Pills against pregnancy after unprotected intercourse: recommendations and consequences. How to take pills correctly so that they work

According to international studies, 19% of Russian women have had an abortion. Almost half of them - repeatedly. Moreover, according to surveys, only 1% of women in age group Those aged 16-49 admit that they could have an abortion in the next three years. 54% believe that they would never choose this method. Moreover, now there are means emergency contraception, which can safely prevent unplanned pregnancy when used within the first 72 hours after sexual intercourse. More than half of the women surveyed (57%) would rather take the “pill” next day"than they will go for an abortion.

Modern women use all reproductive planning measures. At the same time, many couples (17%) still resort to outdated methods of birth control - calendar method and interrupted sexual intercourse - which lead to pregnancy in 25 and 27% of cases, respectively.

True, even if used in various ways contraception, no one is immune from failure. For example, 35% of women found themselves in a situation where a condom broke or slipped off. But even in emergency situations, it is not necessary to think about abortion as the only method of solving the problem.

The need for emergency contraception

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or insufficiently protected sexual intercourse. That's why they are sometimes called "morning after pills."

Especially for emergency contraception, the following are used:

• Levonorgestrel. Dose 1.5 mg or 0.75 mg (in this case, take twice with an interval of 12 hours).
• Ulipristal acetate. Dose 30 mg.
• Mifepristone. Dose 10-25 mg.

The tablets should be taken within 5 days after sexual intercourse. Taking levonorgestrel reduces the possibility of pregnancy by 60-90% (in the case of one unprotected sexual intercourse). Ulipristal and mifepristone are more effective than levonorgestrel.

To take ECP you do not need to undergo an examination or undergo laboratory tests.

Emergency contraceptive pills are indicated for use when:

• no other contraceptive was used;
• the contraceptive was used incorrectly;
• the contraceptive was used correctly, but it immediately became clear that it did not provide the desired effect.

Here are the most common situations in which ECPs may be needed by a woman using standard methods contraception.

Oral contraceptives, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring

• We started using this method at a later stage than required by the instructions.
• During menstrual cycle Didn't use this method correctly.
• Accepted medications, which could reduce the effectiveness of the method.

Progestin-only injections

• I started using this method at a later stage of the menstrual cycle than the instructions require.
• The contraceptive protection provided by the injection expired before sexual intercourse.

Implants

• The contraceptive protection provided by the implant expired before sexual intercourse.

Intrauterine device or system

• The product was involuntarily removed.
• You don't feel the antennae.
• The contraceptive protection expired before sexual intercourse.

Condoms

• The condom has broken, slipped, or been used incorrectly.

Diaphragm or cap

• The product was dislodged or removed before or during sexual intercourse.
• The product was dislodged or removed after sexual intercourse earlier than required by the instructions.

Spermicide

• The spermicidal agent was not administered before sexual intercourse, as required by the instructions.
• The spermicidal tablet or film did not have time to dissolve before sexual intercourse began.

Methods of contraception based on self-determination fertile period

• Were in the fertile period at the time of sexual intercourse.
• Unsure whether you were in your fertile period at the time of intercourse.

Coitus interruptus

• Ejaculation occurred in the vagina or external genitalia.

Contraindications and effects of ECPs on the body

Women who plan to use ECPs are concerned whole line questions. Let's look at them in order.

1. Are there any contraindications?

The tablets are not dangerous under any known circumstances: even if there are health problems. ECPs are not prescribed to women who are already pregnant - they are no longer effective. However, if it is not clear whether there is a pregnancy or not, ECPs may be used as there are no examples of harm to the developing fetus.

But there are side effects - they are irregular vaginal bleeding, nausea, headache, pain in abdominal cavity, breast tenderness, dizziness and fatigue.

2. Effect on pregnancy

Studies of women who became pregnant while taking levonorgestrel or used it accidentally after pregnancy show that this hormonal drug does not harm either the pregnant woman or her fetus. In particular, it does not increase the likelihood of low birth weight, birth defects fetal development or complications during pregnancy. There have been only a few reports of pregnancy occurring after taking ulipristal, but no complications have been observed.

3. Use by teenagers

4. Use during lactation

If less than six months have passed since the birth, and the woman is only breastfeeding, if there has not yet been menstruation during the postpartum period, then ovulation is unlikely to occur. Then fuel and energy complexes are not needed. However, women who do not meet all three criteria may become pregnant. The use of levonorgestrel during lactation is not contraindicated.

