk of infection or spreading it with existing infectious diseases of the genitals. There are cases when the use of these contraceptives is impractical:

  • Cannot be used by women with abnormal development of the genitals.
  • It is not recommended for women with promiscuous intercourse to use them, since the installed copper-containing coils do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
  • It is not recommended to use these emergency contraceptives for women suffering from various inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs.

Due to the fact that the coils are installed intrauterinely, a small percentage of drugs enter the bloodstream. This explains the absence of hormone-mediated complications. Also, only 0.1–0.6% of the drug passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding can be continued while taking the drug. Well, the main advantage of intrauterine devices is the ability to use them later 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

Do not forget about the risks of infection. Before using this method of contraception, a woman should be screened for sexually transmitted infections.

There are certain diseases and conditions of the body when the use of this method of contraception is absolutely not acceptable:

  1. Pregnancy or the possible presence of it in a woman.
  2. Any infectious and inflammatory diseases.
  3. Oncological diseases of any part of the uterus and mammary glands.
  4. Congenital or acquired diseases leading to a change in the size, shape and configuration of the uterus.

Today, emergency contraception is becoming more widespread, but it must be emphasized that the choice of the method and method of contraception is the prerogative of the gynecologist.

Emergency contraception is a single-dose and emergency drug used to prevent pregnancy in order to reduce the number of abortions. Doctors do not recommend using it more than 1 time per menstrual cycle or several cycles in a row. Therefore, after using emergency drugs, a woman should choose another, more reasonable way to prevent pregnancy.

An unplanned pregnancy is usually the result of neglect of protective equipment or the use of low-quality contraceptives. This problem requires an immediate solution, since it is easier to fix it in the early stages.

Pills for an unplanned pregnancy after intercourse are almost as effective as a surgical abortion. However, such medicines should be used with caution, so it is advisable to know more about them before using.

Pills from pregnancy after the act, in which the fertilization of the egg may have occurred, should be taken as soon as this fact was discovered.

There are several types of drugs for terminating pregnancy:

The drugs belonging to these types act in different ways and have different properties. However, the discomfort that occurs after taking it is similar, since the action has one direction. Regardless of the type of medication, side effects such as vomiting, headache and abdominal pain cannot be avoided.

Emergency contraceptive drugs

Emergency contraception (other names for emergency, emergency) involves the termination of pregnancy with the use of various medications. With early contraception, the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus and the further development of the fetus at an early stage are prevented.

The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on when the funds were taken and on the type of drug itself.

The following emergency contraceptive drugs are most effective:


The drugs listed above are the best for emergency contraception. If the instructions are followed, the efficiency is 95%.

Mifeprestone preparations

Preparations that include mifeprestone are effective even 3 weeks after conception. Mifepreston acts on the uterus, increasing its tone. As a result, the fertilized egg is rejected by the uterus. Preparations containing mifeprestone strongly affect the female body, therefore, they should be used only in the presence of a specialist.

The most popular drugs in this group are:

  1. Mifepristone- These are tablets that have a yellowish or greenish tint. In addition to the main component, the following substances are included in the composition: cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose, a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, polyvinylirrolidone. You need to take the tablets 1.5 hours after a small snack, 3 tablets at once. They must be washed down with water. You can buy them in a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription, the approximate cost is 1500-3000 rubles.
  2. Mifegin- These are tablets with a yellowish tinge, having a biconvex shape. The obverse is engraved with the numbers 167. Also included are silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose and povidone. Mifegin is the most effective remedy that has fewer side effects than others. Mifegin should be used in the same way as Mifepreston, 3 tablets at a time, in the presence of a doctor, after meals (at least 1 hour). The price of the drug ranges from 2500 to 3500 rubles.
  3. Zhenale. The drug Zhenale is available in the form of round-shaped yellow or green tablets. It contains magnesium stearate, a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, povidone and lactose monohydrate. Unlike the drugs listed above, it can be taken on its own in 1 tablet. After the last meal, at least 2 hours should pass. After ingestion, do not eat for 2 hours. It is not recommended to use the drug for people suffering from porphyria, sexually transmitted diseases, anemia, liver and kidney diseases. It is also not recommended to take it together with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. The price of the drug ranges from 300 to 800 rubles.
  4. Myfolean Is a pill for abortion based on mifeprestone. Mifolean tablets have a round shape and a yellowish tint. In addition to mifeprestone, the composition also includes a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, magnesium stearate, lactose, hypremelose. Like other drugs that include mifeprestone, it should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. You need to take 3 tablets at once. The effect of the drug will be reduced if it interacts with anti-inflammatory drugs. The approximate price of mithhelian is 2000 rubles.

