title: Emergency contraception: no. 280 (replaces No. 131, August 2003).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review current knowledge about emergency contraception (EC), including available options, their modes of action, efficacy, safety, and the effective provision of EC within a practice setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  The combined estradiol-levonorgestrel (Yuzpe regimen) and the levonorgestrel-only regimen, as well as post-coital use of copper intrauterine devices, are reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Efficacy in terms of reduction in risk of pregnancy, safety, and side effects of methods for EC and the effect of the means of access to EC on its appropriate use and the use of consistent contraception.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies published in English between January 1998 and March 2010 were retrieved though searches of Medline and the Cochrane Database, using appropriate key words (emergency contraception, post-coital contraception, emergency contraceptive pills, post-coital copper IUD). Clinical guidelines and position papers developed by health or family planning organizations were also reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The studies reviewed were classified according to criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, and the recommendations for practice were ranked according to this classification (Table 1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  These guidelines are intended to help reduce unintended pregnancies by increasing awareness and appropriate use of EC.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
authors: Sheila
authors: S
authors: Dunn
authors: Édith
authors: É
authors: Guilbert
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Burnett
authors: Anjali
authors: A
authors: Aggarwal
authors: Jeanne
authors: J
authors: Bernardin
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Clark
authors: Victoria
authors: V
authors: Davis
authors: Jeffrey
authors: J
authors: Dempster
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Fisher
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: MacKinnon
authors: Rosana
authors: R
authors: Pellizzari
authors: Viola
authors: V
authors: Polomeno
authors: Maegan
authors: M
authors: Rutherford
authors: Jeanelle
authors: J
authors: Sabourin
authors: Vyta
authors: V
authors: Senikas
authors: Marie-Soleil
authors: MS
authors: Wagner
mesh_terms: D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004338:Drug Combinations; C072593:ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel drug combination; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel