ABSTRACT
Safety and efficacy of post-coital contraception
Emergency contraception is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. Its goal is to reduce the risk of pregnancy, but it should not be used regularly, as more effective methods are available. In Poland, the most commonly used options are pills containing ulipristal acetate (UPA) or levonorgestrel (LNG), as well as copper intrauterine devices (IUDs). In the United States, the levonorgestrel IUD is also recommended.
The mechanism of action of hormonal methods involves delaying ovulation or disrupting sperm maturation, and the copper IUD may also prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. The effectiveness of these methods varies slightly: the copper IUD is the most effective (0.09% pregnancy rate), while UPA and LNG pills have higher pregnancy rates (ranging from 0.9% to 1.8%).
Side effects mainly include nausea, vomiting, and changes in the menstrual cycle, but the method is generally well tolerated. A pilot program in Poland, which allows pharmacists to prescribe emergency contraception, aims to improve access to these methods.
All forms of emergency contraception should be available without a prescription, as recommended by the WHO, so that women can use them when needed.
Piśmiennictwo
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