Emergency contraception in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which will limit legal abortion in many areas of the U.S., making the need for effective emergency contraception even more critical.

METHODS

This narrative review focuses on the approach to providing safe and effective emergency contraception in the emergency department (ED) with a focus on agents that are used in the U. S.; however, many of the agents discussed are also available and utilized in other countries.

RESULTS

Emergency contraception methods included in this review are, ulipristal, levonorgestrel, combined oral contraceptive pills, and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of products used for emergency contraception depend on patient and temporal factors. Emergency physicians must have an understanding of the optimal use of these agents to prevent unwanted pregnancy, particularly in the setting of restricted abortion access.