Introduction: Contraception
after Intercourse
Emergency contraceptive pills can prevent pregnancy after
unprotected intercourse, method failure, or incorrect method use. When
emergency contraception should be used, effectiveness, safety, side
effects, and differences between pills are discussed in this overview
article. Other emergency contraceptive approaches and proper dosages
for pills are presented in the chart Emergency
Contraceptive Pills. Common questions about the method are
answered in Typical Questions
about Emergency Contraceptive Pills. Research about the mechanism
of action of emergency contraceptive pills is described in Mechanism
of Action.
Seeking Ways to Improve
Emergency Contraception
Efforts to improve emergency contraceptive pills include making
them easier to use, reducing side effects, and investigating whether
the recommended time limit of 72 hours for starting use might be
extended. An expanded time limit and a one-dose regimen are among
options under study.
Revealing the
"Secrets" of Emergency Contraception
Many women who need emergency contraception do not use it. Usually,
women simply do not know that it exists or, if they know, they do not
know where to get it or how or when to use it. Also, pills may not be
used because providers do not know much about them. What
Providers Need to Know is a short list of practices providers
should follow when offering emergency contraceptive pills to clients.
Helping clients to start or resume regular contraception after
emergency contraceptive use is discussed in Counseling
about Regular Method Needed.
Easy Access to Pills Helps
Method Succeed
Keeping clients well informed is only part of a good strategy for
improving access to emergency contraceptive pills. Clients must also
be able to get the pills readily and at a reasonable cost, within
three days of unprotected intercourse. Several Web sites around the
world that offer emergency contraception information, including where
to obtain pills, are listed in Internet
Offers Information about Emergency Contraception.
Personal Accounts
People from three countries share their personal experiences with
emergency contraception.
Is HIV Treatment Practical
after Exposure?
In theory, a person exposed to HIV during sexual assault or other
sexual activity can reduce the risk of infection by taking
antiretroviral drugs soon after exposure, a treatment known as
postexposure prophylaxis. Whether treatment should be offered
routinely for sexual exposure, however, is questionable.
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