Means, which include mifeprestone, are 98% effective. Their effectiveness does not depend on the time of admission. However, such drugs can only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Terminating pregnancy with birth control pills

Pregnancy pills after an act that has passed without the use of contraceptives give a result if you take them within 3 days. For the first few days, you can even use birth control pills to terminate a pregnancy.

However, these pills are less effective than other drugs because they simply suppress ovulation and increase mucus production, which prevents the semen from reaching its target.

There are exceptions among contraceptives that are quite effective:

  1. Yarin's tablets. The drug is a yellowish hexagon-shaped tablet. On the front side there is an inscription "DO". The main components are ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, and it also contains a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, lactose, magnesium stearate and povidone. The cost ranges from 1000 to 1500 rubles.
  2. Logest is available in the form of round white tablets. The main components of the composition are ethinylestradiol and gestodene; it also contains starch, lactose monohydrate, polyvidone, calcium carbonate, sucrose, talc, glycolic wax. Price 700-2500 rubles.
  3. Novinet- tablets with a yellowish tint, having a convex round shape. There is engraving on both sides. The main active ingredients are ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. Also included are: silicon dioxide, stearic acid, povidone, tocopherol, a mixture of amylose polysaccharides and amylopectin, dye. The cost ranges from 500 to 1000 rubles. The price depends on the number of tablets in the package and the region of sale.
  4. Silest- tablets with a blue tint, which have a round shape with modified edges and engraved on both sides. The main elements in the composition are norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. In addition, the composition includes a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, a compound of magnesium and stearic acid, and a dye. Approximate price - 500 rubles.

The abortion pill (birth control) can only be used between 1 and 3 days after intercourse. You need to drink 2-5 tablets at once. You need to drink the same amount after 12 hours. Contraceptive pills are often misleading, their effectiveness is 80%, even if taken right away, so it is better to use other drugs.

The effectiveness of drugs for unwanted pregnancy

Medical termination of pregnancy is much easier than surgery. However, pills do not always work.

The effectiveness of medications depends on the following factors:

  1. age;
  2. physical data (weight, height);
  3. health;
  4. menstrual cycle.

The amount of time elapsed after intercourse affects the effectiveness most of all. If you use emergency contraception immediately after contact or after a short time, the effectiveness is 99%. With each passing hour and day, the percentage of effectiveness decreases.

The most effective drugs for emergency contraception are drugs that include mifepristone:

  1. Mifegin.
  2. Mytholian.
  3. Mifeprex.
  4. Pencrofton.

It is forbidden to use them on your own.

Contraindications

Pills from pregnancy after an act that has passed without the use of contraceptives cannot be taken without reading the composition and contraindications, since they affect not only the uterus and the egg, but completely the entire body. Some people are advised against aborting pregnancies with pills. This can lead to childlessness.

It is prohibited to carry out the procedure of medical abortion:

  • with a long period of pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy;
  • in case of violations in the work of the liver, kidneys;
  • with anemia, blood leukemia, etc.;
  • with inflammation of the pelvic organs;
  • people with asthma;
  • women with swelling of the breast and uterus;
  • with sexually transmitted diseases;
  • with hormonal disruption.
  • in the event of an allergic reaction to the components that are indicated in the composition.

These are general contraindications that apply to all early termination of pregnancy. Some drugs have additional contraindications, so it is important to fully study the characteristics of the selected drug before use.

Side effects

The suppression of pregnancy with the use of medicines always causes discomfort, since pregnancy, even at an early stage, changes the female body, and the elimination of the semen is an external intervention. Side effects almost always occur after emergency contraception.

This could be:


Such unpleasant sensations should not cause concern for a woman, as they are natural and quickly pass. But sometimes (if taken incorrectly), more serious side effects can occur.

For example:

  • uterine bleeding;
  • unbearable abdominal pain;
  • infertility (with frequent use of pills).

Where can i buy abortion products and can i use them myself

Emergency contraceptives are only available at a pharmacy. Medications will be given only if there is a doctor's prescription. Most of the means for emergency contraception can be taken independently, but only after carefully studying the characteristics and instructions.

However, it is advisable not to carry out abortions on your own, since complications often arise after an incorrectly performed procedure. Emergency contraceptives, which include mifeprestone, can only be used in a healthcare facility, under the supervision of a specialist.

How to check if a pregnancy termination was successful

It is impossible to verify the success of the procedure on your own. You can find out whether the procedure was successful only by conducting a control ultrasound scan or by visiting a specialist. Only a specialist in this area will be able to determine the result of taking drugs, for this he needs to study the state of the woman's reproductive organs.

