Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Birth Control Methods

Birth Control Methods

Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...

Drug Delivery: Enteral Route

Drug Delivery: Enteral Route

The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
Drugs in...

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are prospective experimental studies conducted on humans to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, diet methods, and medical devices. Using statistics in clinical trials enables researchers to derive reasonable and accurate conclusions from the collected data, allowing them to make wise decisions in uncertain situations. In medical research, statistical methods are crucial for preventing errors and bias.
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...

Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches

Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches

Biopharmaceutical studies constitute a vital field aiming to enhance drug delivery methods and refine therapeutic approaches, drawing upon diverse interdisciplinary knowledge. In research methodologies, the choice between controlled and non-controlled studies significantly influences the study's reliability and accuracy.
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Addressing Pain During Outpatient Gynecologic Procedures: A Call to Action.

Obstetrics and gynecology·2025

Same author

Contraceptive Efficacy and Comparative Side Effects of a Mini Copper Intrauterine Device.

NEJM evidence·2025

Same author

Procedural abortion in individuals with opioid dependence: Patient characteristics and pain experience.

Contraception·2025

Same author

Intrauterine Device Insertion Practices Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island medical journal (2013)·2025

Same author

Society of Family Planning Clinical Recommendation: Management of undesired pregnancy of unknown location and abortion at less than 42 days of gestation.

Contraception·2025

Same author

Best practices for reducing pain associated with intrauterine device placement.

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Published on: February 3, 2026

Emergency contraception: a clinical review.

Rebecca H Allen¹, Alisa B Goldberg

¹Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02120, USA. rallen@partners.org

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

|November 6, 2007

Summary

Emergency contraception, including levonorgestrel pills and IUDs, can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Its increased availability may impact unintended pregnancy and abortion rates, but outcomes are not yet known.

More Related Videos

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Published on: February 3, 2026

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Published on: September 16, 2021

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Pharmacology

Background:

Emergency contraception (EC) is crucial for preventing pregnancy post-unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
Common EC methods in the US include levonorgestrel pills (Plan B) and the Copper T 380A IUD, effective up to 5 days.
Plan B became available over-the-counter for women 18+ in August 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

To define emergency contraception and outline available methods in the United States.
To note the regulatory status of Plan B in the US.
To highlight the unknown impact of increased EC accessibility on pregnancy and abortion rates.

Main Methods:

Literature review and summary of existing knowledge on emergency contraception.
Description of commonly available EC methods and their efficacy.
Analysis of regulatory changes regarding EC accessibility.

Main Results:

Levonorgestrel (Plan B) and Copper T 380A IUD are primary EC options in the US.
These methods are effective for up to 5 days post-unprotected intercourse.
Over-the-counter availability of Plan B for adults was established in 2006.

Conclusions:

The long-term effects of increased emergency contraception accessibility on unintended pregnancy and abortion rates remain to be determined.
Further research is needed to evaluate the public health impact of wider EC availability.
Understanding the utilization and outcomes of EC is vital for reproductive health strategies.