Ethinyl oestradiol and D-norgestrel is an effective emergency postcoital contraceptive: a report of its use in 1,200 patients in a family planning clinic.
We describe a prospective study of 1,200 patients using the Yuzpe regimen of hormonal postcoital contraception. There was an 85% follow-up rate, and of the 1,015 patients followed there were 13 pregnancies, giving a pregnancy rate of 1.3%. The number of expected pregnancies at mid-cycle was reduced by 83%; 12 of the 13 pregnancies went on to abortion. The patients were young: 86% were under 25, and 10% were under 15. The most frequent reason for presentation was that no contraception had been used (57%). All patients received an antiemetic; 57% experienced no side-effects, 28% had some nausea and 9.6% some vomiting. It is concluded that this is a safe form of emergency contraception, which is an effective way of reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, especially in the very young.
Bagshaw
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SN
Christchurch Branch, Family Planning Association, New Zealand.
Edwards
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D
Tucker
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AK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004630:Emergencies; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol