What is Vestura and how does it work?
Vestura is a brand-name, combined oral contraceptive (COC) prescribed to prevent pregnancy, treat moderate acne, and manage premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It contains a blend of two hormones: drospirenone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Taken daily, Vestura prevents pregnancy through several mechanisms:
- Inhibiting Ovulation: The hormones suppress the release of an egg from the ovary each month.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to pass through the cervix and reach an egg.
- Thinning the Uterine Lining: This makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
For Vestura to be maximally effective, it must be taken exactly as directed, in the correct order, at the same time every day. Missing pills or taking them incorrectly significantly increases the risk of pregnancy.
The crucial difference: Daily pill vs. emergency contraception
Emergency contraception (EC), often called the 'morning-after pill', is specifically formulated for use after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The key difference lies in the dosage and timing. Standard EC pills contain a much higher dose of specific hormones, or a different type of hormone, meant to prevent pregnancy after the fact, not on an ongoing daily basis.
Simply taking a higher-than-prescribed dose of Vestura in an attempt to replicate the effect of a dedicated EC is ineffective and potentially dangerous. It can cause unpleasant and unnecessary side effects without guaranteeing the protection offered by approved emergency methods. The manufacturer of Vestura explicitly states that it is not to be used as emergency contraception.
Dedicated methods of emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sex, it is essential to use a method specifically designed for emergency contraception. There are several highly effective options available:
-
Levonorgestrel-only pills (e.g., Plan B One-Step):
- Mechanism: Prevents or delays ovulation.
- Timeframe: Works best when taken as soon as possible, but is effective for up to 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse.
- Availability: Available over-the-counter in pharmacies without a prescription or age restriction.
-
Ulipristal acetate (e.g., ella):
- Mechanism: Delays or prevents ovulation by affecting how progesterone works.
- Timeframe: Effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
- Availability: Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
-
Copper IUD (Paragard):
- Mechanism: The copper ions are toxic to sperm, preventing fertilization.
- Timeframe: Can be inserted by a healthcare provider up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse.
- Availability: Considered the most effective form of EC, and can continue to be used as a long-term contraceptive for many years.
The Yuzpe regimen: An outdated and less effective option
In the past, before dedicated EC pills were widely available, healthcare providers would sometimes recommend a high-dose regimen of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for emergency use, known as the Yuzpe method. This involved taking a specific number of pills from certain COC brands in two doses, 12 hours apart. However, modern dedicated EC methods like levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate pills are now preferred because:
- Higher Efficacy: They are significantly more effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Fewer Side Effects: They cause less nausea and vomiting than the older, estrogen-heavy Yuzpe regimen.
- Simpler Dosing: They generally involve taking a single dose, reducing the chance of missing a second dose.
Comparison of Vestura vs. Emergency Contraception
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of Vestura and modern EC methods.
| Feature | Vestura (Daily Birth Control) | Plan B (Levonorgestrel) | ella (Ulipristal Acetate) | Copper IUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent pregnancy long-term, treat acne & PMDD | Prevent pregnancy in an emergency | Prevent pregnancy in an emergency | Prevent pregnancy in an emergency; long-term birth control |
| Mechanism | Inhibits ovulation, thickens mucus, thins uterine lining on a daily basis | Prevents or delays ovulation after unprotected sex | Prevents or delays ovulation after unprotected sex | Prevents fertilization by affecting sperm |
| Timing | Taken daily, at the same time each day | Best within 72 hours of unprotected sex | Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex | Inserted within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex |
| Availability | Prescription only | Over-the-counter, no age restrictions | Prescription only | Requires a medical appointment for insertion |
| Effectiveness | Over 99% with perfect daily use | Up to ~90% when taken within 72 hours | More effective than Plan B, up to ~85% within 120 hours | Over 99% effective |
What to do if you've had unprotected sex
If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, do not attempt to use Vestura as a substitute for emergency contraception. The most important step is to act quickly and access a dedicated emergency contraceptive method. You can:
- Head to a pharmacy: Get an over-the-counter levonorgestrel pill (like Plan B) as soon as possible. No prescription is needed.
- Contact a healthcare provider: Discuss obtaining a prescription for ulipristal acetate (ella) or having a copper IUD inserted. The IUD is the most effective method and can provide long-term contraception.
- Use condoms for the next 7 days: After taking an EC pill, it is important to use a barrier method like condoms for at least seven days, as some EC methods can delay ovulation, leaving you vulnerable to another pregnancy risk.
Conclusion
While Vestura is an effective daily birth control pill when used as prescribed, it is not an appropriate or effective method of emergency contraception. Using it for this purpose could lead to an unintended pregnancy due to insufficient hormone dosage and improper timing. Instead of attempting to use your daily pill as a 'morning-after pill', rely on dedicated, proven emergency contraceptive methods like levonorgestrel (Plan B), ulipristal acetate (ella), or a copper IUD. Time is a critical factor for the effectiveness of EC, so it is best to act promptly after unprotected sexual intercourse and consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions.
