title: As often as needed: appropriate use of emergency contraceptive pills.
abstract: Previous research has established that emergency contraceptive pills are safe and have the potential to reduce unintended pregnancy; however, policy makers, providers and even women themselves have expressed concern about repeat use of the method. Evidence regarding the safety, efficacy and frequency of repeat use show that the method is safe and effective, even when used multiple times. Reported rates of repeat use are actually lower than would be expected, and needed, based on the frequency of unprotected intercourse and contraceptive failure reported in most countries. Healthcare providers should encourage use of emergency contraceptive pills as a backup after recognizable failure of barrier methods or other hormonal contraceptive methods, and should expect that women may need emergency contraceptive pills multiple times during their reproductive years.
authors.affiliation: The Population Council, Panzacola No. 62, Int. 102, Colonia Villa Coyoacan, 04000, Mexico City, Mexico. kabuabara@popcouncil.org.mx
authors.forename: Katrina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abuabara
authors.forename: Davida
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellertson
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Blanchard
authors.forename: Raffaela
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schiavon
authors.forename: Sandra G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital