Title: Review of emergency contraceptives (ECs)
Course: Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health - Ethiopia (Full)

Review of emergency contraceptives (ECs)

In this section we would like you to review a few points about emergency contraceptives to remind yourself of its importance in preventing pregnancy.

What is emergency contraception?

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Emergency contraception is a contraceptive method used to prevent pregnancy in the first few days after unprotected intercourse or a contraceptive accident such as leakage or slippage of a condom. These pills used for emergency contraception are also called 'morning-after' or 'post coital' pills. EC should be given in the first five days after unprotected sex.

Figure 8.14 Emergency contraception pills.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) (Figure 8.14) should be available to young girls who have unprotected sex. The earlier ECPs are taken after unprotected sex, the greater the chances are that they will be effective. ECPs can be provided in advance to young girls so that they could use whenever needed, but they should be counselled that ECPs are for emergency use only. ECPs do not provide protection against STIs/HIV.