5. Use before sexual intercourse

There is no data on how long the contraceptive effect of ECPs lasts after taking the pill. Supposedly, ECPs taken immediately before sexual intercourse are as effective as ECPs taken immediately afterward. However, if a woman has the opportunity to plan to use a method of contraception before sexual intercourse, then a method other than ECPs, such as condoms or another barrier method of contraception, is recommended.

6. Use after several unprotected sexual intercourses

Women should try to take ECPs as soon as possible after each unprotected sexual intercourse; It is not recommended to delay taking it until after the last sexual intercourse. However, a woman should not abstain from taking the drug simply because she has had several unprotected sexual acts. However, she should be aware that the effectiveness of ECP may be limited if the earliest unprotected sexual intercourse occurred more than 4-5 days ago. She should limit herself to one dose of ECP at a time, regardless of the number of previous unprotected sexual acts.

7. Reuse tablets

ECPs are not intended for intentional reuse or use as a regular, systematic method of contraception. Women who do not want to become pregnant in the future are advised to start or continue using contraception on a consistent, long-term basis after taking ECPs. There are no specific data on the effectiveness or safety of frequent use of current ECPs. However, at least 10 studies have confirmed that taking multiple doses of levonorgestrel 0.75 mg per cycle does not cause serious adverse effects. side effects. It is unknown whether the effectiveness of levonorgestrel is reduced by recent or subsequent use of ulipristal, which is a progesterone receptor modulator. Therefore, if a woman who has recently taken levonorgestrel needs emergency contraception again, it is better for her to use the same drug.

8. Use of ECPs during the infertile period

Studies have shown that fertilization as a result of sexual intercourse can only occur in the interval of 5-7 days before, after or during. Theoretically, ECPs might not be needed if unprotected intercourse occurs at other times in the cycle, since the likelihood of pregnancy even without ECPs would be zero. However, in practice it is often impossible to determine whether sexual intercourse occurred on a fertile or infertile day of the cycle. Therefore, women should not refrain from using ECPs because of the assumption that a particular sexual act occurred during a nonfertile period.

9. Interaction with other drugs

There are no specific data regarding the interaction of ECPs with other drugs. However, the effectiveness of levonorgestrel may be reduced due to the use of medications that may reduce the effectiveness oral contraceptives.

Women who are using bosentan and medications to treat stomach acid or stomach ulcers (such as omeprazole) or have taken them in the past month should consider having a copper-containing IUD inserted. If they choose levonorgestrel ECP, they should take a double dose. It is better not to use Ulipristal in these cases. Since it is a progesterone receptor modulator, it could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of other hormonal contraceptives containing progestin hormones.

Contraception after taking ECPs

Transition to (resumption of use) regularly taken contraceptives after ECP use

ECPs do not provide contraception for subsequent sexual intercourse. Therefore, a woman should choose another method of contraception before resuming sex life. When should you do this?

Condoms or other barrier methods of contraception

Start using immediately before your next sexual intercourse.

Hormonal methods: oral contraceptives, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, injections, implants, levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine hormonal system.

Start using immediately - that is, on the day you take ECP or the next day. Use the barrier method for 7 days after taking levonorgestrel or for 14 days after taking ulipristal.

Alternative: start using after next menstrual period, but in between use the barrier method.

By the way, before introducing implants or a hormonal intrauterine system, it makes sense to conduct a pregnancy test: this way you will rule out the presence of an existing pregnancy.

If a woman requests to have a copper-containing IUD installed, and more than 5 days have passed since the use of ECPs, then this will be done after the next menstruation begins.

Sterilization

This procedure should be undertaken after the onset of menstruation following the use of ECPs. Until the final completion of sterilization, the barrier method should be used.

Since it is difficult to determine the risk of pregnancy in each special case, and because mistimed or unwanted pregnancy has serious consequences, a woman who wants to avoid pregnancy should consider taking ECPs after sexual intercourse during which contraceptive protection was not adequately provided.

Remember: If you don't get your period within 3 weeks of taking ECPs, you may be pregnant.

Based on materials Science Center obstetrics, gynecology and perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakova

Discussion

Good afternoon A week ago I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend. What pill do you recommend taking to avoid pregnancy?

I don’t support all this honeymoon. It's horrible

Emergency protection is not the best solution. Now there are such a huge number of different, convenient and safe methods of contraception that resorting to them is stupid.

I do not trust such methods of contraception, I think strongly negative impact on the body.

