Top tips for taking medications. How to take pills correctly so that they work

Unprotected sex can happen in many lives, but here we'll talk not about diseases that can be “caught”, but about an unplanned pregnancy, when a child is not included in the plans of both partners and panic begins. The first thing to do is to calm down for both, because there are no hopeless situations, and pharmacology suggests the use of birth control pills, which must be taken immediately after the act for 24 hours. They will help avoid unwanted consequences.

Modern drugs created to prevent unwanted pregnancy after unprotected copulation are popular. Some of the most famous remedies:

  • Mifepristone.

It is a mistake to believe that drugs will be an ideal opportunity to practice unprotected sex. This hormonal agents single use. They affect the woman's body. Gynecologists say that the maximum acceptable reception equal to two capsules per year. Taking pills by your partner will not affect your men's health, but can cause a critical hit to a woman. To be more precise, not to the entire body, but to the organs responsible for procreation. Medicines are not kept in home cabinets, as they are available at any pharmacy.

Hormonal anti-pregnancy drugs block the process of ovulation and egg implantation. The female body is subject to severe hormonal disruption, so it is better to forget about planning a pregnancy for the next six months. Information is important for both partners if they dream of becoming parents of a healthy baby in the future.

The harm of “emergency” contraceptives

Partners who have had unprotected sexual intercourse together resort to solving the problem without contacting doctors, on their own, fearing that the woman has become pregnant. The best option will turn to a gynecologist to save yourself from the need to use harmful chemical components of drugs. When the decision not to see a doctor is deliberate and unchangeable, the couple needs to carefully read the instructions for the drug and find out about the side effects. It should be remembered that there are no harmless drugs in this category.

A woman’s body is exposed to negative effects and even danger. There are several reasons:

Contraceptive pills and other express methods are harmful and dangerous for young girls who have not given birth. The price to pay for intercourse without the use of contraceptives is infertility. Before taking the pills, the couple should jointly think through and weigh all the pros and cons, and a trip to the gynecologist will allow you to choose the formulations that cause the least harm, without greatly shaking the female hormonal system.

The list consists of popular drugs, where Postinor is the most powerful. The effect is comparable to hitting the reproductive organs with a heavy object. female organs. It is known that taking the drug will prevent pregnancy by 95%, but will put the subsequent one into question. In addition, the remaining 5% leaves a chance for conception, but how will the pregnancy proceed, what abnormalities may appear in the embryo after a strong hormonal shock. Statistics say that cases where the drug does not help are resolved by doctors suggesting an abortion, since complications are likely for both the mother and the child.

Both grandmothers and mothers, all those who lived in the 1980s of the last century, know about the drug. But not everyone knows what price they will have to pay. The product consists of a mini-course, taken over three days, and each package contains two tablets.

Contraception is not suitable for all women, but if you want to use it, it is important to know the date of your last menstrual period. For menstrual irregularities, delays, and other problems associated with critical days, postinor should be abandoned. Doctors say that after taking it, heavy, prolonged bleeding will appear.

The tablets are not intended for women who have problems and complications associated with gastrointestinal tract, liver, or suffering from diabetes mellitus. Admission to young people under 16 years of age, as well as to those who have not given birth, is strictly prohibited.

Contraception is dangerous for those who are sick:

  • Tuberculosis;
  • Thrombosis;
  • or others inflammatory diseases genitourinary system;
  • Botkin's disease;
  • Has problems with high blood pressure;
  • Oncological diseases;
  • Diseases of blood vessels and heart.

The product is intended for women who do not have health problems, but taken pills can seriously undermine it. The consequences of taking are manifested:

  • In violation menstrual cycle;
  • The occurrence of vomiting and nausea;
  • Headaches;
  • Development of ectopic pregnancy;
  • Bleeding from the vagina;
  • Infertility;
  • Sudden fainting, itching, swelling, rash;
  • Sharp pain in the lower abdomen;

Product used in conditions medical clinic, to prevent unwanted pregnancy, abortion, when the period does not exceed six weeks. Contraception is not sold in pharmacy chains, distributed and sold exclusively by prescription. It is used only in clinical settings so that the doctor can observe and control the process.

