Emergency concentration techniques. Emergency postcoital contraception. Combined oral contraceptives.
Many women have had such a moment in their lives when you wake up in the morning with one single thought - oh, how did this happen? In this case, the main thing is not to panic, especially since it is for such cases that emergency contraception exists. Perhaps for many, until now, such a concept as emergency contraception was not familiar. Therefore, let's try to figure out what it means and in what cases emergency contraception drugs are vital.
Yours contraceptive effect guaranteed only if the medicine is taken before 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Using the combination method reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 75%. The progestogen-only method appears to be slightly more effective, reducing the risk of pregnancy by about 85%. Because the earlier consumption increases its effectiveness, the better the ideal should be taken within the first 12 hours after sexual intercourse.
The most common side effects are: Nausea: more common among patients receiving combination pills than those receiving progestin-only pills; Usually lasts no more than 24 hours. If vomiting occurs within two hours after administration, the dose should be repeated. In these cases, it is recommended to use the antiemetic one hour before the new dose. Irregular uterine bleeding: Some women may experience this after taking the pill. Most women experience their menstrual period earlier or later than expected.
What is emergency contraception?
It is also called postcoital. The peculiarity of this method is that all actions to prevent pregnancy occur after sexual intercourse. But it is worth noting that this method is effective only in the first 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. Although, there are drugs whose use can be quite effective, even after 5 days.
If there is a menstrual delay of more than one week, it is recommended to request a pregnancy test. Other less common complaints include breast tenderness, water retention, and headache. Progestin-only cells should be preferred if possible as they exhibit fewer side effects. This fact should be especially taken into account in adolescents with several chronic pathologies in which estrogen-containing cells are contraindicated due to their undesirable effects.
As among these young women, the risk of pregnancy is higher, each case must be carefully analyzed and the risks and benefits of using emergency contraception even with the combination pill when it is the only one available. Emergency contraception has no contraindications, especially in the case of levonorgestrel-based tablets, provided that it is used in emergency situations, that is, at a frequency not exceeding 4-6 times a year.
Emergency contraception is not an abortion because it is used before ovulation.
The process from fertilization to the attachment of the embryo lasts about 6 days, after which all measures taken are already considered termination of pregnancy.
Unfortunately, while preventing unwanted pregnancy, emergency contraception is absolutely powerless in the fight against sexually transmitted infections and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is still advisable for you to see a gynecologist.
These findings are based on a review of published literature on the subject. The availability of emergency contraceptives provides safety for a health care professional who, for example, is present in the presence of an adolescent couple with infrequent sexual activity, 1 to 2 times a month, prescribes the male condom as a dual-protection method of contraception, for that couple, and for professional who visits him, there is a fear of condom rupture and subsequent pregnancy, which has been minimized due to the possibility of contraception after coit On the other hand, there is a fear that facilitating access to emergency contraception - advertising, pharmacy sales, advance recommendations on the method or even early provision of prescriptions - will encourage unprotected sexual promiscuity and practice and discourage regular use of contraceptives more effectively.
How do emergency contraception drugs work?
The principle of action of these drugs is extremely simple. After taking the “pregnancy pill,” a woman’s body receives a large dose of hormones or biologically active substances. Their action makes the process of fertilization impossible, or prevents the attachment of an already fertilized egg to the uterus. In other words, they prevent the process of ovulation, and, accordingly, the occurrence of pregnancy.
However, this fear should not be a barrier to information about this contraceptive option. However, it is more difficult and painful to discuss all these problems in the presence of a positive pregnancy test. These are services that serve adolescents to facilitate behavioral research to evaluate the impact of disclosure of this contraceptive option on the sexual activity and contraceptive practices of young people, both healthy and those with chronic conditions. It is possible that these risks are minimized through careful guidance, not only for information but also for educational purposes.
It should be noted that the effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases every hour. The use of some drugs is possible within 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred. But, nevertheless, only the first 24 hours are most effective.
Emergency contraception medications often cause nausea and vomiting. If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, its effectiveness is greatly reduced. In this case, you need to take another tablet. All side effects, in most cases, disappear on the second day after taking the drug.
It is never too much to remind a young woman that an emergency contraceptive pill does not protect her from sexually transmitted diseases, and that although it is a high-dose hormonal pill, she is not protected from another pregnancy in the cycle and should therefore abstain from sexual activity until her next period or using some effective barrier method.
Known as the morning-after pill, emergency contraception must be taken within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy, but does not prevent the transmission of sexual diseases. It also does not work as an abortion pill, as it does not stop pregnancy.
What types of emergency contraception are available?
“Pregnancy pills” are divided into two groups:
For some reason, Postinor is used much more often than other drugs. But you need to know that it contains a very large amount of the hormone. Such quantities of Levonorgestrel are a severe blow to the ovaries, as a result of which a host of other health-related problems may arise.
The sooner after intercourse in the morning after taking the pill, the more effective it is. Contrary to popular belief, it is not enough to take just one tablet: follow the instructions and take the doses indicated in the package. The morning after pill will not harm itself because it has a small dose of hormones, but its biggest risk is not working 100% of the time and pregnancy will still occur.
How does the morning after taking the pill happen?
It works through a combination of hormones that temporarily blocks ovulation and interferes with fertilization - preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. After this, the chances of an unwanted pregnancy are high. Even if you use the emergency pill and become pregnant, there is no evidence that it will interfere with the pregnancy or the normal development of the embryo.
“Escapelle” is also popular as an emergency contraceptive drug. Can be used within 96 hours after unprotected intercourse.
2. Containing Mifepristone."Gynepristone" is one of the most common means of emergency contraception belonging to this group. Its distinctive feature is the absence of hormones and a high level of protection. But as a result, the price is quite high. Perhaps its only drawback is that it should preferably be used under the supervision of a doctor.
It is important to remember that emergency contraception is not an abortion pill. It does not stop an ongoing pregnancy or prevent pregnancy if you have unprotected sex again. In fact, a woman may become even more fertile after taking emergency contraception by delaying ovulation. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, it is important to use another method of contraception.
Does the pill work from morning to morning?
Because the pill's coverage is not 100 percent, some women may become pregnant even after taking the hormone. To avoid unwanted pregnancy, the most guaranteed way is to use the traditional method of contraception correctly.
When to use emergency contraception
A condom that has been pierced or left the site and ejaculation has occurred in the vaginal region. You used the table and underestimated your fertile days. You fucked without programming and did not use any method of protection. You were planning to use the intercourse method, but your partner did not remove the penis from the vagina on time and ended up ejaculating inside.- The diaphragm was misplaced and ejaculation occurred in the vaginal area.
- Or if the diaphragm is removed too quickly after sex.
- You forgot to take a contraceptive pill and did so.
- You delayed taking contraception and fucked.
Name of emergency contraception, the use of which is effective within a certain period of timenlong period of time.
Within 5 minutes, after unprotected sexual intercourse, douching can be quite effective. But it is worth considering that sperm enter the cervix in just 90 seconds, and therefore the risk of unwanted pregnancy is quite high.
When to take the emergency pill?
Remember that the longer you take, the less effective the pills are.
Is there a side effect of emergency contraception?
Side effects include mild nausea for one or two days and, less commonly, vomiting, headache, dizziness, sinus tenderness and colic. But the reaction may vary depending on the type of morning-after pill.To minimize discomfort, experts recommend taking an antiemetic an hour before each dose of the rescue pill. The dose in the morning after taking the tablet depends on the hormonal method and the manufacturer - it may be a single dose or it may be two to four tablets, with or without a break.
Douching is, in principle, washing the vagina to remove sperm from it. Rinsing is done with a “spermicide” solution or ordinary boiled water.
Within 48 hours, you can use pure progestin oral contraceptives. Such as: “Postinor”, “Exluton”, “Ovreta” or “Microlut”.
Can any medicine interfere with the emergency pill?
If you are still vomiting up to two hours after taking the tablet, repeat the dose. If you vomit again within two hours, your choice is vaginal delivery, which is not ideal.
Who can breastfeed, also use emergency contraception
They also do not interfere with future chances of getting pregnant.When do periods return?
Most women return to menstruating within one month of taking the morning-after pill, although it is not uncommon for menstrual periods to appear a week before or after their regular cycle. If your period is a week later than expected and you have already had 10 days of unprotected sex, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy test.
Within 72 hours, the most effective are combined oral contraceptives. These include: Marvelon, Escapel, Microgenon, Femoden, Miniziston, Rigevidon, Bisekurin, Non-Ovlon, Ovidon.
After 72 hours, but no later than 5 days, the only correct decision would be to consult a doctor. There is such a means of emergency contraception as uterine devices, but inserting them yourself is highly not recommended. You need to know that this remedy is not suitable for all women, and it has a number of contraindications.
When to seek medical help after using emergency contraception?
You have irregular bleeding that persists after a few days or colic after a week. You discover that you have been exposed to any sexually transmitted disease.
- Have severe abdominal or pelvic pain or have great pain in your legs.
- You discover that you are pregnant.
Unfortunately, you can find out whether the pill helped you only after the expected day of menstruation. If the delay is more than 7 days, you need to contact your doctor in order to find out what is causing this shift. This can happen due to a large amount of the hormone entering the body, or the drug used did not give the expected effect.
Breaking or slipping of a condom, forgetting a pill, or alleged failure of a contraceptive method. Emergency oral contraception prevents pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby preventing the egg from meeting the sperm, thereby preventing fertilization or fertilization of the egg.
Progestogens and antigestagens - which is safer?
It does not work if it is used after ovulation or after fertilization. It should be used in emergency situations such as unprotected intercourse or when there is a suspected failure of the method being used or in cases of rape. You must take the full dose, that is, if it is a carton of two tablets, you must take them together as soon as possible, remembering that the sooner the more effective.
We have described the pros and cons of some of the most popular drugs above. You will have to choose which emergency contraception to use, and it is advisable to consult your gynecologist on this issue.
Remember!
Never use pregnancy pills as an everyday means of birth control. Emergency contraception should only be used if absolutely necessary.
Effect on pregnancy
Emergency contraception should be taken for up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. If it is accepted subsequently, it will have no effect. Angela Walder-Lamas, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Obstetrics in the Division of Sexuality and Family Planning, Department of Community Medicine, Primary Health Care and emergency situations at the University Hospitals in Geneva tells us everyone knows about the famous pill, as well as another lesser-known emergency contraception: the copper intrauterine device.
Although emergency contraception is harmful to the body, and many women know about it, despite this it remains very, very popular. In some situations, the use of this kind of drugs is really the only way out of the situation, while in others it causes unjustified harm to the body. Let's look at the most popular emergency contraceptive drugs recommended by gynecologists, how to take them correctly, and what they do side effects, what are the contraindications, etc.
When is emergency contraception needed?
The main reason for taking drugs for this purpose is unprotected sexual intercourse. Yes, despite the widespread use of modern contraceptive methods and their convenience, some couples forget about it. At the most necessary moment there is no condom at hand or... it just breaks. Should we panic in this case?
First, you should calm down and try to count what day menstrual cycle it's coming now. After all, emergency contraception is not so safe; pills taken can lead to unpleasant consequences. So, if you have unprotected sexual intercourse in the first or last 7-8 days of the menstrual cycle, and its (menstrual cycle) duration is the classic 28-30 days and it is regular, then most likely you should not take pills, since ovulation (the day when pregnancy may occur) falls in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
Another common question is whether emergency contraception can be used in conjunction with planned contraception? For example, in the first 14 days of the first cycle of use, you should use another method of contraception at the same time, since the first one has not yet fully “taken effect”. Or there was simultaneous use of OCs with antibiotics or other drugs that tend to reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. In this case, you should not take additional “emergency” medications. In addition to OK, you should not use . Another thing is the use of spermicides (if, for example, a suppository was inserted into the vagina not before sexual intercourse, but after or immediately before sexual intercourse, without waiting the recommended time interval of 5-10 minutes) or condoms (they tend to sometimes tear).
