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Emergency contraception: preventing unintended pregnancy
1Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
The Nurse Practitioner
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Emergency contraception pills, approved by the FDA, can reduce pregnancy risk by 74% when taken within 72 hours. Increased access and education are key to utilizing this important preventive method.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Contraception
- Public Health
Background:
- Unintended pregnancies affect approximately 60% of all conceptions.
- Emergency contraception (EC) remains underutilized as a preventive measure.
- Several oral contraceptive brands are FDA-approved for EC use.
Observation:
- EC pills reduce the likelihood of pregnancy by at least 74%.
- Treatment should commence within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
- Intrauterine devices are also effective postcoital contraceptives for select patients.
Findings:
- Six oral contraceptive brands are safe and effective for emergency contraception.
- Adverse effects of EC pills include nausea, vomiting, headache, and menstrual changes.
- Postcoital IUD insertion is highly effective but limited to low-risk patients.
Implications:
- Promoting EC access requires patient and provider education.
- Making EC pills available proactively can improve utilization.
- Expanding access to EC is crucial for reducing unintended pregnancies.
Keywords:
AmericasContraceptionContraceptive AgentsContraceptive Agents, FemaleContraceptive Agents, PostcoitalContraceptive MethodsDeveloped CountriesFamily PlanningFertility Control, PostcoitalIudNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaOral ContraceptivesResearch MethodologyResearch ReportRetrospective StudiesStudiesUnited States