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Yes.
Providing ECPs in advance will improve access to the method and the ability of the client to use the regimen within the recommended 72 hours.
For example, when a woman visits a provider for gynecological care, contraception or sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment, she can be provided with ECPs and counseled on their use.
Providing ECP information and supplies (or a prescription) in advance may be especially relevant for women relying on barrier methods or periodic abstinence.
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The Yuzpe regimen is quite safe. If the prescription guidelines are followed by the provider, it is highly unlikely that women would suffer adverse affects from the regimen. In addition, ECPs help protect a woman from pregnancy and abortion, which are more dangerous than ECP use.
Difficulty in getting access to ECPs within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse is a barrier to use. Providing ECP information and supplies (or a prescription) in advance can be convenient for both providers and women, educates women about how ECPs may be of use, eliminates the need for another clinic visit, and ensures that ECPs are available promptly after unprotected intercourse.
- Trussell J, Stewart F, Guest F, Hatcher R. Emergency contraceptive pills: a simple proposal to reduce unintended pregnancies. Family Planning Perspectives 1992;24(6):269-73.
- Webb A. How safe is the Yuzpe method of emergency contraception? Fertility Control Reviews 1995;4(2):16-28.
- Glasier A. Emergency contraception: time for deregulation? (commentary) British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1993;100:611-2
- Program for Appropriate Technology in Health. Emergency contraception: a resource manual for providers. Seattle: PATH, 1997.
- Trussell J, Ellertson C, Stewart F. The effectiveness of the Yuzpe regimen of emergency contraception. Family Planning Perspectives 1996;28:58-64,87.
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