Hormonal (levonorgestrel) emergency contraception--effectiveness and mechanism of action

Periodic abstinence and coitus interruptus are the most popular methods of contraception in Poland. Recent studies have provided us with evidence that the so-called "menstrual calendar" may be much less effective than it was believed. In these circumstances, promotion and use of safe and t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ginekologia polska 2010-07, Vol.81 (7), p.532-536
Main Authors: Medard, Lech M, Ostrowska, Lucyna
Format: Article
Language:Polish
Subjects:
Birth control
Condoms
Contraception Behavior - statistics & numerical data
Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic - administration & dosage
Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal - administration & dosage
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Services Accessibility - statistics & numerical data
Humans
Levonorgestrel - administration & dosage
Poland
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Unwanted - psychology
Reproductive Health Services - organization & administration
Women's Health
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Summary:Periodic abstinence and coitus interruptus are the most popular methods of contraception in Poland. Recent studies have provided us with evidence that the so-called "menstrual calendar" may be much less effective than it was believed. In these circumstances, promotion and use of safe and truly effective contraceptives is very important for Polish women. Emergency contraception (EC) is a method which could be used even in cases when other contraception methods have failed. Mechanism of action of levonorgestrel used for EC and possible disturbances in the process of implantation of the blastocyst in the endometrium, remain the source of heated discussion among medical professionals. The latest publications provide us with evidence that the use of levonorgestrel in EC neither alters endometrial receptivity nor impedes implantation. Hormonal EC effectiveness is another hot topic of gynecological endocrinology and statistics. There is, however, no better, safer, and more ethically accepted method of preventing unwanted pregnancy for patients in need of postcoital contraception.
ISSN:0017-0011
2543-6767