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

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

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

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

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

In what cases can EC be used?

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

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

• during involuntary sexual intercourse.

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

Groups of emergency contraception

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

1. Hormonal drugs with progestogen

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

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

As an example hormonal drugs emergency contraception containing progestogen can be given as postinor (levonorgestrel - international name). This synthetic drug prevents fertilization and causes significant changes in the endometrium, making egg implantation impossible.

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

2. Hormonal drugs with an antigestagenic substance

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

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

3. Combined oral contraceptives

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

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

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

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

4. Non-hormonal copper-containing intrauterine devices

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

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

Contraindications and possible consequences

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

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

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

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

The following side effects occur when using hormonal EC:

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

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

In a woman's life, unprotected intimacy occurs, after which emergency contraception is necessary to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. In gynecological practice they use pills against unwanted pregnancy,folk remedies similar action, spirals.

Indications for emergency contraception

For about thirty years, emergency contraception methods have been studied by doctors, many of them have proven their effectiveness and their tolerability by women. Their gynecologists recommended after sexual intercourse, the consequences of which can lead to unwanted pregnancy, namely the following situations:

• there was no planned protection;
• there has been a shift in barrier contraceptive devices;
• the condom broke;
• oral contraceptives have not been taken for at least two days;
• long-acting injection was not given;
• the spermicidal tablet did not have time to dissolve;
• ejaculation (during interruption of sexual intercourse) partially occurred in the vagina;
• incorrect definition of the “safe” period if a calendar method of protection was used;
• rape occurred.

Types of emergency contraception

If a woman does not plan pregnancy and childbirth, she should know types of emergency contraception. These include:

• intrauterine devices;
• traditional methods;
• hormonal drugs, tablets.

Timely emergency postcoital contraception will help avoid fertilization of the egg. It is enough to have an idea of ​​the features of each of the possible protection options and be able to use them.

Intrauterine devices

There are reliable methods of contraception that are not medicinal. You can protect a woman from pregnancy that she does not plan with the help. This procedure is performed by a doctor within 5 days after intimacy, during which there were no means of protection.

The mechanical device provides a protective effect of 99%. IUD for emergency contraception used for women with children, victims of rape, and teenage girls.

Traditional methods

An alternative to traditional (medical) methods are folk remedies for emergency contraception. It is worth noting that they do not provide a guaranteed result. They are used when there is no opportunity to use medications.

The most effective among “grandmother’s recipes” are:

• Douching using a weak solution of fresh lemon juice. To do this, mix 200 ml of water with the juice of one large lemon and wash the vagina. To avoid disruption of the microflora, after douching, the mucous membranes must be thoroughly rinsed.
• Douching with a very weak solution of potassium permanganate. The protective effect of this procedure is about 60%, but this method must be used extremely carefully. If the concentration of the solution is incorrect, it can only cause harm. The solution is prepared in a ratio of 1:18. After douching, the genitals should be washed using mild soap for intimate hygiene.
• A slice of peeled lemon inserted into the vagina immediately after intimacy is a dangerous but effective method. Under the influence of acid, emergency contraception will occur in a few seconds. Next, the pulp is removed, and the genitals should be washed with warm water and soap.
• Dangerous methods of protection include inserting a small piece of laundry soap into the vagina. After 15-20 seconds it is removed, the mucous membranes must be rinsed well. After this, it is advisable to treat them with a special moisturizer.
• For immediate protection, use an aspirin tablet. The effectiveness of its protection is about 60%.

All of the above methods of emergency intervention have a certain effect only within 5-7 minutes after intercourse. They disrupt the acid-base balance in the vagina, which has a detrimental effect on sperm, they lose the ability to fertilize.

The same destructive effect traditional methods also have an effect on the mucous membranes of the female genital organs. You can use them extremely rarely, and do not combine them for protection purposes. After using them, you need to contact your gynecologist and talk about contraception performed in a similar way.

Emergency contraception using hormonal pills

Emergency contraception is effective with the help of hormonal drugs. They contain hormones that have a suppressive effect on the maturation of the egg, inhibit the penetration of the fertilized egg into the uterus, and reject it from the uterus, disrupting the implantation process.

Hormonal pills work in different ways. They cannot be used constantly; these are emergency contraceptive drugs.

If there is a risk of becoming pregnant after sexual intercourse, it is important take the pills right away after him. Their effectiveness in the first hours of admission is 94%, by the end of the third day the probability of protecting everything 57% . When resorting to emergency contraception using pills, you need to take into account the rules of administration and possible contraindications.

Applying hormonal remedies at home, You need to know that there are drug options:

• Only 1 tablet is needed to protect against possible pregnancy;
• The drug is required to be taken according to the regimen for 3 days, up to 6 tablets.

The choice of emergency contraceptive measures depends on the length of time after the act.

All contraceptive pills after an act that may have consequences must be taken strictly according to the instructions, taking into account individual characteristics body and possible complications.

Taking a hormonal contraceptive during the day

Exist medications, which will provide reliable protection if taken immediately after intimacy or within twelve hours after it. List of names of such drugs:

• Ovidon – 2 tablets;
• Non-Ovlon – 2 tablets;
• Ministison – 3 tablets;
• Rigevidon – 3 tablets;
• Marvelon – 4 tablets.

Reliably protect tablets that contain an artificial analogue of progesterone - levonorgestrel. This medicines Eskinor F, Escapelle, Postinor. The action of these drugs is based on decreased egg activity after ovulation,reducing speed fallopian tubes.

The egg dies under the influence of these hormonal contraceptives before reaching the uterine cavity. Even if the egg penetrates the uterus, the mucous membrane is rejected and it is not able to implant.

Protection after the act for 72 hours

This group includes combined oral medications that contain a high concentration of hormones (estrogen, gestagen). They should be used according to the schedule in a certain dosage. They cause the endometrium to slough and cause bleeding.

Non-hormonal pills as a means of protection

Emergency contraception is possible using the latest drugs, which do not contain hormones. The active ingredient is mifepristone. These drugs are: Zhenale, Mifolian, Mifetin, Ginepristone.

Their action is based on changing the inner lining of the uterus and increasing its contractile activity. As a result of these processes, the fertilized egg is unable to implant and is rejected. It is enough to drink one contraceptive capsule at any phase of the cycle.

Emergency contraception during lactation

After childbirth, the female reproductive system does not recover immediately. With the onset of lactation, she works in a special mode; contraception during lactation is difficult due to the absence of menstruation. To avoid unwanted pregnancy, which is not uncommon during breastfeeding, emergency contraception methods are used.

A reliable method of contraception when breastfeeding is insertion of an intrauterine device. There is no need to stop feeding the newborn for this. It is important to install a contraceptive no later than the fifth day after unprotected sex; it will continue to protect the woman in the future.

When breastfeeding You can use hormonal contraception after intercourse, but in this case you should adhere to strict rules:

• after taking the first protective tablet, feeding stops for 36 hours;
• so as not to disrupt the lactation process during a forced break breast milk you need to express and feed the baby with recommended milk formulas;
• You can start feeding only 36 hours after taking the last hormonal pill.

Names of drugs prescribed to breastfeeding women:

• Postinor, Escapel (contain gestagens - analogues of progesterone);
• Mifegin, Mifepristone, Agesta, Zhenale (contain antigestagens - substances that block the production of progesterone).

Very popular during breastfeeding Escapelle, as it is taken once within 72-96 hours after sexual intercourse has occurred.

Of the antigestagenic drugs, preference is often given to Zhenale, Ageste, and Ginepristone. The concentration of the active substance is only 10 mg in one tablet. This amount is quite sufficient for emergency protection, and significantly fewer adverse side reactions occur.

Regular birth control pills are not suitable for emergency contraception

Despite the fact that today hormonal contraception is the most effective method of protection, the effect regular birth control pills and the means for “fire” contraception are different. Although both are developed on the basis of hormones.


Conventional birth control pills are selected individually and are used by a woman every day throughout her menstrual cycle. Their action is aimed at suppressing the ovulation process, changing the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus. When asked whether regular birth control pills will help after intercourse, the answer is clear - no, if the woman has not taken them before.

Emergency contraception using hormonal drugs taken immediately after unprotected sex once, according to the instructions for the drug. The effect of such contraceptives based on egg rejection decreased peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, changes in the endothelium.

The dangers of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is best used only in cases of extreme necessity; the consequences of such protection may become irreversible:

• ectopic pregnancy;
• bleeding;
• infertility;
• thrombus formation;
• Crohn's disease.

These drugs have many side effects:

• soreness of the mammary glands;
• nausea, vomiting;
• severe headaches;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• increased emotionality;
• allergic reactions.

Modern medicine helps a woman plan a pregnancy. In case of unforeseen situations, you should not trust advice; only a specialist will tell you the most effective and safest way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Safe sex is not a serious problem nowadays - 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 all the same modern medications will help protect against its unpleasant consequences.

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?

• Immediately take a 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 with warm water and 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.

Most effective method post-coital protection is the so-called emergency (fire, emergency, etc.) contraception, which involves alternate taking of special medications, which today can be found in almost any pharmacy.

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 an 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 world's first 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 20% of women experience side effects in the form of vomiting, headaches, and menstrual irregularities.
• 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 combined drugs according to the Yuzpe method.
• Antiprogestins. Antiprogestins are drugs whose active substance is mifepristone, often used for medical termination of 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". A modern drug 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, which contain progestin and estrogen, is that they can cause a strong gag reflex, so treatment should be started 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, it can be said that if all known factors are taken into account, then emergency contraceptives are preferable to any abortion (medical or surgical), but they cannot in any case be used as a permanent method to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

It happens that during sexual intercourse the condom breaks, so seminal fluid penetrates into the female body. Also, unwanted penetration of sperm can occur during rape. What should a woman do to avoid a deeply unwanted conception, should she really resort to such an unsafe method as abortion. There is a way out, and it’s not so dangerous. There are emergency contraceptive pills that are designed to prevent unnecessary conception and prevent the consequences of unprotected sex. But these drugs can be taken only in truly emergency cases, since frequent use is fraught with dangerous complications for the woman.

During intimacy, anything can happen - the condom came off, the COC was missed, or the partners simply forgot about protection. What should a woman do in such a situation to still avoid pregnancy?

• A woman needs to immediately get out of bed so that the seminal fluid flows out of the vagina without reaching the female cell. But you cannot completely rely on such a method, because it does not guarantee one hundred percent reliability.
• Immediately after sexual contact, you must take a bath and wash thoroughly with soap. This should be done in the first 10 minutes after sex. This action will help reduce the chance of conception by 10%. You can also syringe with something sour, for example, a lemon or vinegar aqueous solution. Such means lead to the creation of aggressive conditions for sperm in the vagina, but such douching must be carried out extremely carefully to avoid burn damage to the mucous tissues.
• If a woman regularly takes any contraceptive drug, then you need to carefully study its instructions; usually it contains an algorithm for actions if you miss taking a pill.
• If you had sex with an unreliable partner, then the woman needs to treat her genitals and vagina in the very next few minutes with products that prevent the development of STDs. Similar drugs include Miramistin, but the possibility of its use should be discussed with a gynecologist.

When will emergency contraceptives help?

Any means and categories of such contraception cannot be called completely safe and useful for the female body, and therefore they are resorted to only in extreme situations, when coitus has already occurred, or the woman has been raped, etc. In general, every emergency contraceptive is intended more for women living intimate life is quite rare, and also indispensable in unforeseen situations when sex occurred without protection.

Such medications are called post-coital, since they are used after the fact that sperm enters the vaginal environment. If sexual intercourse occurred before the onset of the ovulatory period, then a high dose of hormonal substances will prevent its onset and the woman’s given cycle will be anovulatory. If fertilization occurs, then emergency contraception will prevent the embryo from consolidating. Such medications contain a very high dose of hormonal substances, so such high-dose hormonal drugs should be taken as rarely as possible.

How does emergency contraception work?

The medicinal effect of emergency contraception comes down to such effects as suppressing the maturation of the female cell, preventing the cell from meeting the sperm and preventing its implantation into the uterine wall. Therefore, after taking the drug, a thickening of the cervical secretion occurs in the female body, which does not allow sperm to enter the uterus. Also, at the same time, high dosages of hormonal components prevent ovulation, so the cell does not come out and the sperm die safely.

If the sperm nevertheless penetrated the uterus, reached the cell and fertilized it, then under the influence of the hormonal components of the drug, hypotrophy of the endometrial layer occurs, which does not allow the zygote to gain a foothold on it, therefore, further development of pregnancy does not occur, and the embryo leaves the uterus during the next menstruation together with bloody discharge. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptives reaches fairly high levels, amounting to about 97-99%. But there are also pitfalls here. A high contraceptive effect is achieved due to the high content of hormonal substances that are not in the best possible way affect the female body.

Types of contraception

Experts distinguish several categories of emergency contraceptives.

How to take emergency contraceptives

To get the proper effect from taking emergency contraception, you need to follow the rules for its use. When taking medications with levonorgestrel as an active ingredient (Postinor, etc.), you need to take into account that they should be taken no later than 72 hours after unprotected intimacy. The first pill must be taken immediately, and the sooner, the higher the contraceptive effect. The second pill is taken after 12-16 hours. If a woman vomits, then she needs to take another Postinor tablet. If we talk about other drugs with levonorgestrel, for example, Eskinor F or Escapel, then they are taken once, one pill, also within a 72-hour period. The effectiveness of such drugs depends on how quickly the drug was taken after sex. Taking a day or less provides a contraceptive effect by 95%, after 25-48 hours - by 85%, and after 2-3 days - by only 58%.

Preparations with gestagen and estrogen are taken according to the Yuspe regimen. This technique involves taking COCs, but in higher dosages. For the first time, take 2-4 pills no later than the third day after intimacy. The second dose of the same number of tablets is taken after 12 hours. Typically, combined oral agents such as Ovidon or Rigevidon, Silesta and Non-ovlon are used as fire contraception. The effectiveness of this method reaches 75-85 percent.

Mifepristone pills like Mifolian and Agesta, Ginepristone or Zhenale are recommended to be taken during the first 3 days. Take just one pill. An important condition is to have an empty stomach, so you can’t eat a couple of hours before and after taking the pill.

Adverse reactions

Emergency contraception due to a large dose of hormonal substances causes many side effects, which include nausea and vomiting reactions and intermenstrual bleeding, breast tenderness and migraine symptoms. If the patient already has varicose veins, then taking fire contraception can provoke blood clots. Also, adverse reactions often include menstrual irregularities and dizziness. Taking high-dose hormonal drugs often leads to menstrual disorders, when the patient's periods begin to last longer or become heavier.

Also, in response to taking fire contraception, allergic reactions and pain in the uterus and genital tract may develop. But adverse reactions occur only in a fifth of patients; the rest of the women tolerate the effects of this category of drugs more easily. If the instructions are followed, emergency contraception will help avoid unwanted motherhood.

The best emergency contraceptives

Doctors identify several popular fire contraception drugs that are most often used to prevent unwanted conception:

Contraindications for use

But such high-dose hormonal contraception has a number of specific contraindications, which include a long history of nicotine addiction and mature age after 35, and the presence of a hereditary tendency to thromboembolism. In addition, patients suffering from severe migraine pain, a predisposition to uterine bleeding, or advanced liver and biliary pathologies will have to abandon the use of emergency contraceptives. Also, the use of such contraception is not recommended for young girls (under 16), pregnant women, and lactating patients.

If completely unformed girls of puberty take such contraceptives, they will experience serious cycle disturbances, and in some cases, irreversible infertility may develop. Also, fire contraception is not recommended for lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, unstable and irregular menstrual cycle, for hormonal-dependent reproductive tumor processes, as well as for women with a history of ectopic pregnancy.

Emergency contraception is a fairly serious category of drugs that are unsafe to take on your own, therefore a gynecological prescription and strict adherence to the rules of administration are necessary, then unwanted conception and further abortion can be avoided.

This article examines the issue of emergency contraception. She is also called "firefighter" or radical. What types and methods exist, how to use them, pros and cons, as well as cases when it is worth using emergency contraception.

Emergency contraception is used if:

• happened unprotected sexual intercourse, you did not use protection at all
• your usual method of contraception Not worked, for example, the condom broke
• You forgot take a birth control pill

Emergency contraception drugs are called “firefighters” because they are used in exceptional cases. An analogy can be made with calling an ambulance.

We'll talk about two types radical contraception:

• tablet (they are also called “The Morning After Pill” or the morning after pill)
• intrauterine device

Most important information can be gleaned from tables below. Further in the text, each of the points in the table is discussed in more detail:

What you need to know about emergency contraception

• You need to remember the golden rule: than earlier If you take the pill, you will have a better chance of getting pregnant less.
• The intrauterine device is considered more efficient tablets. According to statistics, less than 1% of women became pregnant after using the IUD. The statistics for tablets are much worse.
• Side effects phenomena of emergency contraceptive pills: nausea, increased fatigue and excitability, dizziness, pain in the mammary glands and lower abdomen.
• Your menstrual cycle will be unstable.
• If within 2 hours after taking the pill you feel sick, you should take another pill because the effect of the first one may wear off and your chance of getting pregnant will increase.
• The intrauterine device can be yours regular method of contraception, and not just emergency.
• It is worth knowing that frequent use of an intrauterine device will lead to longer, heavier and more painful periods.
• The process of inserting the IUD may be slightly painful, so you can take a painkiller tablet.
• Despite the presence of side effects from the use of “fire” contraception, this method is considered more “beneficial” and humane for health than any other type. abortion.
• If you have calculated your “safe” days, and unprotected sexual intercourse occurred precisely on these days, with a small degree of risk, you can not take the pills. Since emergency contraception methods are a strong blow to a woman’s body.

Tablets Postinor, Escapelle, Levonel

These tablets contain an artificial analogue of the hormone progesterone.

When the hormone progesterone is found in natural quantities, it prepares the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, that is, it plays a direct role in the onset of pregnancy.

An increased level of this hormone in a woman’s body changes the structure of the uterine mucosa and changes the course of follicle maturation. The pregnancy process is blocked. The hormone interferes with the process ovulation(release of the egg).

And even if ovulation has occurred, the uterine lining changes so much that a fertilized egg cannot attach to its wall.

How to use

Postinor, Escapelle, Levonel should be taken no later than 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

That is, for example, if sexual intercourse occurred at 10 pm on May 10, then the pills (Postinor, Escapelle, Levonel) must be taken strictly before 12 noon on May 14.

In the case of Escapelle and Levonel, it is enough to take one tablet.

In the case of Postinor, first one tablet is taken, then, after 12 (not later than 16) hours, the second one is taken.

Contraindications for use

The drugs Postinor, Escapelle, Levonel have practically no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.

We recommend that you see your doctor before taking any of the above tablets. Your doctor can advise you on the tablets that are right for you and the recommended dosage. These tablets can already be used for 21 the day after childbirth and after miscarriages and abortions.

Side effects

There are virtually no mid- or long-term side effects from taking emergency contraceptive pills.

• Some women feel nausea, fatigue or, on the contrary, increased excitability, headache, pain in the lower abdomen and mammary glands.
• A small percentage experience vomiting.

In this case, the effect of the tablet may decrease, so it is better to take another one.

• Your menstrual cycle will be disrupted, but then it will recover again.

All of these side effects usually go away within a few days.

How will it affect your next menstruation?

After taking radical contraceptive pills, your period may come either earlier or later than expected.

Sometimes you may experience some bleeding between periods.

Do I need to go to the doctor?

You need to see a doctor if:

• you are more than 7 days late
• your next period is shorter and less heavy than usual
• you are experiencing pain in the lower abdomen
• these could be signs of an ectopic pregnancy (this is a very rare case, but you need to take action as quickly as possible)
• you are concerned that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease

Is it possible to get pregnant after Postinor, Escapel, Levonel?

Some women still get pregnant, even if they took the pills as directed.

These are quite rare cases. If you decide to keep your child, his health will not be at risk after taking the pills.

Basically, pregnancy occurs if:

• the pills were taken 72 hours after unprotected intercourse
• if you vomit within 2 hours after taking the pills

There are rough statistics showing that emergency contraceptive pills prevented:

• 95% of pregnancies when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex;
• 85% of pregnancies when taken within 25-48 hours;
• 58% of pregnancies when delivered within 49-72 hours

“Firefighter” contraceptive pills take about 2 hours to be completely absorbed in a woman’s body. Vomiting after 3 hours will not affect the contraceptive effect of the pills.

It is better to be observed by a doctor during the entire process. In this case, your doctor will be able to recommend an additional method of contraception.

Emergency contraception together with regular contraception

After taking Postinor, Escapel, Levonel for 12 hours, use your regular contraceptive:

• have a drink contraceptive tablet
• vaginal ring
• contraceptive patch

In addition, for several days you need to use an additional means of contraception - a condom:

• during 7 days if you use patch, ring or combination tablets
• during 2 days if yours contraceptives tablets are based on the hormone progesterone

If you are breastfeeding, taking emergency contraceptive pills is safe for your baby's health.

ellaOne tablets (ellaOn)

Recently, the drug ellaOne appeared on the market, which can be taken within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse (that's 5 days).

ellaOne tablets contain Ulipristal Acetate.

The principle of operation of all oral contraceptives is to delay or prevent ovulation, the release of a mature egg, which, when it meets a sperm, will lead to pregnancy.

Who can accept

Almost all women can take ellaOne tablets. Among the contraindications:

• asthma
• liver disease
• pregnancy

You should also refrain from breastfeeding for one week.

Side effects

They are the same as with other emergency contraceptive pills.

