Emergency contraception - methods that exist today, indications for the use of contraception.

Emergency contraception is a method of protection that is used after unprotected intercourse.

There are many folk methods to avoid unwanted conception. They suggest using lemon slices, aspirin tablets and other substances that shift the pH of the vagina to the acidic side. Under such conditions, sperm activity decreases, and the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced to a minimum. But such methods have a significant drawback: when using folk remedies, it is very difficult to maintain an accurate dosage. Which increases the risk of side effects. Most often, this is a chemical burn of the vaginal mucosa, the treatment of which can be difficult and lengthy. It is unlikely that such methods can be considered as contraception. Therefore, the optimal option for emergency contraception is the use of drugs.

Indications for use

Emergency contraceptives must be used after failure to use or unsuccessful use of a permanent contraceptive. If the first situation is clear, the second raises certain questions. The use of a permanent contraceptive can be considered unsuccessful in the following situations:

• failure to use a permanent contraceptive;
• breakage or slippage of a condom;
• missing more than two birth control pills in one cycle;
• untimely use of injectable contraceptives;
• displacement of the hormonal ring;
• displacement, loss or damage of the cervical cap;
• incorrectly performed interrupted sexual intercourse;
• errors in using the calendar method;
• loss of an intrauterine device;
• after rape.

Emergency Methods contraception

If sexual intercourse has occurred, the first thing that gynecologists advise in such situations is to carry out hygienic procedures. You need to take a shower, wash the genitals and, if possible, wash the seminal fluid out of the vagina. This will reduce the number of active sperm and reduce the chances of pregnancy. If there is a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, you need to treat the genitals with antiseptics.

However, hygienic procedures alone are not enough. For emergency contraception, doctors recommend taking hormonal drugs. They delay ovulation, due to which conception does not occur. This type of contraception can be regarded as emergency.

Postinor is still popular. Its active ingredient is levonorgestrel. Since this is an emergency measure, the first pill of the drug must be taken no later than 48 hours after contact, the next one - 12 hours after the first one. This is a fairly old drug, having been on the pharmacological market for about 50 years. It contains large doses of hormones. Due to the high probability of serious side effects, it is not recommended to use it more often than 1-2 times a year. If the need for its use increases, the couple needs to choose another, more reliable and safe method of contraception.

A more modern drug is "Escapel". The concentration of the active substance in it is lower, accordingly, the likelihood of side effects is reduced. Another distinctive feature is that for emergency contraception you need to take only one pill. The drug should be used no later than three days after sex.

Another option for emergency contraception is taking regular oral contraceptives according to a special scheme. Since hormonal drugs differ in their active substance and dosage, they are taken only after consultation with a gynecologist.

As an alternative to hormonal drugs, for the purpose of emergency contraception, doctors suggest the introduction of an intrauterine device. It causes changes in the chemical composition of the internal environment, which damage sperm and the egg before possible conception. After insertion, the IUD can be used by a woman not only as an emergency, but also as a planned contraception.

Recommendations

Emergency contraception is an extreme measure. Frequent use of high doses of hormonal drugs negatively affects a woman's health. Their use should in no case become a rule. If sexual partners do not plan a pregnancy, they need to consult a doctor. He will help choose the remedy that will be optimal in each specific case.