A woman should choose means to terminate pregnancy, taking into account the characteristics of the body and contraindications.

Pregnancy pills will help prevent the development of a fertilized egg after an unprotected act, however, they can also cause serious complications.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist who will help you choose the drug. Pregnancy, even in the early stages, is a serious change in the body, and carrying out the procedure without due care often leads to infertility.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about pregnancy pills after intercourse

Emergency contraception:

Types of contraception:

Pregnancy is the most joyful and wonderful period of life for a woman. However, not for everyone. In some cases, conception becomes a surprise and forces the fairer sex to take emergency measures. This article will focus on what anti-pregnancy pills are after an unprotected act. You will learn how these drugs are used and whether they can be used regularly. It is also worth mentioning what the price of such drugs is and their name will be indicated below.

A bit of anatomy: how conception occurs

To begin with, it is worth finding out in what way conception is performed, as a result of which a child may be born. On average, once a month, the average woman undergoes hormonal changes in her body. The production of estrogen is replaced by progesterone, and the egg is released from the follicle. If at this moment sexual intercourse occurs, then pregnancy may occur. Also, conception can take place if the sperm have entered the woman's body a few days before or after the rupture of the follicle.

Immediately after ovulation, under the influence of progesterone, active preparation of the endometrium begins. The layer thickens and becomes looser. In this way, the body prepares to receive the fertilized female gamete. If conception has taken place, then the ovum within a few days descends to the genital organ through the fallopian tube. Once in the uterus, the embryo is securely attached to the endometrial layer. It is here that he will develop in the coming months if the pregnancy continues.

How can a conception be interrupted?

Currently, there are many ways to stop the development of the embryo. It is worth noting that in this case it is better not to engage in amateur performances. Failure to do so can lead to serious health problems.

One of the most popular abortion methods is curettage or vacuum aspiration. During the procedure, the doctor removes the ovum and part of the endometrium from the uterus. Such a manipulation is carried out up to 12 weeks of embryo development.

You can also take medication. In this case, a prerequisite is a delay in menstruation of no more than forty days. After taking some drugs, the woman's endometrium with the ovum is rejected and menstruation begins.

There are also special emergency methods of contraception. In this case, the agent is taken a few hours after unprotected intercourse. Due to the action of the drugs, the woman begins to reorganize hormones, and menstrual bleeding occurs.

Emergency contraception

There are several that allow you to terminate a pregnancy even before the ovum is fixed on the wall of the uterus. Anti-pregnancy pills after an unprotected act have a different effect and method of use. Remember that these medications cannot be used as permanent protection against unwanted conception. Anti-pregnancy pills should be used after an unprotected act only in emergency cases. Otherwise, you can get serious health problems. Consider what drugs exist for the emergency interruption of the development of the ovum.

The drug "Postinor"

This product contains a synthetic progestin. It is this component that affects the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and the state of the endometrium. Under the influence of a substance called levonorgestrel, the fallopian tubes decrease their mobility and slow down the activity of the fertilized egg. As a result, the ovum dies before it reaches the uterine cavity. If the set of gametes has descended into the genital organ, then levonorgestrel changes the state of the endometrium. The egg is simply not able to attach to such a cavity.

Postinor tablets should be taken two capsules every 12 hours. This is the same period of action for the above substance. The first pill must be drunk no later than 16 hours after intercourse. The course of drug use is three days. During this period, the woman should begin menstrual bleeding. Only then is emergency contraception considered successful.

Postinor tablets, which cost about 250 rubles, can be purchased at any pharmacy chain. It is worth noting that there are only two capsules in one package of the medicine. This means that you will need 6 packs for the course. In this case, the price for the Postinor tablets increases and amounts to about 1,500 rubles.

The drug "Escapel"

These tablets are also based on the action of a substance called levonorgestrel. However, here the dosage of the drug is somewhat different. A woman needs to take one tablet within 24 hours after intercourse. Then you should repeat the procedure twice with a difference of 24 hours.

The price for Escapel tablets ranges from 250 to 300 rubles. The pack contains one capsule. This means that for the full course you will need three packs of Escapel tablets. The price in this case will be approximately 1000 rubles. It should be noted that this medication is somewhat cheaper than Postinor.

The drug "Eskinor F"

This tool has the same effect as the Escapel tablets. After taking the drug, the reverse transformation of the endometrium begins and the activity of the fallopian tubes decreases.

It should be noted that this drug is less popular than the first two analogues. However, this does not mean that the effect of the drug will not be as effective.

