An international study, conducted by the Population Council and partnerclinics, aims to broaden the emergency contraception regimens currentlyavailable. The study will answer several important questions:
Can more brands of currently available birth control pills be used foremergency contraception?
Is the second dose necessary?
Can emergency contraceptive pills be used beyond the 72 hourperiod?
Can more brands of currently available birth control pills beused?
Many brands of oral contraceptive pills are available in the UnitedStates, but only some of them – tthose containing two specific hormones, theestrogen ethinyl estradiol and the progestin levonorgestrel -?aare currentlyoffered for emergency contraception. Many more brands of pills contain adifferent progestin, norethindrone, rather than levonorgestrel. Pillscontaining norethindrone may be as effective as those containinglevonorgestrel, as long as the dosage level of the estrogen, ethinylestradiol, is the same. If so, a much wider choice of pills could be usedfor emergency contraception.
Is the second dose necessary?
Emergency contraceptive pills are now given in two doses?a firstdose within 72 hours following unprotected intercourse, followed by a seconddose twelve hours later. The second dose may not be necessary. It alsocauses side effects in many women. If one dose alone is just as effective,it will make taking emergency contraceptive pills easier and cheaper, andmay reduce the side effects for many women.
Can emergency contraceptive pills be used beyond the 72 hourperiod?
If the study finds that emergency contraceptive pills can still beeffective up to four or even five days after unprotected intercourse, manywomen may find it easier to seek treatment. Extra time to initiate treatmentcould be valuable for women who live far away from a service provider, whoseclinic is closed over the weekend, or who otherwise cannot obtain the pillswithin a 72 hour period.
This study is taking place at two clinics in Great Britain and at PlannedParenthood of Greater Iowa. In Iowa, three Planned Parenthood clinics areparticipating: Ames, Iowa City and the Central clinic in Des Moines. If youare interested in participating in the study at the Iowa sites, please callthe following numbers for an appointment:
Ames Center: (515) 292-1000
Iowa City Center: (515) 354-8000
Central Clinic, Des Moines: (515) 280-7000
Not all women are eligible for the study or would choose to participate,but everyone who requests emergency contraception will receive it, whetherthey participate in the study or not. The Planned Parenthood clinics alsooffer testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections,contraceptive supplies and information, pregnancy testing and full pregnancyoptions counseling, as well as emergency contraception.