Within a few days after taking the pill you may feel:

• pain in the lower back or lower abdomen
• more painful periods
• frequent mood changes

Do you need a doctor?

Be sure to consult a doctor if:

• there was a delay in menstruation by more than 7 days
• periods are not as heavy as usual
• they are accompanied by pain, which was not there before
• you want to make sure you haven't contracted any sexually transmitted diseases

Could ellaOne not work?

In rare cases, as with other radical contraceptive pills, ellaOne may not work and pregnancy will occur.

In this case, you will need to consult a doctor.

The contraceptive effect of ellaOne may be reduced if you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill. Contact your doctor immediately (he may advise you to take another pill, or use by another means emergency contraception).

If you vomit after 3.5 hours or more, the contraceptive properties of the pill are completely preserved.

There is a general rule for taking all medications: don’t delay. The sooner you take the pill, the greater the chance that its contraceptive properties will work 100%.

ellaOne and contraception

If you have missed taking your regular contraceptives, within 12 hours of taking ellaOne tablet you should:

• take your regular contraceptive tablet or
• insert vaginal ring
• use contraception bandage

You will definitely need to use an additional contraceptive - a condom:

• for 14 days if you are using the ring, patch, and combined birth control pills
• within 9 days if you are using hormonal birth control

Effect on next menstruation

As a rule, they arrive on time. But there are times when the cycle is disrupted for several days.

Intrauterine (contraceptive) device

This emergency contraception can be used for 5 days after unprotected sex or during 5 days after ovulation. The spiral will not allow the egg to be fertilized and settle in the uterus.

It is important to know that after unprotected sexual intercourse, you need to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, because no method will protect you from these diseases.

The intrauterine (contraceptive) device can be used both as a means of contraception and as a regular contraceptive means.

Is it a spiral?

The intrauterine device, or contraceptive device, is made of plastic and copper and is T-shaped. It is inserted into the vagina.

After unprotected sexual intercourse, it can easily be used as a method of emergency contraception. The main thing is to introduce it within 5 days after unprotected sex.

The introduction of the spiral lasts about 15-20 minutes.

Pain may occur during insertion. In this case, ask your doctor to give you pain medication.

Who is the spiral suitable for?

Suitable for almost all women, but there are a number of contraindications.

The contraceptive device can be used even after miscarriages and abortions.

Before installation, it is better to consult a doctor, perhaps if you have an infection, you need to take antibiotics.

Side effects

For a few days after installation, you may experience discomfort in your lower abdomen (similar to a painful period).

In this case, you need to take painkillers.

There is a small chance that within 20 days After installation you will catch some kind of infection.

The coil may sometimes move or fall out. In this case, you need to consult a doctor and put it in place.

How will the IUD affect my next period?

Your period may become heavier and more painful, but it usually comes on time.

How often should you go to the doctor?

After the spiral is installed, it is advisable to go to the doctor through 3-4 weeks, to:

• make sure you are not pregnant
• make sure the IUD is seated correctly (if you want to continue using the IUD as a regular contraceptive)
• remove the IUD (if your goal was only emergency contraception)

When is the coil usually removed?

If you use it only as a “fire” contraception, you can remove it during your next period.

How reliable is the spiral?

The intrauterine device is one of the most reliable means of both regular and emergency contraception.

IN 99 % case, it protects against unwanted pregnancy.

Periodically feel the tendrils from the spiral in the vagina. If you do not feel them, there is a possibility that the device has moved and its contraceptive properties have weakened.

You should not feel the presence of a spiral in your body. If for any reason you feel it, consult your doctor. And use an additional means of contraception, for example, a condom, until you figure out the problem.

The IUD and other methods of contraception

As already mentioned, the intrauterine device is itself one of contraceptive methods, in addition to emergency.

If your regular method of contraception is contraceptives tablets, after the spiral is removed, you can continue to take them.

How much will emergency contraception cost you?

Emergency contraception is not cheap.

Postinor, for example, is the cheapest of all means - about 300 rubles.

Escapelle, Levonel are a little more expensive (about 350 rubles).

The drug ellaOne is already 10 times more expensive ( 3390 rubles), because it is more gentle, modern and can be used within 5 days after unprotected sex.

Intrauterine device can be used as a regular means of contraception for a long time, so its cost does not fall below 3500 rubles and comes to 7000 rubles.

From the article you learned about all the methods of emergency (fire, radical) contraception: pills and intrauterine device. Your doctor will tell you which remedy is right for you.