Killed: Most women would not have an abortion, but “there are now emergency contraception that can safely prevent unplanned pregnancy.” After all, the “next day” pill has an abortifacient effect - in the event of conception, it prevents implantation.

A good article about the abortifacient effect of IUDs and hormonal contraceptives, incl. "next day" tablets [link-1]

This one especially killed me:
3. Use by teenagers
Clinical or programmatic considerations should not limit adolescent access to ECPs; they are safe regardless of age. Teenagers are able to understand instructions for use this method contraception.

02/03/2014 14:22:15, for life

Comment on the article "Contraceptive pills: 9 questions about emergency contraception"

Take 4 tablets of Femoden (or any other OC, but only if 72 hours have not passed after unprotected intercourse). Contraception for NPC. Hi all! What is NPK? unprotected sexual intercourse? This is what I assumed from the context, but in general the first...

Discussion

My situation is similar, it’s too early to get married and it’s not time to become a mother either. The spirals didn’t fit, there was even a problem with them, the gynecologist picked up a drug, tablets, called Chloe. ugh ugh right now, no problems, the cycle became like a clock, even my breasts began to fucking grow, although I don’t really need it, with my natural not small size. MCH is just happy, the weight hasn’t changed much because of them, well, maybe a little plus, but this is most likely because I’ve finally calmed down. Just like that. I don’t know, it probably helps everyone in their own way.

In such cases, the most sensible thing is to sterilize the “cat”.

Coitus interruptus is the removal of the male penis from the female. I had coils twice, and used suppositories and pills. everything And it is used in the case of any unprotected sexual intercourse, if it is ineffective barrier method(torn...

Discussion

in general, just the opposite: many people douche with soda BEFORE PA, WITH THE PURPOSE to increase the chances of fertilization, because alkali suppresses the acidic environment of the vagina, promoting faster movement of a larger number of sperm)))

Lemon and vinegar are acidic, soda is alkali. Next time, better than a pill Dissolve aspirin (also an acid) in water. But in principle, if you use douching for protection, then you don’t have to poison yourself with acid, just plain water (boiled, of course). Better with chamomile. You just need to do this immediately after PA. The less time passes, the less chance of pregnancy. In combination with interrupted PA and an ovulation calendar, this is quite a protection.
I have ice cubes with chamomile and mint decoction. I usually use them for my face, but sometimes I use them for more :)) turn on the kettle before the PA and throw a few ice cubes into a glass with hot water before douching is not difficult. You can also buy chamomile in bags and brew it in advance during the day.
There is little chance of pregnancy. And it’s a shame that I didn’t pass by here earlier. Here we like to call others fools, while popping hormonal pills like seeds.

Emergency contraception: when to start after unprotected sex. Girls, how long does it take to restore your cycle after taking pills for a year (Diana)? the fact is that physically M. during the reception is not In fact, if a woman after 22-23 years of age for...

You can speed up the action of the pill or enhance its effect, minimizing the risk adverse reactions or, on the contrary, get poisoned by taking the usual dose of the drug... The regimen and method of use radically affects the work of many medications: from ordinary vitamins to potent drugs.

After the tablet enters the body, it must dissolve in digestive tract, penetrate through the walls of blood vessels into the blood. Then active substance spreads throughout the body and exerts its effect, after which it enters the liver, where it is destroyed and excreted with unnecessary metabolic products through the kidneys or intestines. This is the most common route taken by oral medications in the body.

What we eat and drink during treatment can slow down or speed up the absorption of the drug, interfere with its inactivation in the liver, or even remove the drug from the body in transit, without any effect. Therefore, it is important to know how to take pills correctly.

What should I take with my medications?

The universal liquid for washing down tablets is clean, non-carbonated, warm or room temperature water. Cold water slows down absorption in the stomach and may, during illness, provoke nausea and vomiting. The amount of water should be at least half a glass (100 ml).

Only some medications can be taken with milk and are even beneficial. These are drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that we most often use for pain and fever: aspirin, ibuprofen, ketanov, analgin, indomethacin, voltaren and others, as well as steroid hormones: prednisolone, dexamethasone. Milk renders protective effect on the gastric mucosa and reduces the likelihood of the damaging effects of these drugs on it. The exception is drugs from these groups in the form of tablets or capsules coated with an enteric coating (such information can be found on the packaging) - their contents are released only in the intestines.

Generally not recommended for use with tablets mineral water, since they contain ions of calcium, iron and other elements that can enter into chemical reaction with the components of the drug and interfere with their absorption.

