Maximizing the effectiveness of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel for emergency contraception: The case for precoital use.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

U.S. and World Health Organization Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use state people may have an advanced supply of emergency contraception (EC) to minimize treatment delays. We sought to characterize the potential improvement in effectiveness of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel (LNG-EC) if it were taken up to a few hours before unprotected sex.

Study design

We expanded on an existing mathematical model for the maximum attainable effectiveness of LNG-EC, assuming it exclusively works to disrupt ovulation, and compared results with point estimates from nine studies when it was taken up to 72 hours after sex. We then modelled how effectiveness might have improved if subjects had taken LNG-EC up to 3 hours before sex.

Results

Taking LNG-EC immediately

SUBMITTER: Taylor DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11214990 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature