The quality of family planning services: a challenge for the 1990s
Huezo, C.
Ippf Medical Bulletin 28(6): 3-4
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-0357 PMID: 12346299 Document Number: 432039
Unplanned or unwanted pregnancies are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality, often due to unsafe abortion. For the woman exposed to unprotected sexual intercourse, however, postcoital contraception can be used to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. The postcoital use of certain orally administered steroid hormones has been shown since the mid-1960s to be highly effective in preventing pregnancy although the approach should be only considered as an emergency procedure since data on the efficacy and safety of long-term use is not available. Copper-releasing IUDs have also been used effectively for emergency contraception. The precise mode of action of emergency contraceptive methods is uncertain, but it is thought that they inhibit ovum transport, ovulation, and implantation. This statement briefly discusses established methods, the use of copper-releasing IUDs, counseling, methods under investigation, and access to emergency contraception.