Yuzpe regimen

Yuzpe regimen is a method of emergency contraception that involves taking two doses of estrogen and progestin, similar to the hormones in birth control pills. Named after Canadian physician A. Albert Yuzpe, who first described the method in 1974, the Yuzpe regimen has been used by millions of women worldwide to prevent unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

History

The Yuzpe regimen was first described in a scientific paper by A. Albert Yuzpe and colleagues in 1974. The method was initially used in Canada and later spread to other countries. It was the standard method of emergency contraception until the development of levonorgestrel-only pills in the 1990s.

Method

The Yuzpe regimen involves taking two doses of combined oral contraceptive pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. The first dose must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the second dose 12 hours after the first. The exact dosage depends on the specific brand of pills used.

Efficacy

The Yuzpe regimen is less effective than levonorgestrel-only emergency contraception or ulipristal acetate pills. However, it remains a viable option in situations where these methods are not available. The Yuzpe regimen reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 74%.

Side effects

Common side effects of the Yuzpe regimen include nausea and vomiting. To reduce the risk of these side effects, it is recommended to take the pills with food or use anti-nausea medication.

Availability

The Yuzpe regimen can be used with many different brands of combined oral contraceptive pills, which are available in many countries. In some countries, specific brands of pills are marketed for use as emergency contraception.

See also

• Emergency contraception
• Combined oral contraceptive pill
• Levonorgestrel
• Ulipristal acetate

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