Polls about the contraceptive methods used by Russian women and residents of the CIS gave a predictable result. It turned out that 25% of women of childbearing age prefer physiological contraception (interrupted intercourse and the method of “safe” days). Doctors say that these methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies are not reliable: the probability of conception is approximately 25%. That is, every fourth girl is at risk of getting pregnant.
According to the same studies, most women prefer condoms. It is not without reason that they are considered the best means of contraception, helping to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases. However, even condoms do not 100% exclude pregnancy. What can we say about COCs, hormonal patches, vaginal tablets and uterine spirals …
But what if no method of contraception guarantees protection against pregnancy, and you don’t want to have a baby yet? Emergency (post-coital) contraception is a very important method of preventing abortion. Many women know about the existence of this method, but almost no one uses it. Perhaps because it is not customary to talk about it; only gynecologists are well aware of the methods of emergency contraception in Russia.
So what exactly is emergency contraception? This is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse – this is how it differs from planned contraception. An emergency contraceptive is usually a pill containing the hormone levonorgestrel, a progestogen analogue.
Levonorgestrel suppresses the key stages of the conception process – ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and implantation (the attachment of a fertilized egg to the endometrium – the inner lining of the uterus). Thus, the egg either remains in the ovary, where its contact with the sperm is impossible, or, if the contact has already taken place, it does not attach to the wall of the uterus, and pregnancy does not develop.
Emergency contraception is used within three days after unprotected intercourse, but the earlier, the better – the greatest efficacy of levonorgestrel was noted on the first and second days – 95 and 85%, respectively, and about 60% – on the third day. In addition, they can be used after protected intercourse if there is no certainty about the effectiveness of the contraceptives used.
Gynecologists sometimes have to deal with various misconceptions about the dangers of emergency contraception. Many patients are sure that these contraceptives are harmful, and to the question “why do you think so?” They answer: “Friends said” or “I read it on the forum”. In fact, emergency contraceptives have gone through many clinical studies, in which they have proven their safety. They are dangerous only with frequent use, as they can cause menstrual irregularities. If you take them every few months, then they do not pose any danger.