Birth control pills after intercourse: emergency contraception (reviews). Contraception after unprotected intercourse

Safe sex in our time does not represent serious problem- medicine offers a huge number of contraceptives that can protect a couple from both STDs and unwanted pregnancy.

However, in reality, everything looks completely different, and almost every woman has unprotected sexual intercourse at least once in her life. Should you panic in such a situation? Of course not, because to protect yourself from it unpleasant consequences All the same modern medications will help.

What to do after unprotected sexual intercourse?

“Accidents” during sexual intercourse can be different - for example, a condom breaks or slips off, a woman forgot to take birth control, or partners, in a fit of passion, did not think about contraception at all. So, what can a woman do after coitus has already occurred?

• Take immediately vertical position- under the influence of gravity, the seed will flow out of the vagina without reaching the egg. True, you cannot rely solely on this method, because it is too unreliable.
• Within 10 minutes after PA you need to wash yourself well warm water with soap - this will help reduce the risk of pregnancy by about 10%. In addition, you can syringe with some acidic solution (vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid), which will help create an environment in the vagina that is unfavorable for sperm. True, such solutions should be handled very carefully - there is a risk of severely burning the mucous membrane.
• If a woman is taking oral contraceptives and has forgotten to take the next pill, she should read the instructions for the drug - it usually indicates the procedure to be followed in such a situation.
• If sexual intercourse occurred with an unreliable or casual partner, you need to treat the genitals as quickly as possible by special means, which will protect the body from STDs. One of these remedies is Miramistin, but with this question it is best to contact a venereologist.

The most effective way of post-coital protection is the so-called emergency (fire, emergency, etc.) contraception, which involves alternately taking special medical supplies, which can be found in almost any pharmacy today.

So, what are these drugs, and how do they protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy?

In what cases does a woman need emergency
contraception?

It is very important to note that emergency contraception cannot be called a safe, much less healthy, measure.

That is why it should be used only in cases where the onset of pregnancy will almost certainly entail its termination: for example, after rape, unprotected sexual intercourse with unfamiliar partner or if during such sexual intercourse there was a misfire with one of the contraceptives.

In addition, we must not forget that such drugs cannot protect a woman from sexually transmitted infections, so additional measures will have to be taken to prevent them.

Types of emergency contraceptives

Today there are several types of emergency contraceptives, each of which has its own characteristics. These include:

• Estrogens. These are the first in the world emergency contraceptives, which began to be used in the middle of the last century. They are highly effective, but have many side effects, including nausea, vomiting, blood clots and more. If, despite taking the drugs, pregnancy did occur, it was recommended to terminate it, since they have a strong teratogenic effect on the fetus.
• Gestagens. The action of gestagens is based on the suppression of the secretion of gonadotropic hormones, thereby preventing ovulation. In addition, they prevent the implantation of the egg, but if this process has already begun, these drugs are powerless and cannot lead to abortion. Taking gestogens (in particular, levonorgestrel, which is a derivative of testosterone) in the first 72 hours after PA reduces the likelihood of fertilization by at least 60%.
• Combined drugs. These drugs, whose action is based on the complex effects of estrogen and progestogen, are the most common emergency contraceptives. Most often, such drugs are taken according to the so-called Yuzpe method, and its effectiveness is about 75%, but in 20% of women there are side effects in the form of vomiting, headaches, disorders menstrual cycle.
• Antigonadotropins. Drugs that can suppress the production of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland, which causes ovulation to be inhibited and the endometrium to atrophy. If we talk about side effects, the likelihood of their occurrence is greater than when taking gestagens, but less than when using combination drugs according to the Yuzpe method.
• Antiprogestins. Antiprogestins are drugs whose active substance is mifepristone, often used for medication interruption pregnancy. It causes delayed ovulation or endometrial atrophy, which prevents the egg from implanting. Side effects when taking these drugs also occur, but they go away quite quickly; In addition, antiprogestins have virtually no contraindications and are often recommended for women who are prohibited from using other emergency contraceptives.

