- Prevents pregnancy after unprotected intercourse
- Not meant to be a regular method
- After use, a regular method should be initiated
or resumed
- Can be used at any time during cycle
- Does not protect against STIs
- Most effective when used early after unprotected
intercourse
- Method options:
- combined oral contraceptive pills
- progestin-only contraceptive pills
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Emergency contraception refers to the use of contraceptives
to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse has occurred.
Few young adults know about it, although it is particularly
important for them. Young adults may have unprotected sex for
a number of reasons: neglecting to use a barrier method with
each act of intercourse, having unplanned sex with no contraceptives
available, using a contraceptive method incorrectly, or having
a condom break or slip. Another reason for unprotected sex are
cases of sexual coercion and rape, which is common among young
women in many countries.
Emergency contraception is not meant to be a regular method
of contraception. After use, a regular method should be started
or resumed if pregnancy is not desired. Emergency contraceptive
pills can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle and
more than once during a cycle if necessary. It does not protect
against STIs. It is most effective when used early after unprotected
intercourse.
The primary types of emergency contraception are high doses
of combined oral contraceptives or progestin-only contraceptives.
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