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Current perspectives on emergency contraception
Hong
Kong Med J 2002;8:435-9
Emergency contraception can be an effective
means to prevent unplanned pregnancy, although it is not widely
used. Representative of the Family Planning Association of Hong
Kong provided an update on technology and usage of emergency contraception.
It was argued that widespread and appropriate use of emergency contraception
should be encouraged, as it is a promising means to arrest the increasing
abortion rate.
Emergency contraception is generally
safe and effective. The failure rates of four commonly used contraceptive
methods range from less than 0.1% to 4.7%. Time is a determining
factor of effectiveness. The later the emergency contraceptive pills
are taken, the higher the failure rate is. Individuals who need
emergency contraception are advised to act within 72 hours of intercourse.
In Hong Kong, similar to many other
communities, emergency contraceptive pills are prescription drugs
and medical consultation is required to obtain pills. A local survey
revealed that only 10% of women who attended a local abortion clinic
had ever used emergency contraception.
The recent trend has, however, shifted
to deregulation of delivery, including self administration, prescription
by nurses and over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptive pills.
Studies in various places revealed that users of self-administrated
emergency contraceptive pills do not have more unprotected intercourse.
Importance of appropriate use of emergency contraception, as a back-up
contraceptive, was nevertheless emphasised.
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