Use of Emergency Contraception by the Adolescent and Young Adult Women

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and elucidate hormonal emergency contraception (EC) and its use by adolescent and young adult women along with associated problems currently faced by them. Design & Methods: Data were extracted from literature through MEDLINE database service for years 2004-10. The materials pertinent to the theme were considered for this study. Results: Levonorgestrel EC pills are widely available and in use. Lack of awareness and knowledge about EC particularly among rural young women attributed to their fear and misconception about EC. Nearly half of teenage women in developed countries had used EC. Majority of them used it repeatedly. Reasons assigned for EC use were unprotected intercourse, condom or contraceptive failure. Use of EC was more common among younger single women, those with more than one sexual partner, and those using condoms. Compared with clinic access, women with direct pharmacy access were less likely to use EC within 24 hours, while women with advance provision were more likely to use it promptly. However, access to EC over-the-counter (OTC) did not lead to reduce teenage pregnancy rate. Despite OTC access, discrepancies in EC use remained by social and residential status. EC was used as a back-up method and did not impede use of subsequent regular contraception. Majority of physicians prescribed EC to adolescents but expressed concerns for lack of follow-up, time constraints, and aversion to regular contraception. Conclusions: Single dose levonorgestrel pills are effective and widely used as EC. Teenage mindset needs to be explored in context to their sexual and contraceptive behaviour to reduce teenage pregnancy rate.