What are the contraceptive pills after the act is better?

If a woman does not plan a pregnancy, the birth control pills after the act will help to avoid unwanted conception. This method of protection in medicine is called the method of postcoital, emergency contraception. It is applicable in cases where unprotected intercourse occurs and the woman does not use other methods of protection from pregnancy( spiral, oral contraceptives).

Emergency contraception: what is it?

Emergency contraception methods are used only when the main options for protection from unwanted pregnancy have failed or unplanned sexual intercourse has occurred. In this case, the birth control pills must be taken within the next 72 hours after an unprotected act. And, the earlier a pill is taken, the higher the probability that conception will not occur.

So, taking an emergency contraceptive within 24 hours after an unprotected act, provides an efficiency of about 95%.When using the pill within 48 hours, the probability of conception increases by 10 percent. If a woman takes the drug by the end of the third day, the result will be only 55-60%.That is, every day the effectiveness of emergency contraception is reduced, so take the pill recommended as early as possible( preferably within 24 hours after intercourse).

However, a woman should understand that on a regular basis, the reception of such drugs is unacceptable, since the high concentration of hormones, which form the basis of drugs, negatively affects not only the reproductive function, but also the entire body as a whole. According to WHO recommendations, emergency contraceptives can be taken no more than 2-3 times a year.

At the same time it is considered that the use of emergency contraceptives is the most sparing alternative to surgical abortion( abortion).You just need to know how to take birth control pills after sexual intercourse and not abuse these medications.

When do women resort to emergency care?

Indications for the use of emergency contraception are the following situations:

• unprotected sexual intercourse with an unfamiliar sexual partner;
• , the barrier barrier method used was unreliable( for example, a condom broke, a spiral fell out);
• was missed taking an oral contraceptive;
• unprotected contact happened due to sexual abuse.

In some cases, the indication for taking emergency contraceptives is the course of treatment with drugs( antibiotics, diuretics) that reduce the effectiveness of permanent oral contraceptives prescribed to a woman by a doctor.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that modern emergency contraceptives are safer and more effective than first-generation drugs, they can not be completely harmless. Experts warn that they should not be taken more than once in 3-6 months. More frequent use can cause various gynecological diseases, ectopic pregnancy and subsequent problems with conception. Such remedies have an impressive list of contraindications, which must be familiar with before the first application. The main limitations to use:

• liver and kidney pathology;
• age to 16 years;
• varicose veins, venous insufficiency;
• thromboembolism;
• instability of the menstrual cycle;
• uterine bleeding;
• anemia;
• bleeding disorders;
• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• individual intolerance of the drug components;
• severe chronic diseases.

After taking emergency contraceptive pills, side effects may develop. The most common of these:

• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness, headaches;
• painful swelling of the mammary glands;
• weakness, increased fatigue;
• pain in the lower abdomen, menstrual irregularities.

It is not uncommon and uterine bleeding that develops in 10% of women. It is not recommended to prescribe such remedies to women after 35 years( especially to those who smoke).As part of such drugs contain huge doses of hormones that can easily provoke a hormonal imbalance. Therefore, this type of protection should be used with extreme caution, and before using it, be sure to consult with your doctor and clarify any possible contraindications.

Mechanism of action

The principle of action of emergency drugs is based on the inhibition of conception at the initial stage and the inability to develop a fertilized egg. To date, there are 2 types of tablets:

1. preparations based on levonorgestrel( Postinor, Escapel, Eskinor F);
2. tablets based on mifepristone( Miuropriston, Mifegin, Genenale).

In general, the effect of drugs with levonorgestrel is that the action of the active substance is aimed at blocking or delaying ovulation( the release of a mature ovum from the ovary).Additionally, levonorgestrel changes the composition of cervical mucus, making it more dense and viscous. Due to this, the penetration of spermatozoa into the uterus is significantly hampered. In addition, if fertilization did occur, levonorgestrel interferes with the introduction of the ovule into the uterine mucosa due to structural changes in the endometrium.

