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Health

Pregnancy pills

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Pregnancy pills are a way to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Let's look at what types of pregnancy pills there are, whether they help, and how to take them correctly.

There are situations when, for one reason or another, a woman has to terminate a pregnancy. Since the pregnancy may be unplanned or proceed with serious complications that threaten the life and health of the mother. Anti-pregnancy pills are an opportunity to refuse an abortion and terminate a pregnancy using medication.

The first pills for pregnancy were invented in France at the end of the last century. All medications that terminate pregnancy are based on the synthetic drug mifepristone. This drug blocks the functions of the female hormone progesterone. Progesterone is responsible for the normal and successful course of bearing a child. Today, pills that terminate pregnancy are produced by many manufacturers. Sometimes in the composition of pills, mifepristone is written as mifegin, pencrofton or mifolian.

Anti-pregnancy pills should be taken early. About 40 days after the delay of the menstrual cycle. But you cannot take such drugs on your own. Only a gynecologist gives permission to take abortion pills after a full examination of the woman.

Previously, only abortion, that is, surgical intervention was the only solution to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. But abortion carries a serious threat to the life and health of a woman and can deprive her of the opportunity to have children in the future. Pills from pregnancy are an opportunity to reduce the high percentage of mortality and diseases during abortions. The most popular pills for termination of pregnancy: Mifolian, Postinor, Mifegin, Mifeprison, Penkrafton and others.

Abortion pills

Abortion pills are hormonal steroids that cause the death of the embryo. This is due to the fact that the pills contain drugs that increase the sensitivity of the uterus to a hormone such as oxytocin. Because of this, the uterus begins to contract intensely, which causes the embryo to be rejected and removed from the uterine cavity.

The procedure for taking pills to terminate a pregnancy, that is, performing a medical abortion, consists of the following stages:

  1. Before taking medications to terminate a pregnancy, a woman must undergo examination by a gynecologist. A full gynecological examination and tests make it possible to find out whether a woman has contraindications to a medical abortion. For these purposes, an ultrasound examination is performed, which determines the exact gestational age. If the test results are normal, the gynecologist gives a prescription for pregnancy pills and introduces the instructions for using the drug. The woman also signs papers that express her consent to the procedure and confirm that she is familiar with all the nuances and information about a medical abortion.
  2. Anti-pregnancy pills are taken orally. After taking the drug, the woman should be under the supervision of a gynecologist for 2-4 hours and after his permission to go home. If necessary, the woman receives a prescription for a contraceptive drug. A few days after taking the pill, the woman begins to reject the fertilized egg. The process is accompanied by heavy bleeding, which can last up to two weeks.
  3. After 2-3 weeks, the gynecologist examines the woman. This allows checking whether the termination of pregnancy was normal. If the fetus is not completely gone, the gynecologist prescribes surgical intervention.

Do pregnancy pills help?

Do birth control pills help? Yes, they do, if taken early in pregnancy and after a gynecologist's examination and permission from the doctor to take these drugs. Let's look at the benefits of birth control pills compared to abortion.

  • There is no need to go to hospital when undergoing a medical abortion.
  • The procedure for terminating a pregnancy, that is, the rejection of the fertilized egg, is no different from a normal menstruation.
  • There is no risk of HIV infection when taking birth control pills.
  • Medical abortion does not require anesthesia or surgery.
  • The pills protect against the risk of developing secondary infertility.

But, despite these advantages of pregnancy pills, do not forget that you can take them only after permission from a gynecologist. Self-administration of pills can cause a threat to the life of a woman. Also, before taking the drugs, it is necessary to undergo an examination for the absence of an ectopic pregnancy.

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Name of the abortion pill

Before deciding on a medical abortion, you need to know all the nuances of this procedure. Also, it would not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the drugs, that is, to find out the name of the pills for termination of pregnancy. It represents the most common and reliable drugs.