What to do if a woman is breastfeeding? Is emergency contraception necessary in this case? Of course, it is better to avoid such situations, but if something goes wrong, you can use emergency medications. But in this case you will have to postpone breast-feeding for one day, until the drug is completely eliminated from the body.
Emergency protection options
Gynecologists offer several possible drug regimens and there is a whole range of drugs themselves.
The most famous and still popular is postinor. But it is considered an “old generation” drug that has a huge number of side effects. Reception is carried out as follows: within 48 hours (but no later than 72 hours) after sexual intercourse, a woman drinks one tablet, and after 12 hours - another one. Moreover, the earlier the first pill is taken, the higher the likelihood that emergency contraception will take effect, the drugs are taken for a reason, and pregnancy will not occur.
Escapelle is a more modern drug. His distinguishing feature- 1 tablet contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. In connection with this, there is no need to take a second pill (previous generation emergency contraceptive drugs contained 2 times less of this hormone, which is why a double dose was required). WHO advises giving preference to drugs that contain 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. Although both have side effects. Different women's reactions to taking pills are individual. Excapel should be taken no more than 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.
And finally, the third option is to take regular combined oral contraceptives in a larger dosage according to a special regimen. Or take 3 tablets of Silest at a time (or its analogues - Regividon, Miniziston) and after 12 hours take 3 more tablets. Or take 4 tablets of Marvelon, and after 12 hours - the same amount.
The following rule applies to all the drugs described above - if vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 2-3 hours after taking them, it is likely that the tablets have not been fully absorbed and, accordingly, will not have a full effect, which means pregnancy is possible. You need to repeat the procedure.
By the way, what happens if pregnancy occurs? Will this emergency contraception affect her and the health of her unborn child? Doctors agree that an abortion should not be done due to taking drugs; they will not have any effect on the child’s health. Another thing is if the drug is taken already during pregnancy (thus some people try to cause a miscarriage on their own), in which case problems may arise. However, in the early stages the “all or nothing” principle applies, therefore, if it did not happen, most likely, everything turned out well, or rather, the screenings that the woman will undergo if she wants to continue the pregnancy will show.
Side effects and frequency of use
Emergency contraception should be used only in force majeure situations when there is no other option. It is advisable - no more than 2-3 times a year, and even better - if less often. The most common side effect from emergency contraceptive pills is uterine bleeding, which usually occurs a few days after taking them. But other women, on the contrary, experience delays in their periods and the menstrual cycle is disrupted. Other common side effects are headaches, dizziness, diarrhea and vomiting, and various allergic reactions.
Other emergency contraception options
There are other methods of postcoital contraception - effective, and not very effective. The first includes emergency installation intrauterine device(not always feasible in a short time, since you need to undergo a number of tests and undergo an ultrasound; in addition, there are many contraindications to installation). If this is done within 3 days after unprotected sexual intercourse, then even if the egg is fertilized, it most likely will not be able to implant into the wall of the uterus. This option is suitable for women who were already planning to install a spiral. A significant disadvantage is that the cervix may be injured, since only at the beginning of the menstrual cycle the cervix is softened and more adapted to the safe insertion of an IUD.
Other methods are folk, with unproven effectiveness and even dangerous. With their help, women try to provoke the onset of menstruation. ahead of schedule, but in fact, they want pregnancy. Folk methods of emergency contraception include a “food” of sugar with iodine, ascorbic acid, parsley, hot baths, herbs like tansy and much, much more. But we do not recommend using these means.
Always remember that emergency contraception is quite dangerous, but less dangerous than abortion. In order not to test either the first or the second from your own experience, choose a reliable method of planned contraception.
