Accuracy of information on emergency contraception on the Internet.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of information on the Internet regarding Plan B, the Yuzpe method, and the copper intrauterine device (IUD).


METHODS
An Internet search was performed using 4 common search engines with the terms morning after pill, emergency contraception, and Plan B. The first 20 websites generated by each search were evaluated. Websites were excluded if they were not informational sites. Descriptive analysis was performed.


RESULTS
Fifty-one websites were unique and relevant to the study criteria. The majority of sites reported that Plan B should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse (92.2%) and could be obtained without a prescription (54.4%). The Yuzpe method and the copper IUD were less likely to be mentioned, though the information presented tended to be accurate.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of information regarding emergency contraception on the Internet is accurate, suggesting that the Internet could be used to increase emergency contraceptive knowledge for patients.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA. cadrian@hawaii.edu
Celeste
C
Adrian
Iris
I
Kim
Viola
V
Chu
Bliss
B
Kaneshiro
D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000379:methods*; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000592:standards*; D020407:Internet; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D057386:Search Engine
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D016912:Levonorgestrel