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Related Experiment Videos

Postfertilization effect of hormonal emergency contraception.

Chris Kahlenborn1, Joseph B Stanford, Walter L Larimore

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Altoona Hospital, PA, USA. kahlen@alt3.com

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 16, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Hormonal emergency contraception (EC), including the Yuzpe regimen and Plan B, may prevent pregnancy by affecting implantation, a postfertilization effect. This possibility has ethical implications for informed consent and medical protocols.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical ethics

Background:

  • Hormonal emergency contraception (EC) is widely used in the US.
  • Common EC methods include the Yuzpe regimen and levonorgestrel-alone formulations (Plan B).
  • The precise mechanism of action for EC, particularly regarding postfertilization effects, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential for a postfertilization effect of common hormonal emergency contraception (EC) methods.
  • To explore the ethical considerations arising from the possibility of a postfertilization effect.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE and review articles was conducted.
  • Search terms focused on emergency contraception, postcoital contraception, postfertilization effect, and specific EC formulations.

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  • English-language articles published from 1966 to November 2001 were included.

    • Main Results:

    • Both the Yuzpe regimen and Plan B can inhibit ovulation.
    • Evidence suggests these EC methods may also reduce implantation probability by altering the endometrium, indicating a postfertilization effect.
    • This postfertilization effect appears consistent across different phases of the menstrual cycle.

    Conclusions:

    • Theoretical and empirical evidence supports that both Yuzpe regimen and Plan B likely exert a postfertilization effect at times.
    • This finding has significant implications for informed consent procedures.
    • The potential postfertilization effect necessitates review of emergency department protocols and conscience clause considerations.