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. 2010 Jul;15(6):363-72.

Emergency contraception

[Article in English, French]
Dk Katzman, D Taddeo

Emergency contraception

[Article in English, French]
Dk Katzman et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2010 Jul.

Abstract
in English, French

Emergency contraception (EC) is an effective way to prevent an unintended or unplanned pregnancy. EC is available in two forms in Canada: a progestin-only method and a combined hormonal method, also known as the Yuzpe regimen. EC has been proven to be most effective within 72 h and up to 120 h after unprotected sexual intercourse. To date, the progestin-only method is the preferred method of EC recommended to teens because it is known for higher efficacy and fewer side effects, and is, therefore, more widely accepted over the combined method. Teens should also be counselled that the progestin-only method is widely available without a doctor's prescription across Canada.

La contraception d’urgence est un moyen efficace de prévenir une grossesse involontaire ou non planifiée. Elle est offerte sous deux formes au Canada : une méthode ne contenant que de la progestine et une méthode hormonale combinée, ou méthode Yuzpe. Il est démontré que la contraception d’urgence est plus efficace dans les 72 heures à 120 heures après des relations sexuelles non protégées. Jusqu’à présent, la méthode ne contenant que de la progestine est privilégiée auprès des adolescentes en raison de sa plus grande efficacité et de son moins grand nombre d’effets secondaires. Elle est donc plus acceptée que la méthode combinée. Les adolescentes devraient également être informées que la méthode ne contenant que de la progestine est largement offerte sans prescription médicale au Canada.

Keywords: Adolescent; Emergency contraception; Plan B; Yuzpe regimen.

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