Contraceptives after unprotected intercourse

• "Postinor". One of the oldest and most effective emergency contraceptives, which has a gestagenic effect, prevents ovulation and fertilization. The first tablet is taken within 48 hours (no later than 72) after unprotected PA, and the second - 12 hours after the first.
• "Escapelle". Modern drug, the action of which is based on the hormone levonorgestrel, which is highly effective in the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. If within three hours after taking the woman, diarrhea or vomiting begins, the dose will need to be repeated.
• "Danazol". One of the most popular antigonadotropins, which is recommended to be taken 600 mg within 72 hours after coitus.
• "Plan b". It is a progestin contraceptive and also contains levonorgestrel, which prevents ovulation and egg implantation. The first dose should be taken within the first 48 hours, the second after 12.
• "Ogestrel", "Ovral". The peculiarity of these drugs containing progestin and estrogen is that they can cause strong vomiting reflex, so you should start taking it with an antiemetic. The course consists of 4 tablets: the first two are taken in the first 72 hours after “dangerous” sexual intercourse (not earlier than 2 hours after the antiemetic), and two more - 12 hours after the first.
• "Gynepristone." A steroidal antigestagenic drug that can cause delayed ovulation and implantation or endometrial atrophy (depending on the phase of the cycle). The tablet should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected PA, and two hours before and two hours after taking it you should abstain from food.
• "Preven." Combined contraceptive, the course of which consists of 4 tablets - they must be taken at intervals of 12 hours, and the first one should be drunk in the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

What are the dangers of emergency contraceptives?

To put it simply, the essence of such contraception is that the female body is exposed to huge doses of hormones that create special conditions, in which pregnancy becomes impossible.

That is, such drugs actually provoke hormonal disbalance, and no doctor can predict exactly how long it will last.

Ideally, this condition lasts no more than one menstrual cycle, but sometimes subsequent menstruation is disrupted - in such cases, the woman should immediately consult a doctor.

In conclusion, we can say that if all known factors are taken into account, emergency contraceptives are preferable to any abortion (medical or surgical), but they should never be used as permanent way to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Unplanned pregnancy today is actual problem not only for young girls, but also for women who have long reached adulthood. Most representatives of the fair sex, in order to avoid the occurrence of such a problem, take care of possible pregnancy by resorting to the use of contraceptives. However, there are often cases when a woman needs to take emergency contraceptive pills.

When to use emergency contraceptive pills

Harm similar drugs undeniable, but despite the fact that most women are informed about this, they still remain in modern world quite popular. Moreover, in certain cases, this is indeed the only way out from the current situation. It is worth noting that in any case, before using them, you must consult a professional gynecologist. It is worth considering the most common cases of emergency intervention:

• sexual intercourse was performed without using protective equipment;
• sexual intercourse was interrupted untimely;
• during sexual intercourse, the condom turned out to be defective and broke or slipped off at the wrong time;
• the girl was forced to have sexual intercourse without using contraceptives.

By the way, this problem is very relevant for mothers who recently gave birth to their baby and are still breastfeeding. In this situation, you can use emergency contraception, but only if you stop feeding for about a day. During this time, all substances of the drug that are dangerous to the health of the newborn must be removed from the blood.

Names of emergency contraceptive pills and other rapid contraceptives

It is worth taking a closer look at the most effective, affordable and popular means for instantly protecting women from unwanted pregnancy.

1. "Escapelle". It's quite new drug, acting as emergency contraception. The effectiveness of its action is determined 96 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. The sooner you take the pill, the greater the chances of eradicating the problem. initial stage. One of positive qualities given medication - great content levonorgestrel, which means there is no need to take the pill again
2. "Postinor". It has not yet lost its popularity, but today it is the drug with the largest number of side effects. As a rule, after unprotected sexual intercourse, you need to take the first tablet of the drug within 48 hours, and after 12 hours, the second. Moreover, the effectiveness of the medicine directly depends on the timely taking of the second pill.
3. "Ginepriston" and "Zhenale". They are one of the most widely used and available drugs today. It is worth noting that they are used not only as emergency contraception, but also as contraceptives, immediately before sexual intercourse. Professional medical specialists consider them absolutely harmless.
4. When monitoring pregnancy up to 6 weeks, after a woman has experienced delays in her menstrual cycle, Mifegin is used. It is worth considering that this drug may only be administered by a licensed gynecologist.
5. Finally, after the first 5 days of unprotected intercourse, it is quite effective to insert an intrauterine device into a woman’s vagina. In no case should the IUD be inserted if the girl was forced into sex, as the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases increases.

For many ladies, the question is relevant: will birth control pills affect emergency action(urgent) for the formation of the baby’s fetus, in the event that it was still not possible to terminate the pregnancy with their help? Medical professionals mostly agree that these drugs do not have any effect on the health of the unborn child, and there is no need for an abortion. True, if the pills are taken when fetal cell division has begun active phase, there is a high probability of miscarriage.

It is worth noting that if the name of emergency contraceptive pills is unfamiliar, in any case you should not take them without consulting your doctor - a gynecologist - this can seriously affect the health of the woman’s body. Emergency contraceptives and pills are under no circumstances recommended for use in the following situations:

• for severe and chronic diseases liver, kidneys, and bile ducts;
• after suffering from jaundice;
• at a time when pregnancy has already occurred (there is a high probability of miscarriage);
• in case of allergies to certain components of the medicine.

