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

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[Emergency contraception with levonorgestrel].

Fernando D Saraví¹

¹Departamento de Morfología y Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, y Escuela de Medicina Nuclear, Mendoza, Argentina. fsaravi@fcm.uncu.edu.ar

|December 7, 2007

Summary

Emergency contraception using levonorgestrel, a synthetic gestagen, prevents about 80% of pregnancies when used as a backup method. It is most effective when taken early after unprotected intercourse.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Health
Pharmacology

Context:

Emergency contraception (EC) is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies.
Levonorgestrel is a widely recommended oral EC medication.
Understanding its efficacy and limitations is vital for public health.

Purpose:

To review the efficacy, safety, and utilization of levonorgestrel for emergency contraception.
To assess its mechanism of action and potential side effects.
To evaluate strategies for improving access and use.

Summary:

Levonorgestrel, as a single 1.5-mg dose or two 0.75-mg doses, offers moderate efficacy (approx. 80%) in preventing pregnancy post-unprotected intercourse.
Its effectiveness is time-sensitive, being higher when administered sooner, up to 5 days post-coitus.

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Common side effects include nausea and menstrual irregularities; its role as an ongoing contraceptive is not advised.

Impact:

Levonorgestrel EC is a valuable backup method but not a substitute for regular contraception.
Despite availability, its use remains underutilized, highlighting a need for better awareness and access.
Advance provision strategies have not demonstrably improved pregnancy/abortion rates, reinforcing its backup role.