Intrauterine contraceptive devices and antigestagens as emergency contraception.
Although the Yuzpe regimen of emergency contraception is the one most commonly used, there are alternatives. Copper-containing intrauterine devices are very effective and can be inserted for at least 5 days after unprotected intercourse and sometimes longer. They may, however, transmit pre-existing infection into the upper genital tract and cause discomfort when being fitted. Progestogen-only emergency contraception appears, from WHO studies, to be a useful adjunct to current therapies. Mifepristone has been studied in various doses and has been shown to be very effective but is not yet commercially available. Health services should provide a full range of methods including emergency contraception by appropriately trained people in an acceptable environment.
Women's Health Directorate, Abacus, Liverpool, UK.
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Webb
D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003613:Danazol; D004630:Emergencies; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D015735:Mifepristone; D018579:Patient Selection; D011372:Progestins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D013997:Time Factors
D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D011372:Progestins; D015735:Mifepristone; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D003613:Danazol