Contraindications include problems with the liver and kidneys in women. It is necessary to notify medical worker about smoking or drinking alcohol if the patient often indulges bad habits. The doctor should know that if a woman uses, taking the drug with her is unacceptable. After three weeks, the woman needs to have an ultrasound to make sure there is no pregnancy; if there is one, an abortion is performed. A child cannot be born full-fledged and healthy if the person has taken agesta.

Side effects are expressed:

  • In nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Bleeding;
  • Fainting;
  • In menstrual cycle disorders.

The contraceptive, which must be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse, contains levonorgestrel, an ingredient that prevents pregnancy.

  • Menstruation irregularities;
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Apathy, headache.

Tablets that prevent a woman’s body from unwanted pregnancy after intercourse without protection, containing the substance mifepristone, are a synthetic steroid drug.

The active substances block the effects of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone. Within a couple of hours, an environment appears in the uterine area that is negative in relation to the fertilization process. The drug is highly effective.

Side effects:

  • In skin rash, itching;
  • Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea;
  • Increased temperature, irregular periods;
  • The appearance of bleeding.

Taking birth control on the first day may not lead to side effects, which cannot be said about using it for more later. If uterine bleeding occurs, you will need to seek immediate medical attention.

Mifepristone

Contraception is a means for medical abortion. It is acceptable to use contraception during the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse without protective equipment. When it turns out that pregnancy has occurred, mifepristone is used to terminate it.

Prescription of the drug in this period do not use on your own, you should consult a doctor. The uterus will acquire tone, accompanied by contractile myometrium, which will lead to miscarriage. The fertilized egg will be destroyed due to the effects of a drug that blocks progesterone. There is a large list of contraindications:

  • Excluded in case of renal failure;
  • For diabetes mellitus;
  • Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy;
  • In inflammatory processes of the genital organs;
  • Anemia, bronchial asthma;
  • Infections, bad habits.

For two days after using the product, the woman remains under the supervision of a doctor, and after 14 days she returns to the clinic for an additional health check. The drug is dangerous, sometimes it does not have the desired effect, and an abortion will be required. The side effects of the early stages and time after an abortion with the use of medication are identical.

Despite big list developed reliable methods of protection from unwanted pregnancy, sometimes due to her rashness or sexual violence, a woman has to resort to means emergency contraception. Some of them include birth control pills after unprotected sexual intercourse, the components of which are hormone analogues or hormone-like substances. These drugs should be taken with caution as they pose a risk to women's health and may cause problems with future pregnancies.

  • tablets containing levonorgestrel (postinor, escapelle);
  • tablets based on mifepristone (mifepristone, miropristone, gynepristone, mifegin);
  • high- (ovidone, non-ovlon, anteovin) and low-dose (yarina, regulon, marvelon, microgynon, femoden, janine) monophasic combined oral contraceptives(COOK).

Levonorgestrel drugs

The active substance of postinor and escapelle tablets, levonorgestrel, is a synthetic progestogen. Mechanism contraceptive action is implemented through:

  • inhibition and suppression of ovulation (the release of an egg from the dominant follicle);
  • changes in the structure of the inner layer of the uterus, eliminating the conditions necessary for the successful implantation of a fertilized egg and its further development;
  • decreased peristalsis fallopian tubes, slowing down the movement of the egg into the uterus;
  • increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus, creating a mechanical obstacle to the advancement of sperm.

The more time has passed since unprotected sexual intercourse, the less effective levonorgestrel tablets are for preventing unwanted conception. If the process of implantation of a fertilized egg has already occurred, then their use does not interfere normal development pregnancy. According to statistics, when taking levonorgestrel within 24 hours after sexual intercourse, the effectiveness is 95%, 24-48 hours - 85%, and after 48-72 hours - only 58%.

Important: To protect against pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, in addition to pills, intrauterine devices are also used, the installation of which for these purposes is carried out within 120 hours after intercourse.

Mifepristone-based drugs

Mifeperistone is a synthetic antiprogestagenic drug with a steroid structure. Tablets based on it have a complex effect:

  • disrupt the functioning of the corpus luteum;
  • cause endometrial detachment;
  • block receptors of the main pregnancy hormone progesterone located in the endometrium, which prevents its normal development after egg implantation;
  • strengthen contractile activity the muscular layer of the uterus, the myometrium, by increasing its sensitivity to prostaglandins.

