Emergency contraception, little known and used - national multicenter study
C. Mehedințu., M. Bujor, F. Isopescu, S. Conci, A. Matei, C. Berceanu, E. Brătilă, R.Bohîlțea, M. Antonovici, A. Edu
Rezumat: Study’s objective. Emergency contraception refers
to a group of contraceptive methods, that used in a
certain time interval after unprotected intercourse can
significantly reduce the occurrence risk for unwanted
pregnancy. The purpose of this study was primarily to
determine the degree of awareness regarding postcoital
contraceptive techniques among a female population
of patients who presented for elective abortion and
secondarily to determine (in theory) how many of the
surgical abortions could have been prevented by utilizing
emergency contraception. Material and methods.
From January 2015 until December 2015 we conducted
a multicenter prospective study which included 527
women with ages between 16 and 43 who presented
for elective abortion. They completed a questionnaire
that evaluated their knowledge regarding contraceptive
methods, the use of them and emergency contraception.
After completing the questionnaire they received an
informative flyer regarding emergency contraception for
future reference. Results and discussions. The patients
included in the study were 16 to 43 years old (average:
23 years old). 46.11% (n=243) of patients were 21 years
old or less. A total of 70.96% (n=374) of patients had no
knowledge of the existence of emergency contraception.
25.9% (n=137) had limited knowledge and only 3.04%
(n=16) were thoroughly informed. 63% (n=332) of
patients would have been willing to use the emergency
contraceptive pill. Assuming that the emergency
contraceptive pill has a 75% success rate, 47.24% of all
surgical abortions in this women population could have
been avoided. Conclusions. Emergency contraception
is little used due to lack of information among patients,
especially adolescents. Correct information would lead to
a significant reduction in the number of elective abortions,
costs and also their complications both early and late. Cuvinte cheie: abortion, emergency
contraception, unwanted pregnancy.