[Emergency contraception: a simple, safe, effective and economical method for preventing undesired pregnancy].
In the following article, the most recent knowledge on emergency contraception (EC) is reviewed. EC is defined as those contraceptive methods that may be used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse, contraceptive failure or rape. In case of non-hormonal methods (IUD), the time window for pregnancy prevention goes up to 5 days after intercourse. The different regimens now available, hormonal and non-hormonal methods, indications, contraceptive effectiveness, side effects and safety profile, possible mechanisms of action and counseling strategies will be reviewed. The potential benefits on reproductive health of wide-spread knowledge and easy, non-restrictive access to this methodology are emphasized. An extensive list of recent references is enclosed.
Schiavon
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Servicio de Salud Reproductiva, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, México D.F. rschiavon@popcouncil.org.mx
Jiménez-Villanueva
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CH
Ellertson
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Langer
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A
D000293:Adolescent; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003283:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D004630:Emergencies; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007065:Idoxuridine; D008297:Male; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D003283:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Synthetic; D011372:Progestins; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D007065:Idoxuridine