Mifepristone and its analogues cause the expulsion of the fertilized egg from the uterine cavity in a woman’s body and are means of medical abortion for early stages. After administration, severe bleeding is possible, so they should be used strictly under the supervision of a doctor. To terminate pregnancy, mifepristone is used for up to 7-9 weeks.

Combined oral contraceptives

After unprotected sexual intercourse, COCs usually used for routine contraception containing estrogen and gestagen are sometimes used. Their effectiveness is 75-80%, which is significantly lower than that of postinor and escapelle. In addition, when taking high doses hormones significantly increases the likelihood of severe side effects, so many doctors prefer tablets with levonorgestrel.

The advantage of this group of birth control pills is the wide selection of drugs.

Interesting: The use of COCs to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse is called the Yuzpe method in honor of the Canadian doctor Albert Yuzpe, who developed this method contraception in 1977

Indications for emergency contraception

Emergency contraception birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. The reasons why a woman decides to take such a step are very different:

  • doubts about the effectiveness and correct use of contraceptives used;
  • rape without the use of contraceptives;
  • condom breaking or slipping during sexual intercourse;
  • displacement of the vaginal diaphragm or cervical cap;
  • dropping out intrauterine device;
  • skipping a COC or delaying its intake by 3-5 hours and others.

Using birth control pills after sexual intercourse is a last resort and should only be used when possible pregnancy poses a threat to women's health and is accompanied by high risks birth of a defective child.

Mode of application

The method of using birth control pills depends on the group of drugs and dosage active substance.

Levonorgestrel tablets are available in dosages of 0.75 mg (postinor) and 1.5 mg (escapelle). They should be taken regardless of meals no later than 72 hours after sexual intercourse. Postinor is taken according to the following scheme: the first tablet immediately (the sooner the better) after the act, the second 12 hours later. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours after taking the tablet, take another one.

Escapelle will contain twice the dosage active substance, therefore, it is taken once, 1 tablet, the second tablet is taken only if vomiting occurs in response to taking the first one.

Mifepristone preparations are recommended for use in medical institutions under the supervision of a doctor. The dosage for medical abortion is 600 mg once. Take the tablet orally 1-1.5 hours after light food, drink a glass of water. To enhance the effect, it is sometimes necessary additional dose prostaglandins (misoprostol, ginoprost). To assess the effectiveness of the drug, a few days later the woman undergoes an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and determines the level of the hormone β-hCG.

COCs to prevent unwanted pregnancy, like Postinor, should be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The dosage regimen includes taking tablets twice with an interval of 12 hours, regardless of food. The dosage per dose is 100 mcg of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and 500 mcg of progestin (desogestrel, levonorgestrel). The number of tablets is calculated for each drug individually depending on the concentration of hormones.

Important: Prescribing emergency contraceptive pills on your own is very dangerous, as the consequences can be unpredictable. Only a doctor will be able to choose the optimal remedy to solve this problem, taking into account the patient’s age, her state of health and the period after sexual intercourse.

Negative effects of birth control pills

Taking birth control pills after intercourse without using contraception is permissible only in in case of emergency no more than once a year. They are considered safer for women's health, have fewer complications and are easier rehabilitation period than full surgical abortion, however, their use is fraught with side effects, deterioration general condition, as well as unfavorable long-term consequences. At a certain stage, birth control pills disrupt the normal physiological functioning of the female reproductive system, which can subsequently lead to hormonal imbalance, difficulties in conceiving and bearing a child.

Serious negative consequences that usually arise from systematic or excessive frequent use Such birth control pills include:

  • high risk of ectopic pregnancy;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • bleeding between periods;
  • infertility (especially when used by young girls);
  • increased susceptibility to thrombosis;
  • increased risk of developing Crohn's disease.

After taking the tablets, the following temporary side effects are possible:

  • pain and swelling in the mammary glands;
  • nausea, vomiting, problems with stool;
  • headache, dizziness;
  • rise in body temperature, chills;
  • general weakness;
  • exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes organs of the reproductive system;
  • aching or cramping pain in the lower abdomen;
  • allergic reactions.

Emotional disturbances are often observed.