  • Postinor is a drug used for emergency contraception. As a rule, the drug is used in cases where unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place. The drug contains levonorgestre. These tablets do not give a 100% result of pregnancy termination, but only 80-85%. The first tablet of the drug should be taken immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse, but not later than 74 hours. But the second tablet is taken after 12 hours. After this, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist.
  • Mifegin - French pills against pregnancy. The effectiveness of the drug is close to 100%. For the best effect of the pills, they must be taken if the pregnancy period does not exceed 6 weeks.
  • Pencrofton is a pill for early termination of pregnancy, as well as a drug for emergency contraception. The pills contain mifepristone. This drug can be taken by all women, even those who are pregnant for the first time. The pills do not cause secondary infertility.
  • Mifepristone is a tablet that contains the active hormonal substance of the same name. It is this component of the tablets that promotes the detachment and removal of the fertilized egg if the pregnancy period does not exceed six weeks.
  • Mifolian is an effective drug for terminating pregnancy. In addition, these tablets are used in gynecological practice to speed up the process of natural childbirth.
  • Mifeprex is a highly effective and well-tolerated drug. It allows you to terminate a pregnancy up to 42 days. Please note that after taking this drug, a woman may experience bloody discharge for several days.

Postinor for termination of pregnancy

Postinor for termination of pregnancy is a drug that is based on an experimentally selected dose of the active substance. It is this substance that allows you to prevent pregnancy. If the pills were taken immediately after unprotected intercourse, this increases the chances of successful protection against pregnancy.

Postinor contains the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, which is an analogue of the corpus luteum. This hormone is included in almost all drugs that have the status of a contraceptive. Since Postinor is a drug for preventing pregnancy, the above-described hormone is contained in it in high quantities. Therefore, taking pills should only be in emergency cases.

This drug must be taken within three days, that is, 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. The second tablet of the drug must be taken 12 hours after taking the first. That is, a woman must take two tablets of Postinor. The second tablet of the drug is mandatory for taking, especially if the woman experiences nausea and vomiting after taking the first one. But do not forget that the drug is not a means of regular contraception and should be used only in emergency cases.

Mifepristone for termination of pregnancy

Mifepristone for termination of pregnancy is an effective drug, the main action of which is blocking progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy. The drug lowers the level of progesterone in the body and causes the uterine mucosa to peel off. Due to this, the muscles of the uterus relax, which can cause bleeding. After taking the drug, bleeding may occur after 6-8 hours, which will be evidence that the pregnancy has been terminated.

There are no strict time limits for the use of mifepristone. Therefore, a woman can take the second tablet of the drug 12-72 hours after taking the first one, which is taken immediately after unprotected intercourse or pregnancy up to six weeks, that is, 42 days. Thanks to this, medical termination of pregnancy can be controlled. This allows for comfortable and effective termination of pregnancy at an early stage.

Escapelle for pregnancy

Escapelle for pregnancy is an emergency contraception. The drug is taken if contraceptives did not work or were not effective and pregnancy still occurred. The main active substance of the drug is levonorgestrel. This substance prevents the process of fertilization of the egg. If fertilization has occurred, the drug causes rejection of the embryo.

The effectiveness of Escapel is 84%. The earlier a woman takes the drug, the higher the probability that pregnancy will not occur. Correct use of the drug does not have a negative effect on the body, the blood clotting process or metabolism. Escapel is called an emergency contraception drug "72 hours after". Taking the drug is possible only after examination by a gynecologist. Escapel cannot be taken during lactation. Since 0.1% of the substance levonorgestrel enters the child's body with breast milk.

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Zhenale pills for pregnancy

Zhenale pregnancy pills are an antihistamine for internal use. The drug is based on mifepristone. This drug is synthetic and blocks the action of progesterone. After taking Zhenale pregnancy pills, the fertilized egg is rejected, which causes endometrium, that is, a slowdown in the ovulation process. As a result, implantation of the fertilized cell does not occur in the female body.

The drug is available in the form of round tablets that are yellow with a greenish tint. Zhenale is used for emergency contraception, after unprotected intercourse, for 72 hours. But Zhenale has a number of contraindications that can negatively affect vital functions and body systems. Thus, pregnancy pills can cause bloody discharge from the vagina, cause pathologies of the uterine appendages, and cause severe pain in the lower abdomen. Gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and vomiting are also possible. If you have such symptoms, immediately seek help from a gynecologist.

Vaginal pills for pregnancy

Vaginal pills against pregnancy are a safe drug that successfully prevents fertilization. Vaginal pills contain the active substance nanoxinalon. The main effect of the drug is that the contraceptive penetrates the vagina and reduces sperm activity. The effectiveness of vaginal pills is 75-80%.

