D. Emergency Contraception
The Role and Importance of Emergency Contraception (EC) in your EIDP bundle of Services;
What is Emergency Contraception?
- EC contains the same hormone as in regular birth control pills. EC – not to be confused with “the abortion pill” (Mifepristone or RU- 486) – will not affect an established pregnancy.
- EC is taken as soon as possible following unprotected intercourse: a method failure or no contraceptive method.
- In 1997, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs concluded that use of EC is “safe and effective”, and stated there was no evidence EC will have an “adverse effect on an established pregnancy”.
What is the Mechanism of EC?
- Current evidence indicates that the primary mechanism of emergency contraception is to prevent ovulation and conception. It may also cause changes in the uterus that could prevent implantation.
- Preventing ovulation is consistently referenced as the primary mechanism of action of progestin-only EC. Reported studies are inconsistent whether or not the mechanism of action includes preventing implantation.
- Introduction: Contraception after Intercourse -
Mechanism of Action
- If taken early as recommended, EC most likely prevents ovulation and conception.
- EC will not harm an established pregnancy.
- Although some consider pregnancy as beginning with conception, mainstream evidence-based medicine considers a pregnancy established from the time of implantation.
- Any contraceptive choice is a personal decision, and each individual who is facing a possible unintended pregnancy can consider their personal beliefs and make an informed personal decision.
What is the Role of EC?
- Almost half (47.7%) of all women are estimated to have had at least 1 unplanned pregnancy (not including miscarriages).
- Emergency Contraception (EC) is very effective in preventing unintended pregnancy following unprotected sex.
- Emergency contraception (EC) is one of several effective contraceptive options to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception facts
- Simply put, emergency contraception – or EC for short – is a back-up method of birth control.
- EC is a safe and effective way to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is available in the U.S. today.
- EC is a higher dosage of the same hormones found in daily birth control pills.
- EC - when used within days of unprotected sex - can significantly reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
- Plan B is the name of the "dedicated" EC product on the market in the U.S. today. It requires a prescription now, but could go over the counter this year.
- Keep in mind, EC is not the same thing as Mifeprex or RU-486. EC helps to prevent pregnancy, and doesn’t work if a woman is already pregnant. Mifeprex/RU-486 terminates an early pregnancy.
Tools to update your knowledge
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