When a woman takes instant birth control pills, she may often experience side effects. It is worth highlighting the most common of them:

• disruption of the menstrual cycle for approximately one week;
• bleeding from the vagina;
• feeling of tension in the mammary glands;
• severe headaches accompanied by dizziness;
• nausea and vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea;
• unpleasant pain in the abdomen (lower part).

Even if you take medications such as instant birth control pills on your own, without consulting a doctor, you should not be embarrassed or afraid to come for an examination to a gynecologist. The fact is that pregnancy, as such, cannot be called a disaster. It would be a serious problem if the girl also became infected with any sexually transmitted disease.

That is why, after performing unprotected sexual intercourse, you should donate your blood for analysis so that professional workers doctors carefully checked her and gave an appropriate conclusion. However, in any case, it is necessary to protect yourself from pregnancy in advance if this phenomenon is undesirable for a woman, so as not to subsequently take emergency contraceptive pills and not harm your body.

Available emergency contraception is harmful to the body. And although most women are well aware of this, they regularly resort to them. But the very name of these remedies suggests that they are the only choice in the current situation, and outside of it a woman causes unjustified harm to her own body. There are several popular emergency contraceptives recommended by specialists.

When is emergency contraception needed?

Emergency contraception methods are most often used after unprotected sexual intercourse. So, sometimes it happens that in a fit of passion, some couples forget to take care of purchasing standard options contraception and at the very last moment they don’t find a condom nearby or it just breaks. What to do in such a situation?

A woman needs to be the first to calm down and figure out what day of her menstrual cycle it is today. After all, the consequences of emergency contraception can be quite unpleasant.

If a woman has a regular menstrual cycle, lasting the traditional 28-30 days, and unprotected sexual intercourse took place in the first or last week, then it is better to refrain from taking birth control pills, since ovulation - the moment of possible pregnancy - occurs in the middle of the cycle.

Many women are also interested in whether it is possible to combine emergency contraception with planned contraception. For example, in the first two weeks of the first cycle of using oral contraceptives (OCs), it is necessary to duplicate them with other methods of contraception, since the first has not yet achieved the required effectiveness. Or antibiotics and other drugs that cause a decrease in the effectiveness of pharmacological contraceptives were taken simultaneously with OCs. In this case emergency funds Contraception should also not be used. OK can be combined with non-hormonal contraception. But you can use spermicides in cases where the last available condom suddenly bursts. Or if a woman inserted a candle into the vagina not before sexual intercourse, but after it, or even before intercourse, but not without waiting the required time period (5-10 minutes).

Emergency contraception during breastfeeding is a separate topic. It is better to try to avoid it in every possible way, but if the mother has no other option, then she will have to forget about breastfeeding for a day until the drug is completely removed from the body.

Difference between emergency contraception and termination of pregnancy

There is a significant difference between these concepts. Emergency contraception can only be done during the stages of ovulation and fertilization (when the egg and sperm meet and when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining). In the first case, the pills suppress ovulation and prevent germ cells from meeting, and in the second they prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. It takes the egg three days to move to the uterus and the same amount to attach to it. In general, this stage takes 6 days, after which all emergency contraceptive measures will be overdue, and instead they will require termination of pregnancy, performed at a short term.

Video about emergency contraception

Emergency contraception

In many cases, women prescribe emergency contraception for themselves, however, this is fundamentally wrong, and it is better to discuss the possibility with the doctor in advance. similar situations. Once you overcome your shyness, in the future you will be more confident in your health.

Postinor

Postinor is not only the most famous, but also still popular, although it has long been classified as an old-generation drug that has a lot of side effects. Postinor is taken according to the following scheme: at the latest 72 hours after sexual intercourse (preferably no more than 48 hours), a woman needs to take one tablet, and repeat 12 hours later.

Moreover, in order to be confident in the effectiveness of contraception and not expect a catch in the form of pregnancy, it is important to take the first pill as early as possible.

Escapelle

A more modern drug is considered to be escapelle, the tablet of which contains one and a half milligrams of levonorgestrel, which is twice as much as its content in first-generation contraceptives. For this reason, you no longer need to take the second tablet.

The World Health Organization strongly recommends drugs containing a double dose of levonorgestrel. However, this does not relieve them of side effects. Various women react differently to taking these pills. Escapelle will remain effective only if its use was not late 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

Hormonal contraception

Names of emergency contraceptive pills:

• Miniziston.
• Marvelon.
• Rigevidon.
• Regulon.
• Microgynon.
• Femoden.

