Tag: Yuzpe regimen

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), emergency contraception can prevent up to over 95% of pregnancies when used correctly within five days after unprotected intercourse. However, one crucial misconception is whether regular birth control pills like Vestura can serve this purpose. The answer is a definitive no, Vestura is not to be used as emergency contraception.

Although modern emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are preferred, certain daily oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestin can be repurposed for emergency use through the Yuzpe regimen, a method first introduced in 1977. This practice is now considered a last resort due to lower effectiveness and more significant side effects compared to contemporary options.

Developed in the 1970s, the Yuzpe regimen was one of the first hormonal methods of emergency contraception, using a specific, high-dose combination of estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. While less effective and associated with more side effects than modern alternatives, understanding what is the Yuzpe regimen provides valuable historical context and highlights its use when other options are unavailable.