Post Date April, 15 2023
Taking contraceptive pills has become one of the commonly used contraceptive methods for women. But many women still harbor doubts while taking medication. Whether contraceptives can be taken for a long time, whether they have side effects, and whether they have an impact on health are all issues that plague women. In this issue, we invited several experts to provide medication guidance on the three common types of contraceptives, hoping to be helpful to female readers.
Ms. Wang, 41 years old, has not had her menstrual period for over a month. Upon examination at the hospital, it was found that she is pregnant. Ms. Wang is very strange, but how could she still get pregnant after taking emergency contraception herself?
In fact, it is not uncommon for women like Ms. Wang to take medication without achieving any results. Meng Fan, deputy chief physician of the Family Planning Department at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, told reporters that emergency contraceptives are an emergency remedial measure after the event. They can prevent about 85% of unintended pregnancies, but cannot be used as a "panacea". Emergency contraceptives can only be used for temporary needs and cannot create dependency.
Take emergency contraceptives up to twice a month
Dr. Meng emphasized multiple times during the interview that emergency contraceptives should not be used as a routine contraceptive method and should be repeatedly used for a long time.
Firstly, the dosage of emergency contraceptives is significantly higher than that of conventional contraceptives, which has a significant negative impact on women's bodies. For example, each Yuting pill contains 0.75 milligrams of progesterone, while the short acting contraceptive pill three-phase contraceptive pill contains 0.125 milligrams of progesterone. One emergency contraceptive dose is equivalent to six short-term contraceptive doses. Therefore, excessive or repeated use in the short term can increase the likelihood of menstrual disorders in women, prolong bleeding or dripping, and have a negative impact on ovulation and the endometrium. So, take emergency contraceptives at most twice a month
Secondly, the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives is lower than that of conventional contraceptives. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptives depends on the duration of use. Taking it regularly can maintain an effective rate of over 90%, while taking it two to three days before and after ovulation has a higher failure rate. If unprotected sexual activity occurs again during the same menstrual cycle after using emergency contraceptives, even if other contraceptive measures are taken, the failure rate is still 13 times higher
Women over 40 years old using contraception tools
Dr. Meng also said that for women over 40 years old, it is recommended not to use emergency contraceptives, and it is best to use tools for contraception or place intrauterine devices.
The main component of emergency contraceptives is progesterone, which may affect endocrine function after taking. Women over 40 years old have ovarian dysfunction, which can easily affect their menstrual cycle. Taking the pill is more likely to cause menstrual disorders or amenorrhea.
In addition, a recent study in the United States suggests that women over the age of 40 can choose emergency contraceptives such as mifepristone. Dr. Meng said that there is some truth to this statement, but overall, women over 40 years old use contraception with tools, which is the safest and most effective choice.
Smokers should not take birth control pills
Dr. Meng said that there are some clear contraindications when women take contraceptive pills. It's best to consult a gynecologist before taking medication.
Women who smoke, especially those over the age of 35, should not take birth control pills. Smoking can exacerbate the harm of birth control pills to health. In addition, taking anti epileptic drugs, anti tuberculosis drugs, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, or long-term antibiotics may reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
Dr. Meng added that there are two types of situations that may lead to ineffective medication, forgetting to take the second tablet, or the interval between two doses being too long; Secondly, vomiting or severe diarrhea may occur within 2 hours after taking any medication.
In addition, Dr. Meng reminds women who fail to take emergency contraceptives and become pregnant, it is best to terminate their pregnancy.
