Emergency contraception - A review

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dc.contributor.authorSteyn P.S.
dc.contributor.authorMason D.
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-15T16:17:33Z
dc.date.available2011-05-15T16:17:33Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.description.abstractEmergency contraception (EC) can be used as a backup contraceptive to help prevent unintended and unplanned pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. These methods include the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) or copper containing intrauterine devices (IUD). These ECPs should not be used as regular contraception. Mifepristone (not available in South Africa as EC) and levonorgestrel are very effective, with few adverse effects, and are preferred to combined oestrogen and progestogen administration. Levonorgestrel can be used in a single dose (1.5 mg) instead of two doses (0.75 mg) 12 hours apart. A Copper IUD can be retained for ongoing contraception. Despite the proven efficacy of ECP, increased access to ECPs enhances use but has not been shown to reduce unintended pregnancy rates at a population level. Further research is needed to explain this finding and to define the best ways to use EC to produce a public health benefit. Efforts should be targeted at vulnerable groups such as adolescents and women presenting for urgent care. At the time of the visit regular contraception should be promoted and initiated.
dc.description.versionReview
dc.identifier.citationObstetrics and Gynaecology Forum
dc.identifier.citation19
dc.identifier.citation4
dc.identifier.issn10291962
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/14270
dc.subjectcontraceptive agent
dc.subjectcopper
dc.subjectestrogen
dc.subjectethinylestradiol
dc.subjectgestagen
dc.subjectlevonorgestrel
dc.subjectmifepristone
dc.subjectprogesterone
dc.subjectbleeding
dc.subjectbreast feeding
dc.subjectcounseling
dc.subjectdizziness
dc.subjectdose response
dc.subjectdrug dose comparison
dc.subjectdrug effect
dc.subjectdrug efficacy
dc.subjectdrug mechanism
dc.subjectdrug safety
dc.subjectemergency contraception
dc.subjectfatigue
dc.subjectheadache
dc.subjecthealth care access
dc.subjecthuman
dc.subjectintrauterine contraceptive device
dc.subjectmastalgia
dc.subjectmedical ethics
dc.subjectmenstrual irregularity
dc.subjectnausea and vomiting
dc.subjectpregnancy outcome
dc.subjectreview
dc.subjectrisk assessment
dc.subjectsingle drug dose
dc.subjectunspecified side effect
dc.titleEmergency contraception - A review
dc.typeReview
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