The most complex interactions are observed when tablets are taken together with vegetable and fruit juices: they can both weaken and enhance the effect of the drugs. On the “black list”: apple, cherry, pear, grape, lemon, orange, pineapple, beetroot, tomato, viburnum and many other juices. The most dangerous is grapefruit. About 70% are incompatible with it existing drugs, including blood pressure lowering medications, heart medications and oral contraceptives. Drugs to lower blood cholesterol (atorvastatin, simvastatin, etc.) together with grapefruit juice cause massive destruction muscle tissue And renal failure. Moreover, for the development of an adverse effect, 1 glass of juice is enough, it all depends on individual characteristics body. Therefore, it is recommended to stop drinking grapefruit juice three days before starting treatment with any medications (including injections).

It is not harmless to take some medications with tea and coffee. Tannins, catechins and caffeine contained in these drinks can play a cruel joke, for example, reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. On the other hand, oral contraceptives increase the side effects of caffeine, which can lead to insomnia. Tea and coffee reduce the absorption of many other medications: antispasmodics, cough suppressants, glaucoma, etc. But paracetamol washed down with tea will relieve symptoms faster. headache, since caffeine increases the penetration of the drug into the brain.

The most explosive mixture can result from the combined use of drugs and alcohol of any strength. Ethanol and its metabolic products enhance the effects (including side effects) of psychotropic, antiallergic drugs, drugs for pain and fever, reduce the effect of antibiotics, diabetes drugs, drugs that affect blood clotting and anti-tuberculosis tablets. And the most dangerous thing is that in some cases, alcohol together with completely harmless drugs causes poisoning, even death as a result of liver failure. This most often happens when taking antibacterial, antifungal medications and paracetamol with alcohol.

When to take the tablets: on an empty stomach or after meals?

Considering the fact that active ingredients drugs can enter into unwanted interactions with food, and the consequences of these connections are poorly understood; most drugs are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.

If the instructions say “on an empty stomach,” this means that the medicine should be taken an hour before meals or 2-3 hours after. This regimen of administration, firstly, minimizes contact of the tablet with food. Secondly, it is believed that in the intervals between meals the secretion of hydrochloric acid gastric juice minimal, which also affects the work of many medications. Thirdly, the medicine taken on an empty stomach works faster.

The exception is those drugs that have irritant effect to the mucous membrane gastrointestinal tract, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.). For the same reason, it is recommended to take iron supplements after meals to treat anemia, although they are better absorbed on an empty stomach.

The connection with food intake is especially important for drugs for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, because each of them affects individual stages of digestion, and therefore must enter the body at certain time. So, medications that reduce acidity and relieve heartburn are taken 40 minutes before meals or an hour after. Enzymes (mezim, pancreatin, festal) are drunk during meals, as they must be mixed with food. Pre- and probiotic preparations are usually taken during or after meals.

Antacids (almagel, maalox, de-nol and others), as well as sorbents (smecta, Activated carbon, polyphepan) interfere with the absorption of most drugs, so the interval between their use and the use of other drugs should be at least 1-2 hours.

Time of day and interval for taking medications

The daily amount of medication is usually divided into several doses to ensure a more or less constant concentration of the active substance in the body, as well as to reduce single dose and the likelihood of side effects. Therefore, the instructions for the drugs and the note from the doctor usually say: 2-3 times a day. However, for some medications, the dose should be divided not throughout the daylight hours, but throughout the day. That is, a three-time dose means taking the medicine every 8 hours, a 4-time dose means taking the medicine every 6 hours, and so on.

Such a strict regime must be maintained, for example, when treating with antibiotics, which is often overlooked. If you take antibiotics irregularly, for example, by taking a long break for night sleep, the concentration of the active substance in the blood will fluctuate greatly. It is unlikely to cause overdose symptoms during the day, but at night with high probability will lead to the development of treatment resistance. That is, while you sleep, microbes adapt their metabolism to the antibiotic residues in the blood. Further treatment this drug will not be effective.

For convenience, many medications come in the form of long-acting tablets or capsules that can be taken only once a day. IN morning hours take diuretics, hormonal drugs, medications, caffeine content and adaptogens (ginseng, Eleutherococcus, Rhodiola rosea, etc.).

Forgotten pill rule

If you forgot to take a pill, estimate how much time has passed since “X”. Depending on the period of delay, three options are possible. First: if it is very close to the next dose, skip the forgotten pill completely, but keep in mind that the effect of the treatment may be reduced. The second option is that you take the medicine as soon as you remember it, but take the next dose according to the old schedule. This can be done if you take the medicine 1-2 times a day and at least half the time period remains before the next dose. You cannot double the dose of medication at one time. The third option to fix everything: you take a single dose of the medicine and start a new countdown, that is, shift the dosage schedule by the number of hours missed. This is the most rational method for short-term treatment, for example, if you have been prescribed antibiotics for 5-7 days.

Can I split tablets and open capsules?

If the tablet does not have a groove (scores, notches) to separate it into parts, most likely it is not intended for consumption in pieces. As a rule, these are all drugs that are coated with a protective coating. If they are broken, dissolved, chewed or crushed, they reduce their effectiveness. However, this can be neglected when emergency assistance is required.

When taken orally, the tablet begins to act after an average of 40 minutes. If you require quick effect, you can put the medicine under your tongue or chew it thoroughly and hold it in your mouth along with warm water. Then the absorption of the medicine will begin directly in oral cavity and the effect will occur within 5-10 minutes.

Gelatin capsules consisting of two halves are also not recommended to be opened. The shell protects the contents from contact with air, accidental entry into Airways(can cause irritation) or is destroyed only in the intestines, ensuring the medicine is delivered exactly to the target without loss.

However, exceptions are sometimes made to this rule. Tablets and capsules are divided into parts if a person cannot swallow a large capsule or titration of the medicine is required (individual dose selection). These cases should be discussed with your doctor.

Is it possible to avoid side effects of medications?

Compliance with the doses, regimen and rules for taking medications allows you to minimize the risk of side effects, but you cannot completely protect yourself from troubles during treatment. You need to be alert. Most complications become noticeable in the first days of therapy. These are different types allergic reactions, nausea, abdominal pain, stool disturbances, headaches, swelling and other manifestations that usually disappear when the drug is replaced with a similar one or after treatment is stopped.

The delayed and most severe complication of treatment is liver failure; renal function is less commonly affected. These organs are involved in the neutralization and removal from the body of almost all medications, including those that many of us take lightly: oral contraceptives, drugs for blood pressure and arrhythmia, lowering blood cholesterol, drugs for joint pain. By the way, these are the drugs that long-term use most often caused by drug-induced hepatitis.

The insidiousness of drug-induced damage to the liver and kidneys is that initial stages diseases, when they can still be easily corrected, are asymptomatic. Therefore, everyone who takes medications for a long time needs to do it once every six months. biochemical analysis blood and general analysis urine. These basic tests allow you to monitor liver and kidney function. At significant deviations from the norm, it is necessary to interrupt treatment and consult a doctor.

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

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

In what cases will emergency contraception help?

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

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

Emergency contraception rules

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

What pills will help you not get pregnant after sex?

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

Postinor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What if Postinor didn't help?

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

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

Escapelle

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

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

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

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

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

What if Escapelle didn't help?

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

How often can I take Postinor and Escapelle?

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

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

How many days does Postinor and Escapelle protect against pregnancy?

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

What happens if you take Postinor or Escapelle during pregnancy?

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

Gynepriston and Zhenale

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

This modern means emergency contraception, which does not contain hormones, does not cause disruption of the menstrual cycle and other side effects, while being highly effective.

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

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

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

What if Ginepriston or Zhenale didn’t help?

Birth control pills taken after sexual intercourse are also called SOS contraception or rapid abortion. Among professionals, this method is usually called medical or medicinal termination of pregnancy.

These drugs can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. This availability, coupled with quick action and ease of use makes birth control pills after sexual intercourse popular among girls. But is it worth drinking them without a doctor’s recommendation, are they safe? Let's find out...

The principle of action of the contraceptive drug is based on artificial stimulation a woman's menstruation. After unprotected sexual intercourse, the girl must take a pill according to the instructions (Postinor and Ovidon are taken two tablets within 72 hours after sex, Rigevidon, Diana-35 and Silest are taken three tablets each).

In fact, all of these contraceptives are steroids, that is, the main component in the composition is a concentrated hormone. Once in a woman’s body, the hormone triggers the process of menstruation, resulting in uterine contractions and the fertilized egg being washed out of the cavity. Progesterone production is also blocked - female hormone responsible for the preservation and development of the embryo.

Benefits and Lurking Dangers

Of course, it is better not to let the situation get to the point where you have to use any method of terminating the pregnancy. However, if unprotected sex does occur, then take a birth control pill - the best option. By at least, this type of contraception is safer than surgical abortion, and here's why:

• After taking the SOS contraceptive pill correctly, complications occur less frequently than with other methods of terminating a pregnancy.
• Recovery occurs quickly (faster than after a surgical abortion).
• Procedure medical abortion does not require hospitalization of the woman.
• From one course major changes does not occur in the functioning of the hormonal system.

Although rapid birth control pills are considered safer than surgical abortion, they are still not completely harmless. Contraceptive drugs interfere with the natural functioning of the body and cause stress. In addition, they do not provide a 100% guarantee that a fertilized egg will be released from the uterus. This is why you should go to the doctor after taking the pill - it is important to make sure that the drug worked correctly.

It is worth remembering the contraindications to taking pills. This method of contraception should not be taken:

1. People with allergies to components (before taking, study the composition!).
2. Women with chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract.
3. During pregnancy more than later than indicated in the instructions.
4. For various inflammatory, tumor, cystic processes.
5. In case of disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory system, especially in cases of problems with blood clotting.

Overview of common tools

Birth control pills taken after sexual intercourse are of two types - with moderate and increased concentrations of the hormone. The first group of contraceptives includes the previously mentioned Postinor, Ovidon, Rigevidon, Silest. They can be found widely sold. They are taken within 70–72 hours after unprotected sex.

If more time has passed after sexual intercourse, then taking the listed contraceptive pills is useless. For a period of 1 to 6 weeks, you can take stronger drugs, for example Mifepristone (the drug also has other names - Mifegin, Mifolian). This powerful tool, so it is prescribed by a doctor.

Pills for immediate termination of pregnancy at the most early stages a lot of. However, they are all similar. Their main difference, as a rule, is the concentration of the hormone. Here short review most common drugs:

• Postinor.

1. Composition: 0.75 mg levonorgestrel.
2. Form: the package contains a blister with two contraceptive pills.
3. Application: 1 tablet within 72 hours after unprotected sex and another one 12 hours after taking the first one.
4. Price: 350–390 rub.

• Ovidon (other name: Non-Ovlon).

1. Manufacturer: Gedeon Richter, Hungary.
2. Composition: levonorgestrel 0.25 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg.
3. Application: immediately within 12 hours after sexual intercourse, you must take the first dose of 2 tablets, repeat after 12 hours.
4. Price: from 450–510 rubles per package.

• Gynepristone.

1. Manufacturer: JSC "Obninsk Chemical and Pharmaceutical Company", Russia.
2. Composition: mifepristone 0.01 g.
3. Form: the package contains a blister with 1 contraceptive pill.
4. Application: take 1 tablet within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.
5. Price: 360–390 rub.

• Rigevidon.

1. Composition: ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg.
2. Application: two doses of three tablets within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
3. Price: from 230 rub.

• Escapelle.

1. Manufacturer: Gedeon Richter, Hungary.
2. Composition: levonorgestrel 1.5 mg.
3. Form: one tablet per package.
4. Application: Take one piece at a time. within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.
5. Price: from 410 rub.

Don't forget to visit the doctor

To minimize the danger of drugs for quick abortion, you should definitely see a doctor within two weeks after the mini-abortion, even if you feel well and there is no reason to worry. Only a doctor can determine whether everything went as it should. The fact is that abortion pills do not give a 100% result - there is a small chance that, despite the induced menstruation, the pregnancy will still continue to develop or the fertilized egg will not be fully released and part of it will remain in the uterus and provoke inflammation.

It is worth remembering that birth control pills taken after sexual intercourse are a means emergency assistance. It is not suitable as permanent method contraception. It should not be taken more than once every six months. If you take the drug more often, a hormonal imbalance will occur, which can subsequently become the main cause of problems with conceiving and bearing a child.

Remember the time

One more point: the sooner the pill is taken, the more likely that it will work. Although the packaging says that you should drink it within 72 hours after unprotected sex, you shouldn’t wait too long. It is better to take the remedy not the next day, but immediately after sexual intercourse. During the first two hours, the probability of complete washing out of the fertilized cell is 94%. After 3–12 hours the probability drops to 84%. After 24–48 hours – up to 80%. After 48–72 hours – up to 58%.

Let's summarize: terminating a pregnancy with pills in the first days after sexual intercourse is the safest of all permitted types of abortion. However, it is not at all harmless, as many girls think, and you should not use it often. It’s better not to let the situation come to this and take care of suitable means contraception before sexual intercourse.