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Yes, unless the woman has a known established pregnancy.
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ECPs are not effective once implantation has occurred. While the mechanism of action of ECPs is not known for certain, several studies have shown that ECPs can inhibit or delay ovulation.
- International Medical Advisory Panel, IPPF. Statement on emergency contraception. Planned Parenthood in Europe 1995;24(2):5-6.
- Consortium for Emergency Contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills update. Welcome, Maryland: The Consortium, March 1997.
- Swahn ML, Westlund P, Johannisson E, Bygdeman M. Effect of post-coital contraceptive methods on the endometrium and the menstrual cycle. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 1996;75:738-44.
ECPs do not interrupt an established pregnancy. Nevertheless, if an error is made in determining whether the woman is pregnant, the best evidence indicates that taking ECPs will not be harmful to an embryo.
- Webb A. How safe is the Yuzpe method of emergency contraception? Fertility Control Reviews 1995;4(2):16-8.
- Bracken M. Oral contraception and congenital malformations in offspring: A review and meta-analysis of the prospective studies. Obstetrics & Gynecology 1990;76(3):552-7.
- Simpson JL, Phillips OP. Spermicides, hormonal contraception and congenital malformations. Advances in Contraception 1990;6:141-67.
- Consortium for Emergency Contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills update. Welcome, Maryland: The Consortium, March 1997.
If, after evaluation (by history and, where indicated, by physical exam) the woman wants ECPs and an established pregnancy remains a possibility, it is permissible to give ECPs, if you explain that she could already be pregnant, in which case the regimen will not be effective.
- Consortium for Emergency Contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills. Welcome, Maryland: The Consortium, 1996.
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