Release of progestin-only emergency contraception.
Progestin-only emergency contraception has been available in a prepackaged product since 1999. In a multicenter randomized trial, the levonorgestrel-only regimen was better tolerated and significantly more effective than the previous standard of care, the Yuzpe regimen. The levonorgestrel-only regimen prevented 85% of unintended pregnancies compared with 57% in the Yuzpe regimen. Emergency contraception is more effective the earlier the treatment begins. With the emergence of specifically prepackaged kits, emergency contraception appears to be more accessible and convenient to providers and to women. However, substantial barriers still exist to women who wish to obtain emergency contraceptive within the recommended initiation of 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. More recent information that emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is initiated underscores the need for effective educational and distribution strategies.
Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Magee-Women's Hospital, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. jillwashDC@aol.com
J L
JL
Schwartz
D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel