What should all women know about emergency contraception?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has published its recommendations for the use of emergency contraceptive methods based on numerous observations and studies. The new recommendations include expanded information and guidance on the use of the relatively new for our country, but highly effective drug "Ulipristal" and recent data on the effect of body weight on the effectiveness of emergency contraception.

What is used as an emergency contraceptive method

Emergency contraception, also known as postcoital contraception, is an emergency therapy used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or inadequately protected intercourse. Common indications for the use of emergency contraception are inadequate use of contraceptives, such as missed birth control pills or incorrect use of a condom, as well as the inability, for whatever reason, to use any other form of contraception. Since 1998, when the first dedicated emergency contraceptive product was approved in the United States, several types of emergency contraceptives have been developed. Oral preparations such as the combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin, progestin only,

The purpose of the published recommendations of American gynecologists

The primary purpose of publishing the guidelines was to disseminate data regarding the efficacy and safety of available contraceptives to inform practicing obstetricians and gynecologists as well as other gynecological providers. The authors note that many women do not understand that emergency contraception is absolutely available, or have misconceptions about the rules for its use, thus exposing themselves to unjustified risks. That is why the recommendations have been printed as a newsletter and are being actively distributed to women of reproductive age in the United States.

Recommendations for the use of emergency contraceptives: level A

ulipristal acetate is more effective than levonorgestrel and remains effective for 5 days;

compared to combined hormonal drugs, levonorgestrel is more effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, and almost does not cause such side effects as vomiting and nausea;
The most effective method of emergency contraception is the insertion of an intrauterine device.

Recommendations for the use of emergency contraceptives: Level B

no prior gynecological examination or pregnancy test is required before using emergency contraception;
To maximize the effectiveness of emergency contraception, drugs should be used as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse has occurred;
Emergency contraception must be used no later than five days after the occurrence of unprotected intercourse;
For obese women, the use of an intrauterine device is more preferable than taking hormonal contraceptives, since being overweight significantly reduces the effectiveness of emergency hormonal contraception.

Recommendations for the use of emergency contraceptives: Level C

Despite the fact that a woman has contraindications to the use of conventional oral contraceptives, any method of emergency contraception can be used by her if necessary;
during one menstrual cycle, emergency contraception can be used more than once;
Practicing doctors should provide women with full information about oral contraception, which they can use if necessary;
if after using the method of emergency contraception, a woman complains of severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or a delay in menstruation for more than one week, she must be examined by a gynecologist;
For women who want to use a long-term method of emergency contraception and have no contraindications to it, an intrauterine device may be placed.

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