Seeking ways to improve emergency contraception.

Efforts to improve emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are being undertaken. These include making ECPs easier to use by eliminating the need for a second dose reducing side effects and investigating whether the recommended time limit of 72 hours for starting use might be extended. It is noted that a progestin-only pill regimen is more effective and better tolerated compared to combined hormonal pills. A progestin-only pill made specifically for emergency contraceptive purposes is a marked improvement over progestin-only pills intended for daily contraception. However the two-dose regimen may be further improved and a study is being conducted comparing the effectiveness of 1.5 mg levonorgestrel given as a single dose with the standard regimen. Other studies emphasize the effectiveness of EC approaches in preventing pregnancy reducing side effects such as nausea and vomiting and the effectiveness of EC regardless of when it is initiated.