Hormonal methods for emergency contraception.

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, NHS Lothian, 2a Chalmers St, Edinburgh, EH3 9ES, United Kingdom; Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom. Electronic address:

Published: December 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • The World Health Organization lists oral emergency contraception (EC) as an essential medicine, with ulipristal acetate (UPA) and levonorgestrel (LNG) being the recommended options.
  • UPA is more effective than LNG, and both work by delaying ovulation, although they don't prevent implantation in the uterus.
  • LNG is less effective for women with a higher body mass index or weight, and there are also other promising EC methods being researched, like LNG-releasing intrauterine devices.

Article Abstract

The World Health Organization includes oral emergency contraception (EC) in the list of essential medicines. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) and levonorgestrel (LNG) are the recommended oral methods. UPA has superior efficacy and a comparable side effect profile compared with LNG. Both work by inhibiting or delaying ovulation, so that sperm present in the reproductive tract will have lost their fertilising ability by the time the oocyte is eventually released. Neither LNG nor UPA at the EC doses have significant effects on the endometrium and are unable to prevent implantation. Mifepristone can also be used for EC but its availability is limited to few countries. LNG is less effective in women with a body mass index over 26 kg/m or weight over 70 kg. Hormonal contraception can be quickstarted immediately following LNG, or five days following UPA. LNG-releasing intrauterine devices and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors are promising options for EC to be further studied.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102550DOI Listing

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