Abstract

Emergency contraception is indicated when no birth control is used or in case of contraception failure. To day, two methods of emergency contraception are available. The hormonal method consists in taking a tablet of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (NorLevo), as soon as possible following the contraceptive failure since its efficiency decreases rapidly as time goes by. No contraindication is associated with this contraceptive; however, it cannot be used as a regular contraception method since it is not 100% efficient (from 95.5 to 89% according to the authors). Apparently, this contraceptive acts by delaying ovulation. Mechanical contraceptives, such as intra-uterine devices, are extremely efficient (99.5%) and can be used up to 5 days after the estimated ovulation date. However, surveys conducted by the Inserm have revealed that in France, women are not aware of or lack of knowledge about emergency contraception and have many misconceptions. Moreover, many of them do not use emergency contraception since they do not feel concerned by the risk of pregnancy following contraception failure.