The advantage of the pills is that they are safe for the female body. Vaginal preparations have virtually no side effects. Due to this, the preparations can be taken at any time of the menstrual cycle and the woman's condition. Vaginal pills can be used with other contraceptives and for a long period of time.

The most popular vaginal tablets:

  • Benatex
  • Pharmatex
  • Ginacotex
  • Traceptin

The choice of vaginal pills against pregnancy depends on each woman, the characteristics of her body and the method of protection. But do not forget that non-hormonal drugs that prevent pregnancy are much more effective in combination with other contraceptives.

Chinese abortion pills

Chinese abortion pills contain the same substances as other contraceptives and emergency contraception. But taking Chinese abortion pills causes many complications and dangers that can cause the death of a woman.

Taking Chinese pills for termination of pregnancy can only be prescribed by a doctor and only after a full examination. Another rule for allowing the use of Chinese drugs is a translation of the instructions into Russian. Since there are often cases when Chinese drugs contain completely different drugs that do not correspond to those specified by the manufacturer.

If after taking Chinese pills against pregnancy you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea or vomiting, you should immediately contact a gynecologist, as there is a threat to life.

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How to take birth control pills?

If you have decided to have a medical abortion, you are probably interested in how to take the pills for pregnancy. The pills for termination of pregnancy are taken in two stages.

  • The first dose of the drug causes oxygen starvation of the amniotic sac. That is, the embryo, which is three to five weeks old, dies from lack of nutrition and oxygen.
  • The second dose of birth control pills causes the uterus to contract violently, causing nauseating and sometimes painful contractions. As a result, the dead embryo is expelled from the uterus. This stage may be accompanied by bloody discharge that resembles menstruation and lasts up to two weeks.

Anti-pregnancy pills can be taken in the first days after a missed menstrual cycle. But this is only possible after an examination by a gynecologist, who will confirm that the woman has no contraindications for a medical abortion, and the pregnancy period allows taking the drug.

You can take pills against pregnancy in an outpatient or inpatient setting. If the medical termination of pregnancy occurs in a clinic, the gynecologist monitors the woman's condition for 2-4 hours. This helps prevent complications of abortion in the early stages.

10-15 days after taking the drug, the woman undergoes a full examination by a gynecologist. The gynecologist conducts a bimanual examination of the vagina, an ultrasound examination. This allows you to find out how the abortion went, in the case of an incomplete abortion, the doctor prescribes surgical cleaning.

Early termination of pregnancy with pills

Early termination of pregnancy with pills is quite possible. Moreover, this type of abortion is the safest. There are practically no disadvantages to this method. The only thing to remember is that pills against pregnancy only work if the pregnancy is not yet six weeks old. Due to the fact that not all women seek advice from a gynecologist and it is too late to perform a medical abortion, it is necessary to resort to more traumatic and dangerous operations.

Early termination of pregnancy with pills gives almost 100% result. But before taking the drug, it is necessary to undergo examination by a gynecologist. In order to exclude ectopic pregnancy and get permission to take pills for pregnancy. After taking the drug, in 10-15 days, you also need to visit a gynecologist. The doctor must check how the abortion went and, if necessary, prescribe surgical intervention or take other measures.

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Emergency pill for pregnancy

An emergency pill against pregnancy is taken immediately after unprotected intercourse. There are drugs that must be taken 24 hours and 72 hours after fertilization. Pills that protect against pregnancy for the first 24 hours are considered more effective. An emergency pill prevents pregnancy before it occurs. That is, it can be used as an emergency aid. But an emergency pill will not help get rid of a pregnancy that has already occurred; it is effective as emergency contraception.

The mechanism of action of the emergency contraceptive pill depends on the stage of the menstrual cycle. Let's look at the benefits of the emergency contraceptive pill:

  • The emergency pill for pregnancy delays the maturation of the egg and prevents it from leaving the ovaries.
  • The active chemicals in the pill prevent the egg released from the ovary from being fertilized.
  • The pill prevents the attachment of an already fertilized egg to the endometrium.