Contraindications

Birth control pills after sexual intercourse are serious medications that can cause harm to the body. Their use is contraindicated in women if:

  • allergic reactions to any of the components of the tablet;
  • severe pathologies liver, kidneys and bile ducts;
  • unformed or unstable menstrual cycle;
  • breastfeeding;
  • history of ectopic pregnancy;
  • tendency to thrombosis;
  • adrenal insufficiency;
  • disorders of the blood clotting process.

Do not use medications if you have hormonal dependent tumors and inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system.

Video: Doctors on emergency contraception methods


Unplanned pregnancy is usually a consequence of neglecting protective measures or using low-quality contraceptives. This problem requires an immediate solution, since it is easier to fix it by early stages.

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

Pregnancy pills after an act in which fertilization of the egg may have occurred should be taken as soon as this fact has been discovered.

There are several types of drugs for ending pregnancy:

Drugs belonging to these types act differently and have different properties. However discomfort symptoms that arise after administration are similar, since the action has the same direction. Regardless of the type of drugs, such side effects, as vomiting, headache and abdominal pain cannot be avoided.

Medicines for emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (other names: ambulance, emergency) involves termination of pregnancy using various medical supplies. Emergency contraception prevents the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus and further development fetus at an early stage.

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

The most effective are the following drugs emergency contraception:


The drugs listed above are the best for emergency contraception. If you follow the instructions, the effectiveness is 95%.

Medicines containing mifeprestone

Medicines containing mifeprestone are effective even 3 weeks after conception. Mifeprestone acts on the uterus, increasing its tone. As a result, the fertilized egg is rejected by the uterus. Medicines containing mifeprestone have a strong effect on female body, therefore they should only be used in the presence of a specialist.

The most popular drugs in this group are:

  1. Mifepristone- These are tablets that have a yellowish or greenish tint. In addition to the main component, the composition includes the following substances: cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose, a mixture of amylose and amylopectin polysaccharides, polyvinyl lyrrolidone. You need to take the tablets 1.5 hours after a small snack, 3 tablets at a time. They must be washed down with water. They can be purchased at a pharmacy only with a doctor’s prescription, the approximate cost is 1500-3000 rubles.
  2. Mifegin- These are tablets with a yellowish tint, having a biconvex shape. On front side there is an engraving in the form of the numbers 167. The composition also includes silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose and povidone. Mifegin is the most effective remedy, which has few side effects compared to others. Mifegin should be used in the same way as Mifepreston, 3 tablets at a time, in the presence of a doctor, after meals (at least 1 hour). The price of the drug ranges from 2500 to 3500 rubles.
  3. Genale. The drug Zhenale is available in the form of yellow or green round tablets. The composition includes magnesium stearate, a mixture of polysaccharides amylose and amylopectin, povidone and lactose monohydrate. Unlike the drugs listed above, you can take it yourself, 1 tablet. At least 2 hours should pass after the last meal. After taking, you should not eat for 2 hours. It is not recommended to use the drug for people suffering from porphyria. venereal diseases, anemia, liver and kidney diseases. It is also not recommended to take it together with painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. The price of the drug ranges from 300 to 800 rubles.
  4. Mytholean are abortion pills based on mifeprestone. Mifoleana tablets have round shape and a yellowish tint. In addition to mifeprestone, the composition also includes a mixture of polysaccharides amylose and amylopectin, magnesium stearate, lactose, and hypremelose. Like other drugs that include mifeprestone, it should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. You need to take 3 tablets at once. The effect of the drug will be reduced if it interacts with anti-inflammatory drugs. The approximate price of Mythelian is 2000 rubles.

Products containing mifeprestone are 98% effective. Their effectiveness does not depend on the time of administration. However, such drugs can only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Abortion of pregnancy using birth control pills

Pregnancy pills after intercourse without the use of contraceptives give results if taken within 3 days. During the first few days, you can even use birth control pills to terminate a pregnancy.

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

There are exceptions among contraceptives that are quite effective:

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

Abortion pills (birth control) can only be used 1 to 3 days after sexual intercourse. You need to take 2-5 tablets at once. The same amount should be drunk after 12 hours. Birth control pills often fail, their effectiveness is 80%, even if taken immediately, so it is better to use other drugs.

The effectiveness of drugs against unwanted pregnancy

Medical termination of pregnancy is much simpler than surgical termination. However, pills do not always bring results.

