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Mifepristone as a late post-coital contraceptive
P W Ashok1, P T Wagaarachchi, G M Flett
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZL, UK. ashok@abdn.ac.uk
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|January 5, 2001
Summary
Mifepristone effectively serves as a late-stage emergency contraceptive, usable up to 5 days post-coitus. This method is a viable option for women who find intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) unacceptable.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Many women find intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) unacceptable for emergency contraception.
- There is a need for effective emergency contraceptive options beyond 72 hours post-coitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mifepristone as a post-coital contraceptive administered between 72 hours and 5 days after intercourse.
- To compare mifepristone with IUCDs for late-stage emergency contraception.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 219 women seeking late emergency contraception.
- 204 women accepted mifepristone (200 mg), while 15 opted for an IUCD.
- Follow-up was conducted on 155 mifepristone users and 14 IUCD users.
Main Results:
- No true contraceptive failures occurred in either the mifepristone or IUCD group.
- One user failure (subsequent intercourse) occurred in the mifepristone group, resulting in a crude pregnancy rate of 0.65%.
- Mifepristone prevented an estimated 85% of expected pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- Mifepristone is a safe and effective option for emergency contraception when administered up to 5 days post-coitus.
- Mifepristone is a suitable alternative for women who decline IUCDs for late emergency contraception.