Oral Contraceptives as Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Reading Room

Recommendations for Contraceptive Use

Oral Contraceptives as Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Q.10. What instructions should be given to the client if she suspects she is pregnant after using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)?

Recommendations

Rationale

Tell the client to return to the provider if she becomes suspicious she is pregnant. In particular, symptoms include the absence of a menstrual period for longer than three weeks (see How to Be Reasonably Sure the Woman Is Not Pregnant for other signs and symptoms of pregnancy).

ECPs are 75% effective, with a 2% risk of pregnancy for one-time use among all women who use ECPs. The client needs to be aware of the possible signs of failed ECPs in order to recognize pregnancy.

Farrell B, Solter C, Huber D. Comprehensive reproductive health and family planning training curriculum. Module 5: emergency contraceptive pills. Watertown, MA: Pathfinder International, 1997.

CSAC. Emergency (postcoital) contraception guidelines for doctors. British Journal of Family Planning 1992;18(3):centrefold.

Trussell J, Ellertson C, Stewart F. The effectiveness of the Yuzpe regimen of emergency contraception. Family Planning Perspectives 1996;28(2):58-64, 87.

Any part of Recommendations for Updating Selected Practices in Contraceptive Use may be reproduced or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the TG/CWG Secretariat, provided the TG/CWG is acknowledged and the material is made available free of charge or at cost.

Last Updated: 09 Jul 2003

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