The effectiveness of medications depends on the following factors:

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

The most important effect on effectiveness is the amount of time that has passed since sexual intercourse. If you use emergency contraception immediately after contact or after a short time, the effectiveness is 99%. With every hour and day that passes, the percentage of success decreases.

Most effective drugs emergency contraception are drugs that include mifepristone:

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

It is prohibited to use them independently.

Contraindications

Anti-pregnancy pills should not be taken after intercourse without the use of contraceptives without familiarizing yourself with the composition and contraindications, since they affect not only the uterus and egg, but the entire body. Some people are not advised to terminate their pregnancy using the pill. This can lead to childlessness.

It is prohibited to perform a medical abortion procedure:

  • with advanced pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy;
  • with disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
  • for anemia, blood leukemia, etc.;
  • with inflammation of the pelvic organs;
  • people suffering from asthma;
  • women with tumors of the breast and uterus;
  • for sexually transmitted diseases;
  • with hormonal imbalance.
  • when allergic reaction for the components indicated in the composition.

This general contraindications, which apply to all means for terminating pregnancy in the early stages. Some drugs have additional contraindications, so it is important to fully study the characteristics of the selected drug before use.

Side effects

Terminating pregnancy using medications always causes discomfort, since pregnancy, even at an early stage, changes the female body, and the removal of semen is an external intervention. Side effects almost always occur after emergency contraception.

It could be:


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

For example:

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

Where can you buy abortion products and can you use them yourself?

You can only purchase emergency contraceptives at a pharmacy. Medicines will be issued only if there is a doctor's order. Most emergency contraceptives can be taken independently, but only after carefully studying the characteristics and instructions.

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

How to check if the termination of pregnancy was successful

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

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

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

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

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about pregnancy pills after intercourse

Emergency contraception:

Types of contraception:

Situations when you need to take pills to avoid getting pregnant often happen in the lives of women. Unprotected sexual intercourse with random connection, rape, a broken condom can lead to unwanted pregnancy. To prevent conception at home, there are emergency contraceptives that can be easily purchased without a prescription at any pharmacy. These drugs are highly effective and easy to use.

    Show all

    Effect of emergency contraceptives

    Medicines that inhibit ovulation and help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex are called emergency contraception. Their name already suggests that they are intended for exceptional cases and cannot serve as a permanent contraceptive.

    The mechanism of action of such medications is carried out in two directions:

    1. 1. The active substance in the product prevents the egg from leaving the ovary. Sperm that find themselves in the uterine cavity die after some time, and fertilization does not occur.
    2. 2. The medicine makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which prevents sperm from entering the organ.

    Dual action makes oral contraceptives for immediate use effective in preventing conception and allows their use in all cases where there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.

    The active component of these drugs is levonorgestrel or mifepristone.

    Admission deadlines

    To achieve maximum effectiveness, a drug containing levonorgestrel or mifepristone must be used in as soon as possible after unprotected sexual contact. If it was not possible to take an emergency contraceptive within three days, its further use is unjustified.

    If a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, these medications are useless - they do not have an abortifacient effect.

    The best result of the contraceptive is possible when it enters the body during the first 24 hours after sexual intercourse (95%). Over the next 48 hours, the effectiveness decreases to 85%; over another 72 hours, the effectiveness decreases to 60%. DrinkEmergency contraceptive pills can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of meals.

    Emergency contraceptives do not belong to safe medicines: their use more than 3 times throughout the year leads to a violation hormonal balance in the body, menstrual cycle disruptions, infertility. For continuous use, women who have regular sexual intercourse must use combined oral contraceptives or use barrier methods.

    Medicines based on levonorgestrel

    Drugs that are very popular among women are drugs based on levonorgestrel (synthetic progestogen) - Postinor and Escapelle.

    Postinor

    Postinor is available in a package containing two tablets, one of which is taken no later than 3 days after unprotected contact, the second - after 12 hours. The medicine is suitable for preventing unplanned pregnancy in the following situations:

    • casual sexual contact;
    • rape;
    • missing the next pill of a combined contraceptive drug;
    • condom breaking or slipping;
    • displacement of the contraceptive cap or cervical diaphragm;
    • release of spermicidal cream or suppository from the vagina.

