Emergency Contraception course

This session details the different methods of emergency contraception (EC), including their indications and use. It explores the effectiveness of each method as well as how to advise women when to take a pregnancy test. It addresses the advantages and disadvantages of each method and provides guidance around conducting an effective consultation with a woman requiring emergency contraception.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• 4.1 List methods of emergency contraception available and explain mode of action of each method
• 4.2 State effectiveness of each method of emergency contraception
• 4.3 Advise women when to take a pregnancy test post-emergency contraception
• 4.4 List the advantages and disadvantages of each method of emergency contraception
• 4.5 Conduct an effective consultation with a woman requiring emergency contraception

Emergency contraception should be offered to women who do not wish to conceive and have had recent unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI). This may be offered if UPSI has occurred on any day of the menstrual cycle or following a recent pregnancy. It may also be considered if regular contraception has been used incorrectly.