Please note that after taking the emergency pill against pregnancy, minor changes may occur with the menstrual cycle. Menstruation may start earlier or later, be scanty or, on the contrary, very heavy and painful. Also, after taking the drug, a woman may experience spotting, which lasts until the next menstruation.

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24 hour pregnancy pills

24 hour birth control pills are an emergency contraceptive. This drug is called the morning after pill. Typically, this pill is used when:

  • Had unprotected sex within two or more days.
  • During sexual intercourse, the condom broke or leaked, which may have caused fertilization.
  • The woman was raped.

The effectiveness of the 24-hour pill against pregnancy increases depending on how much time has passed since unprotected intercourse. Thus, according to research, if the pill was taken within 24 hours, the effectiveness of protection is 95%. If pregnancy occurs, then taking the pill is not effective and will not cause rejection of the fetus.

Despite the effectiveness of the 24-hour pregnancy pill, the drug can cause a number of side effects. Let's take a closer look at them:

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Increased fatigue and headache
  • Irregular menstrual cycle and vaginal pain

72 hour pregnancy pill

72-hour pregnancy pills are "emergency" contraceptives that help prevent unwanted pregnancy. The pills are effective if sexual intercourse was no later than 72 hours ago. Taking the drug during this period helps stop the conception process.

72-hour pills against pregnancy help if there was unprotected intercourse or regular contraceptives do not help. The pills can be taken no more than four times a month, since they are hormonal. The effectiveness of 72 pills is slightly lower than that of the 24-hour drug. Among all the pills against pregnancy, two of the most popular drugs can be distinguished: Postinor Duo and Escapelle. But taking pills to terminate pregnancy can cause a number of complications.

Severe cutting pain in the lower abdomen, which appears 3-5 weeks after taking the pills. If you have such symptoms, then this is a sign that the embryo is in the fallopian tubes, then an ectopic pregnancy.

  • Pain in the chest, swelling.
  • Difficulty breathing, cloudy vision.
  • Pain and inflammation of the lower extremities, allergic rashes on the legs.

If you have any of the above symptoms, consult a gynecologist immediately.

The action of the tablets "72 hours after" The action of the tablets "72 hours after" occurs in two stages. If after taking the drug the woman has not yet had ovulation, then the tablets slow down the onset of ovulation. Regardless of this, the action of the tablets "72 hours after" makes it difficult for sperm to pass through the fallopian tubes. If fertilization has occurred, that is, the woman has become pregnant, then the tablets protect the egg from conception.

You can take pills only after a gynecologist's examination. But you should not use this drug too often. Since the basis of the pills is potent hormones that can cause many side effects.

Cost of abortion pills

Every woman who decides to have a medical abortion is interested in the price of abortion pills. Let's look at the most popular pregnancy medications and their cost.

  • Mifepristone - tablets, 200 mg of active substance per package, cost 700-900 hryvnia.
  • Ginepristone - tablets, 10 mg of active substance per package, cost 50 hryvnia.
  • Mifolian - Chinese tablets, 200 mg of active ingredient per package, cost 250-300 hryvnia.
  • Zhenale - tablets, 10 mg of active substance per package, cost 70-100 hryvnia.
  • Pencrofton - three tablets in a package, 200 mg of active ingredient, cost 100 hryvnia.
  • Mifegin is a French tablet, with 200 mg of active ingredient in a package, the cost of the drug is 700-800 hryvnia.

Please note that the price of abortion pills may differ from the above, but not significantly. Before buying and taking abortion pills, be sure to consult a gynecologist.

Abortion Pill Reviews

Anti-pregnancy pills are a very controversial drug that allows you to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy, but can cause serious complications. Numerous reviews of abortion pills indicate that the drug is effective. A positive effect of the drug can only be obtained after an examination by a gynecologist. Almost all women who have taken such drugs claim that it was the gynecologist who recommended suitable pills for a medical abortion. Do not forget that timely intake of the drug increases the effectiveness of its work.

Anti-pregnancy pills are a modern way to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy. The advantage of the pills is that they can be taken by almost all women and at any age, but only after the permission of the gynecologist. The variety of drugs allows you to choose the one that suits the cost and effectiveness of its action. Anti-pregnancy pills are an opportunity to avoid surgical intervention, that is, a dangerous abortion.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pregnancy pills" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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