    Postinor can be used in any phase of the menstrual cycle. It is not recommended to use the product during repeated sexual intercourse without protection during the same monthly cycle due to the risk of uterine bleeding.

    If pregnancy has already occurred, it is not advisable to take the drug.

    For girls adolescence The medication is prohibited; its use is justified only in cases of rape, after consultation with a gynecologist and a thorough medical examination.

    Contraindications

    Despite the high contraceptive effectiveness, Postinor has many disadvantages. It should not be used frequently to avoid failure of the ovaries and disruption of the monthly cycle.

    One hundred percent effectiveness of administration is observed only in women with regular menstruation- with an unstable cycle, the effect is reduced, and pregnancy becomes possible. The effect of the medicine weakens the disease digestive system, Crohn's disease, simultaneous administration tetracycline and ampicillin antibiotics, PPIs.

    Postinor should not be taken by women who have had hepatitis of any type, have acute and chronic pathologies liver and gall bladder. During lactation, feeding the baby while using the drug is stopped for at least 12 hours.

    Escapelle

    Escapelle - modern analogue Postinora. Levonorgestrel, the content of which in Escapelle is twice as high, allows you to reduce the risk of fertilization by taking just one tablet. You must drink it within 72 hours after sexual intercourse; maximum results are guaranteed within the first 24 hours.

    If the drug enters the body when conception has already occurred, you do not have to worry about the condition of the fetus: levonorgestrel in the dose contained in the drug does not cause negative consequences for the development of the child and does not have an abortifacient effect.

    To minimize the adverse effects of levonorgestrel, Escapelle can be used no more than once every 3-6 months.

    Features of administration and side effects

    Escapelle has the same contraindications as Postinor. Simultaneous use both medications are not allowed. If diarrhea or vomiting occurs within 3 hours after taking the tablet, the guarantee of no fertilization is reduced, so you must take an additional dose.

    Side effects from levonorgestrel use can occur with both medications. They are:

    • development of ectopic pregnancy;
    • uterine bleeding;
    • risk of infertility, especially if a young nulliparous girl takes levonorgestrel;
    • risk of thrombosis.

    Side effects develop infrequently and include headache, nausea, itchy skin rashes, breast swelling, and pain in the lower abdomen.

    Mifepristone-based drugs

    Emergency contraceptives based on mifepristone (Ginepristone, Zhenale) are highly effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy. To the two directions of the mechanism of action of levonorgestrel, these drugs add one more - they do not allow the fertilized egg to gain a foothold in the uterine cavity, that is, they have a slight abortive effect.

    Taking the medicine is most effective in the first 72 hours after intimacy without using contraceptive methods. Required dose- one tablet.

    Mifepristone is prohibited during pregnancy due to negative influence on the fetus, therefore, if the drug did not work and conception occurred, it is indicated medical abortion. Breastfeeding after taking Zhenale or Ginepristone, stop for two weeks.

    The effectiveness of medications decreases with alcohol consumption. You must refrain from eating for two hours before and after taking the pill.

    Some women use mifepristone-based products - Agesta, Miropriston, Mifeprex - as emergency contraception, thereby putting their health at significant risk. These drugs cannot be recommended for independent use, since they are intended for medication interruption pregnancy and are allowed only in a hospital setting under medical supervision.

    Mifeprex is contraindicated in women over 35 years of age, especially those who smoke, have kidney and liver disease, infections and inflammation of the genital area, anemia, and uterine fibroids.

Postcoital contraception is considered to be the prevention of pregnancy, which is extremely undesirable. The need to take these medications arises if a woman forgets to take an oral contraceptive on time or the condom breaks during sexual intercourse. Often, postcoital contraception is used after violent sexual intercourse.

It should be noted that preventing pregnancy is possible only if the woman takes an emergency contraceptive within 3 days of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Levonorgestrel-based birth control pills

Emergency contraceptives that contain levonorgestrel prevent fertilization of the egg. After taking the pill, ovulation is delayed due to cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the egg.

Will these birth control pills help after intercourse? depends on the time that has passed since sexual contact:

  • up to 24 hours - 95% efficiency;
  • 25 - 48 hours - efficiency 85%;
  • 49 - 72 hours - effectiveness 58%.

Let's look at which levonorgestrel-based birth control pills are the most effective today:

NameHow long should I take it?InstructionsPhoto
Within 72 hours

The use of emergency contraception is effective for 3 days.