All of them are taken in two doses of 4 tablets with a pause of 12 hours. Mercilon, Novinet, Logest are also used twice, 4 tablets each, in accordance with the Yuzpe method. But if sexual intercourse took place before ovulation, then the effectiveness of the drugs decreases below 75-85%, and the effectiveness of the method appears only in the first three days.

Side effects are as follows: every third woman experiences dizziness, headaches, vomiting, nausea, and pain in the mammary glands.

If after acceptance hormonal pills If the pregnancy does occur, it is better to terminate it, since the estrogen taken has a toxic effect on the fetus.

The rule applies to all of the above drugs: if after taking them there was diarrhea or vomiting within 2-3 hours, then most likely the drugs were not fully absorbed and may not work. To prevent pregnancy from occurring, their use should be repeated.

Video about emergency contraception methods

What to do if pregnancy does occur? How can emergency contraception affect her and the health of the fetus? Doctors argue that taking medications should not serve as a basis for an abortion, since they will not affect the health of the fetus (except for the hormonal medications mentioned above). But this does not apply to taking the drug during pregnancy, which some women use when trying to cause a miscarriage on their own. In this case, problems may arise. In the first trimester, the principle works according to which, if a miscarriage does not occur, then everything will be fine. However, a woman should undergo examination if she decides to continue the pregnancy.

Frequency of emergency contraceptive use and side effects

Emergency contraceptive pills - it should be recalled once again - are a means only for force majeure circumstances, when there is no other way out. In any case, they should not be taken more than 2-3 times a year.

The most common side effect from contraceptive drugs is uterine bleeding, which often occurs several days after their use. However, some women experience menstrual irregularities and delayed periods. Dizziness, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and various types of allergies are quite common.

Other types of emergency contraception

There are several more more or less effective methods of postcoital contraception. The installation is considered effective intrauterine device, but it is difficult to install it quickly, since the woman will first have to do an ultrasound and undergo several tests, and the installation itself has many contraindications. If you install the spiral no later three days after sexual intercourse, even an already fertilized egg will most likely not be able to attach to the uterine wall. This option is most convenient for women who already wanted to install a spiral.

But there is also a big disadvantage - you can injure the cervix, since it is softened only at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, and only at this moment is it safest to insert an IUD into it.

There are also traditional methods, the effectiveness of which is ambiguous, and the danger is very real. With their help, women try to induce menstruation ahead of schedule (accelerate menstruation), which actually means causing a miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. These are similar folk remedies for emergency contraception:

• taking iodine with sugar;
• taking parsley, tansy, and other herbs;
• ascorbic acid;
• hot baths and the like.

But testing such means is not recommended. It must be remembered that although emergency contraception is dangerous, it is still less than an abortion. And in order not to experience both, a woman should best take care of planned contraception.

Have you used emergency contraception? Did they help you? Tell us about it in

Emergency (postcoital, urgent, fire) contraception is a special method of preventing the occurrence of unwanted pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or if other methods of protection are ineffective.

Scientists long time studied the female body to find out how new life and what factors external environment necessary for her 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 lives, tried various methods cessation of fetal development.

Today, the development of obstetrics and gynecology as a science has led to the creation of multiple means of contraception, including Emergency. These drugs are separated into 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 viscosity cervical mucus, slow down the movement of germ cells and the embryo through the fallopian (fallopian) tubes, thereby disrupting the processes of its implantation to the endometrium for further development.

Classification

There are two ways to administer fire contraceptives:

1. Tablets against unwanted pregnancy after sexual intercourse;
2. Copper-containing intrauterine devices.

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

• High doses of estrogen.
• Gestagens.
• Combination of estrogen-gestagens.
• Antigonadotropins.
• Antigestagens.

According to experts, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives against pregnancy after unprotected act limited in time. The shorter the time interval between sex and reception medicines, the greater their effectiveness, but this time period should not exceed 72 hours. In case of exceeding of this period, the likelihood that fertilization of the egg has already occurred increases.

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

These pregnancy pills cannot be used continuously and they should not be the primary and only method of preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. Drugs used for fire contraception affect not only the processes of conception and development of the embryo, but also the entire body as a whole. Since the drugs have negative impact, not every woman can take them as contraceptives.

Therefore, before use, consultation and subsequent monitoring are necessary if prescribed 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. Incorrect use/breakage of condom.
3. Delayed intake of combination drugs oral contraceptives.
4. Interrupted sexual intercourse.
5. Unprotected sexual intercourse.