Preparations containing mifetpristone

Anti-pregnancy pills after an unprotected act may have a slightly different effect. These drugs include the following: "Mifegin", "Zhenale", "Miropriston" and others. It is worth noting that these funds are most often used for the active substance of such drugs changes the transformation of the endometrium and enhances the contraction of the genital organ. Under this influence, the endometrium is rejected and the egg is released from the female body.

Unlike drugs containing levonorgestrel, mifepristone tablets can be interrupted even after a delay in menstruation. Thus, the woman has time to make the right decision. These birth control pills are taken once after intercourse. In this case, it is worthwhile to first obtain a doctor's approval for such a correction. If the drug has not been taken within the first three days after the sperm enters the woman's body, then the patient will need additional ones that block the production of progesterone.

These products, which contain mifepristone, are slightly more expensive than previous medicines. So, one package can cost you from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.

An alternative method of emergency interruption of egg development

In addition to the above, there are drugs (contraceptives) to prevent unwanted conception after intercourse. These include the most common, however, doctors strongly do not recommend using such a method because of the possible side effects and complications. These drugs include the following drugs: birth control pills "Yarina", "Logest", "Novinet" and others.

Use them only after carefully reading the instructions. Here you will need school knowledge of mathematics. It is necessary to calculate the amount of hormones contained in one tablet. After that, you should calculate how many capsules you need to drink at one time to achieve the required dose (as in the Postinor tablets and its analogues). The average woman needs two to five capsules. You need to drink them every 12 hours for three days.

How effective are pills for pregnancy?

It is worth noting that drugs that interrupt the development of the embryo at the earliest stages have different efficacy. Much depends on the time at which the medicine was taken. So, if you follow the instructions and drink the first dose immediately after intercourse, the effectiveness of the drug will be more than 90 percent. In the event that at least a day has passed after intercourse, the effect of the drug will already be 70-80 percent effective. If the subsequent intake of the substance is violated or you are very late with the use of the first dose, then the probability of a successful outcome will be from 50 to 70 percent.

It is worth recalling that if the termination of pregnancy at the earliest possible date with the help of the above drugs failed, then doctors strongly recommend scraping. The thing is that these drugs affect not only the female body. The substances that make up the tablets have a detrimental effect on the state of the ovum. If you want to leave the unborn baby, then be prepared for the fact that the baby will be born sick or will have some deviations.

and prices

In order to avoid the need to use drugs for emergency contraception, it is necessary to take care of the methods of contraception in advance. If you have a regular sexual partner, then it makes sense to start taking birth control pills. The price for such drugs can be different and range from 200 to 2000 rubles.

Absolutely all means of preventing pregnancy are divided into combined oral contraceptives and mini-pills. The latter contain a small dose of hormones and not all women are able to block ovulation. However, it is worth noting that such drugs are the only pills approved for use during breastfeeding. The drugs in the mini-pili group include the following:

  • Charosetta tablets (cost about 800 rubles);
  • the drug "Laktinet" (price about 600 rubles);
  • pills "Orgametril" (cost from 1000 rubles) and many others.

The effect of combined oral contraceptives is somewhat different. Such drugs completely block the ovaries, preventing ovulation. The active substance of the tablets thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterine cavity and surviving there. In addition, hormonal drugs affect the state of the endometrium, transforming it so that the fertilized cell cannot attach to the wall of the uterus. All oral contraceptives are divided into monophasic, biphasic and three-phase.

Monophasic means include the following:

  • Regulon tablets (cost from 300 rubles);
  • pills "Janine" (about 800 rubles);
  • contraceptive pills "35 Diana" (price from 1000 rubles) and others.

Two-phase means for protection include Regvidon tablets (cost from 200 rubles) and other drugs.

Three-phase birth control pills include the following:

  • pills "Tri-Regol" (cost from 200 rubles);
  • capsules "Tri-Merci" (price from 400 rubles).

Also, contraceptives can differ in the content of hormonal substances. So, tablets are micro-dose and low-dose. There is also a group of high-dose drugs.

Microdosing includes the following:

  • Novinet tablets (cost from 500 rubles);
  • the drug "Logest" (the price is about 900 rubles);
  • pills "Jess" (cost within 1000) and others.

Low-dose drugs are:

  • contraceptive pills "Yarina" (price from 700 rubles);
  • the drug "Diana 35" (cost from 1000 rubles);
  • means "Janine" (cost within 1000 rubles) and others.

Such drugs are more often prescribed to women who have given birth or to women after 30 years.

High-dose drugs have the following names:

  • tablets "Trikvilar" (price about 500 rubles);
  • the drug "Non-ovlon" (cost about 700 rubles) and so on.