Please note that the package contains 2 tablets, therefore, the emergency contraceptive must be taken twice.

The second tablet should be taken 12 hours after taking the first. Without chewing, drink with clean water.

Within 72 hours

Within 3 days after sex (unprotected), you need to take one tablet.

If side effects such as vomiting occur, the drug must be taken again.


Emergency contraception based on mifepristone

Thanks to the active substance (mifepristone), ovulation becomes impossible if you take the pill within 3 days of unprotected sexual intercourse. If more than 3 days have passed, mifepristone (increased dosage) is used to terminate pregnancy in the early stages (up to 9 weeks).

NameHow long does it take to take it?InstructionsPhoto
GynepristoneWithin 72 hours

Take 1 tablet with a small amount of water.


GenaleWithin 72 hours

It is preferable to take this drug 2 hours before meals, provided that at least 2 hours have passed since the last meal.

AgestaWithin 72 hours

Take 1 tablet with a small amount of water.

It is preferable to take this drug 2 hours before meals, provided that at least 2 hours have passed since the last meal.

Combined oral contraceptives for emergency contraception (Yuzpe method)

The Yuzpe method is an emergency contraception that is based on oral contraceptives.

To effectively prevent unwanted pregnancy It is recommended to take the pills within 24 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. For this method The following medications are typical:

  • Marvelon.
  • Microgenone
  • Regulon.
  • Rigevidon.
  • Miniziston.

You can also use low-dose hormonal drugs, such as Novinet, Logest or Mercilon. In this case, you need to take 5 tablets twice with an interval of 12 hours.

Emergency contraceptives during lactation

Women who are breastfeeding can use two types of emergency contraception:

ContraceptiveCharacteristic
Installation of an intrauterine device

To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, an ectopic device must be installed within 5 days from the moment of unprotected sexual intercourse. In this case, there is no need to interrupt breastfeeding.

It should be noted that after installation of the intrauterine device contraceptive effect will remain in the future.

Taking hormonal pills

If a woman breastfeeding decided to use hormonal drugs to prevent unwanted pregnancy, You must stop breastfeeding for 36 hours.

In order not to disrupt milk production during a given period of time, a woman needs to express milk and replace the baby’s food with age-appropriate milk formulas. During lactation, a woman can choose any of the above types of medications. However, experts recommend giving preference to levonorgestrel-based tablets.

The most suitable option would be Escapelle tablets, which are taken once.

Non-hormonal emergency contraceptives

There are two types of emergency contraception:

  1. hormonal drugs;
  2. non-hormonal drugs.

Drugs that do not contain hormones include medications based on mifepristone. Let's list their names:

  1. Genale;
  2. Gynepristone;
  3. Agesta.

Preparations based on this active substance do not violate hormonal background. Mifepristone tablets are believed to be more effective than levonorgestrel tablets.

Another advantage non-hormonal drugs consider a lower incidence of side effects.

Which contraceptives are the safest?

The Yuzpe method is considered to be the safest emergency contraception. Low-dose medications have minimal side effects. If you follow the conditions for taking the pills, the effectiveness of this method is 90%.

These contraceptives can be purchased without a prescription.

It should be noted that vaginal contraceptives are not suitable for emergency contraception due to their low effectiveness.


Table: Comparison of the effectiveness and side effects of birth control pills after unprotected intercourse

Cost of emergency contraceptives

How much do pills that prevent unwanted pregnancy cost? Consider the list of tablets and their average cost:

Please note that the prices for drugs are average. Depending on the region of residence, the cost may vary.

When is postcoital contraception acceptable?

It is possible to use emergency contraceptives if pregnancy is extremely undesirable:

  1. Since caesarean section less than 2 years have passed.
  2. The sexual intercourse was of a violent nature.
  3. Past attempts to become pregnant have ended in miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Before taking anything serious medication its contraindications should be taken into account:

  • Age up to 18 years.
  • Existing pregnancy.
  • Menstrual irregularities.
  • Malignant tumors.

If after taking an emergency contraceptive you experience bloody issues, urgently consult a gynecologist.

If, 2 weeks after using the contraceptive drug, menstruation does not occur on time, you should also consult your doctor.


How to choose birth control pills after intercourse (