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

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

Estrogens

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

Besides, a large number of researchers are of the following opinion: if a woman managed to become pregnant after taking female sex hormones, then such pregnancy should be completed. Estrogens have a carcinogenic effect on the embryo. Women whose mothers took estrogens in the 1st half of pregnancy developed malignant diseases genital organs, 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 Escapelle. These drugs are disposable contraceptive pills after sexual intercourse. The gestagen underlying these drugs is levonorgestrel.

The principle of action of levonorgestrel is based on disruption of the processes of egg maturation. The drugs work only during the maturation phase of the dominant follicle and its subsequent development. During ovulation, levonorgestrel is not effective, and three days before it, the drug's potency decreases to 68%.

The following regimen 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 tablet. The manufacturers of the drug remind you that Postinor should not be taken more than once per menstrual cycle.

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

Due to the heterogeneous effectiveness of gestagen preparations in different periods menstrual cycle, important issue It remains to be seen how these emergency medications affect the fetus if they are ineffective this method contraception.

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

Estrogen-gestagenic

Yuzpe and Lancee developed in 1977 effective program taking combined oral contraceptives containing gestagen-estrogen components. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, low-dose birth control pills can also be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy after intercourse. Depending on the dosage chemically active substances in them, only the number of tablets changes. The meaning of the method is to use fixed doses of estradiol and levonorgestrel, divided into two doses. Greatest efficiency The Yuspe method is limited to 72 hours after sex, with the interval between the first and second dose being 12 hours.

The effectiveness of this method depends on:

• Time frame for taking medications.
• Phases of the menstrual cycle.
• Occurrences adverse reactions. Most common complication- vomiting; if you do not take another dose identical to the first one, the effectiveness decreases.

Drugs with antigonadotropic action

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 ovarian function, a slowdown in the rate of egg release during the rupture of a mature follicle and changes in the mucous membrane of the uterine body, preventing the attachment of the fertilized egg. One of the drugs is Danazol or Danol.

The method 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 level 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 sexual intercourse.

Antigestagens

Antigestagens - new and most studied pharmacological group substances whose pathogenetic effect is based on blocking progesterone-sensitive receptors. This hormone is produced at the beginning of pregnancy yellow body and is necessary for its maintenance.

The main advantage of the drugs is the highest efficiency during all stages of the menstrual cycle among tablet emergency contraceptives. This is due to the wide variety of mechanisms of action. In the preovulatory period, disposable contraceptive pills suppress ovulation; in the period after it, they act on the lining of the uterus and disrupt the process of implantation of the embryo into 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 everything pathogenetic mechanisms development of pregnancy, therefore the time period without a decrease in the percentage of effectiveness is 120 hours. If the fusion of germ cells has already occurred, then taking mifepristone can terminate an 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(if menstruation is delayed for no more than 42 days). In pharmacies, drugs may have different names, depending on the pharmacological company, but they are dispensed only with a doctor’s prescription and can only be taken after consulting a gynecologist.

Despite high efficiency 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

Installation of copper-containing intrauterine devices is the most effective for preventing pregnancy. Basic conditions for achievement necessary purpose– this is its installation no later than 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse.

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

Installation of any foreign devices in the uterine cavity is accompanied by increased risks introduction of infection or its spread with existing infectious diseases genitals. There are cases when the use of these contraceptives is inappropriate:

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

Due to the fact that the IUDs are installed intrauterine, a small percentage of drugs enters the bloodstream. This explains the absence of hormone-mediated complications. Also, only 0.1–0.6% of the drug reaches breast milk, therefore, while taking the drug you can not stop breast-feeding. Well, the main advantage of intrauterine devices is the ability to use them later than 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Don't 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 this method Contraception is absolutely not acceptable:

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

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

Emergency contraception is a one-time, immediate treatment to prevent pregnancy with the goal of reducing the number of abortions. Doctors do not recommend using it more than once per menstrual cycle or several cycles in a row. Therefore, after using emergency measures, a woman should choose another, more reasonable way to prevent pregnancy.

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

When is emergency contraception needed?

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

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

The last point may include any of the following cases:

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

Types of postcoital contraception

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

Hormonal drugs

This category of emergency medicinal contraception is aimed at hormonal suppression of ovulation. Such preparations contain synthetic analogues sexual female hormones, providing protection against fertilization. There are two varieties hormonal contraception emergency use: oral (tablets) and prolonged (injections/injections). Below is a list of the most effective drugs belonging to this category:

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

Intrauterine devices

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

Traditional methods of contraception after unprotected intercourse

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

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

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

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

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

Side effects and contraindications

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

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

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

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

find out more ways. . if it is undesirable.

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