Vol 81, No 7 (2010)
ARTICLES
Hormonal (levonorgestrel) emergency contraception – effectiveness and mechanism of action
Medard M. Lech, Lycyna Ostrowska
Vol 81, No 7 (2010)
ARTICLES
Abstract
Abstract 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.
Abstract
Abstract 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.
Keywords
emergency contraception, levonorgestrel, effectiveness, mechanism of action
Title
Hormonal (levonorgestrel) emergency contraception – effectiveness and mechanism of action
Journal
Ginekologia Polska
Issue
Vol 81, No 7 (2010)
Page views
894
Article views/downloads
5492
Bibliographic record
Ginekol Pol 2010;81(7).
Keywords
emergency contraception
levonorgestrel
effectiveness
mechanism of action
Authors
Medard M. Lech
Lycyna Ostrowska
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