The effect of medications from the second group is similar in many respects. Preparations based on mifepristone also inhibit ovulation and display anti-gestagenic activity, that is, block receptors that react to the hormone of pregnancy( progesterone).As a result, the endometrium of the uterus is not subjected to the changes necessary for the successful implantation of a fertilized egg. In addition, the active substances accelerate the contractile activity of the uterus and promote the removal of an unattached egg from its cavity.

Which tablets are better, how to take them correctly and which means to give preference as an emergency aid after unprotected intercourse? The answer to these questions will help to find an overview of the most popular and popular drugs.

Birth control pills after the act for 72 hours

When applying emergency contraception, it should be borne in mind that these are strong drugs with a high content of hormones that can not be used for regular protection. To do this, there are oral contraceptives - birth control pills with a low dose of hormones, which should be taken continuously. They have a somewhat different mechanism of action, aimed at suppressing ovulation.

Tablets of emergency contraception or "next day tablets" quite effectively prevent the onset of an unplanned pregnancy, but because of a huge dose of active substances provoke a hormonal imbalance. Therefore, the female body after the use of such funds needs to be restored, it takes a certain amount of time that the reproductive functions are fully restored. Today, an emergency woman can purchase emergency medicine from any pharmacy.

Let's list the names of the contraceptive pills after the act, which can be saved from an unplanned pregnancy:

• Postinor;
• Escapel;
• Eskinor F;
• Mythetine;
• Gyneprystone;
• Mitholian;
• Won;
• Minisystin.

These funds should be taken within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse. In addition, to prevent conception, you can use combined oral contraceptives, which contain a large dose of female hormones - gestagen, levonorgestrel, progestogen or estrogen. When using them, you must follow the instructions exactly and observe the indicated dosage, since the action of such medicines is directed towards the rejection of the endometrium, which, if exceeded, may cause uterine bleeding. Of the drugs of this group the most popular are the following:

• Ovidon;
• Regevidon;
• Non-Ovlon;
• Silage;
• Regulon.

Let us dwell in more detail on the most popular tools and tell you about the method of their application.

Good emergency contraceptives: a review of

Postinor

One of the most effective emergency contraceptives that prevents ovulation and fertilization. This tool has been on the pharmaceutical market for more than a decade. The basis of the drug is a synthetically created analogue of the hormone levonorgestrel, whose content in Postinore is significantly higher than in the planned contraceptive pills. So, the basis of each pill is 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel + excipients.

To accept Postinor is recommended after a meal( to reduce the gag reflex) with an interval of at least 12 hours. That is, the first pill should be taken within 48 hours( maximum 72 hours) after unprotected intercourse, and the second pill should be drunk 12 hours after the first. The instruction to the preparation notes that with the correct use of the drug its effectiveness reaches 95%.However, the longer the time interval between intercourse and taking the pill, the higher the probability of pregnancy. So, by the end of the third day, Postinor's effectiveness is reduced to 58%.You can take the pill at any stage of the menstrual cycle. If within three hours after taking the drug, vomiting occurs, the Postinor tablet should be taken repeatedly. Contraindications to admission are such conditions as thrombosis, hypertension, blood clotting disorder, liver and kidney disease, oncological and cardiovascular pathologies, hypersensitivity to the drug, pregnancy and lactation. With special care should be appointed Postinor in diseases of the biliary tract and inflammatory defeats of the bladder. Among the side effects noted the occurrence of uterine bleeding, nausea, abdominal pain, migraine, menstrual irregularities, allergic reactions. The cost of tablets Postinora( 2pcs in a package) - from 350 rubles.

Escapel

The basis of the drug is the same active substance - levonorgestrel, but unlike Postinor, its dosage is doubled. Each capsule of Escapel contains 1, 5 mg of active ingredient, so a single dose of the tablet is enough for 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Contra-indications and side effects in Escapel and Postinor are almost identical. In addition, Escapel can not be used for jaundice( even if the woman has already recovered from jaundice in the past) and Crohn's disease. This means of postcoital contraception can be used in any phase of the menstrual cycle. If a vomiting occurs after taking the drug or diarrhea occurs, take the pill again. The intake of these drugs( Escapela and Postinor) does not affect the fetus. That is, if, you took the drug by ignorance, when you were already pregnant, you do not need to have an abortion. On the development and formation of a child, these contraceptives have no negative effect. Price Escapel( 1pc) - from 300rubley.

Ginepristone

Contraceptive based on the active substance - mifepristone, which blocks the action of the hormone of pregnancy( progesterone).It is a steroidal anti-gestagenic drug that shows efficacy within 72 hours after intercourse. To achieve the maximum contraceptive effect, you must refrain from eating 2 hours before taking the Ginepristone tablet and not eat another 2 hours after you drank the drug.

Contraindications to the use of contraceptives are acute and chronic renal and hepatic insufficiency, long-term use of glucocorticosteroids, blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension, hypersensitivity. Of the side effects may occur systemic reactions from the digestive, nervous system, the manifestation of allergies, as well as the violation of the menstrual cycle and the appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract. The price of the drug( 1pc) - from 180 rubles.

Mifepristone

This drug differs from other contraceptive postcoital tablets in that it can be used for medical abortion. This means that, like other means, the Mifepristone tablet can be drunk within 3 days after an unprotected act, or used to interrupt an impending pregnancy, the term of which does not exceed 6 weeks.

The action of the drug is based on blocking the receptors of progesterone and increasing the tone of the uterus. In 1 tablet Mifepristone contains 200 mg of the same active substance + auxiliary components. In each package of the preparation there are 3 or 6 pieces of pills of light yellow color. This remedy has an extensive list of contraindications and side effects, so it should be taken after consultation with your doctor.

Early termination of pregnancy should be carried out in a medical facility under the supervision of doctors. To do this, a woman should drink three tablets at once after 1.5 hours after eating, drinking the drug with sufficient water. Mifepristone is a potent remedy, so it is dispensed from pharmacies only with the prescription of a doctor.

Ovidon( Non-Ovlon, Rigevidone, Silest) and other combination preparations

Those containing gestagen and estrogen can also be used as emergency contraception. To do this, use an alternative, known as the Yuzpe method. Take the pill twice( after 12 hours) in an increased dose - from 2 to 4 pieces at a time.

Receive birth control pills no later than 72 hours after unprotected contact. Such oral contraceptives are designed for constant intake( 1 tablet a day), but in emergency cases it is permitted to use them as an "ambulance" in order to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The main thing is to correctly calculate the necessary dose in such a way as to achieve the desired effect without harming the body.

Consequences of taking postconital contraceptive pills

Before starting the use of emergency contraception, every woman should be aware of the negative consequences of their use. Taking birth control pills with a high concentration of hormones can lead to the following complications:

• uterine bleeding;
• disorders of the menstrual cycle;
• risk of developing an ectopic pregnancy;
• impaired reproductive function( infertility);
• hemostasis, leading to the formation of blood clots;
• bowel disease( Crohn's disease).

In addition to dangerous complications, a woman during the reception of such drugs, faces unpleasant side reactions - swelling and soreness of the mammary glands, nausea, vomiting, pulling pains in the abdomen, migraine. In addition, in the reviews, many mention allergic reactions and emotional instability, manifested by increased irritability and hysteria.

Therefore, before deciding to take postcoital tablets, each woman should find out the possible contraindications and take into account the possible risks from using high-dose oral contraceptives.

Reviews

I had a one-time experience with Postinor after an accidental unprotected sexual intercourse occurred. I bought the drug at the nearest pharmacy, I took the pill according to the instructions within the first 24 hours. No negative consequences in the form of bleeding or headaches, which I heard from friends, I did not have. Pregnancy also did not come. Now she switched to taking low-dose three-phase contraceptives, which reliably protect against unplanned conception.

Olga, Kazan

After taking Eskinor's tablet, a strong vomiting opened, there were pains in the abdomen, dizziness. After that, I try to use other methods of contraception, and I bypass the means. They have too many side effects and contraindications.

Tamara, Almetyevk

Always with her husband used barrier methods of contraception, first condoms, then I put a spiral. But after that the menstruation became too abundant and painful. I had to remove the spiral and, while I was thinking about what methods to protect in the future, an unprotected act occurred. Due to health reasons, I can not become pregnant, so I had to resort to Ginepristone. The truth after taking the pill felt unwell, suffered from nausea, but pregnancy did not happen.

Ulyana, Tomsk