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The underutilization of emergency contraception.
1Fertility and Endocrine Associates, Louisville, KY, USA. kdevine@bellarmine.edu
The American Journal of Nursing
|March 17, 2012
Summary
Unintended pregnancies remain common despite available contraception. Improving awareness and access to emergency contraception (EC) is crucial for women's reproductive health, as current usage is suboptimal.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Women's Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Unintended pregnancy is a global health issue, influenced by contraceptive non-use, incorrect use, and non-consensual intercourse.
- Emergency contraception (EC) was developed to reduce unintended pregnancies, abortions, and unwanted births.
- Despite its availability, EC use remains suboptimal, even in regions with easy access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ongoing challenge of unintended pregnancies worldwide.
- To underscore the underutilization of emergency contraception.
- To identify the role of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, in improving EC access and uptake.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on contraceptive use and emergency contraception.
- Analysis of factors contributing to suboptimal EC utilization.
- Identification of strategies for healthcare providers to enhance EC awareness and access.
Main Results:
- Effective contraceptive methods are underutilized, leading to high rates of unintended pregnancy.
- Misconceptions about EC's mechanism and side effects contribute to its suboptimal use.
- Nurses are well-positioned to address these barriers and improve women's reproductive healthcare outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the gap in emergency contraception use requires increased awareness and education.
- Healthcare providers, especially nurses, play a vital role in facilitating patient access and correcting misinformation.
- Enhanced patient education and provider support can improve the effectiveness of emergency contraception in preventing unintended pregnancies.
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