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Methods of emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy when applied shortly after sex. Emergency contraception can reduce a woman's risk with a chance of 75 to 99 percent to become pregnant after a single episode of unprotected sex, depending on the method used.

Several different methods for emergency contraception are available that are safe, simple and widely available in most countries worldwide. These are:

• Levonorgestrel-only tablets as dedicated emergency contraception pills (e.g. Postinor-2, Plan B) with 2 tablets of 0.75 mg levonorgestrel, each single pill taken in a 12 hours interval and the first pill as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, but optimally not later than 72-120 hours.  Efficacy is about 85%. Newest research indicates that one dose of 1.5mg levonorgestrel is equally effective.

• Copper-bearing intrauterine devices inserted as soon as possible, but not later than approximately 1 week after unprotected intercourse. Efficacy is about 99%.

• High doses of ordinary combined oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, taken in a 12 hours interval and the first dose as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse; the so-called Yuzpe regimen. Efficacy is less than 75%.

More details about EC methods and ECP formulations are found on the website of the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ICEC). Concept Foundation is one of the founding members of the consortium.

Although EC methods have a certain efficacy in preventing unwanted pregnancies, the message to any potential individual user is: "Don't pin your hopes for preventing pregnancy on a method of emergency contraception! Better use regular methods of contraception effectively to be sure not to become pregnant!"

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) are not the "abortion pill". ECPs are genuine contraceptives and prevent pregnancies! ECPs don't cause an abortion.

Unfortunately, few women know about emergency contraceptives in detail, and few clinicians think to inform their patients routinely about the option. Emergency contraception use is still best known publicly only for women who have been raped.

Generally, EC methods are appropriate for women who have experienced condom breaks, women who did not use any method because they were not planning on having sex, or women who had unprotected intercourse for any other reason.  Higher awareness levels of available emergency contraception methods could prevent millions unwanted pregnancies annually worldwide.

For a short history of Concept Foundation's involvement as a founding member of the ICEC, click here.