Family planning and emergency contraception [Ai·le planlamasi ve aci·l kontrasepsi·yon]

Family planning is an ability for the couples to chose the timing and numbers of children they wish to have. Having good family planning methods help women to keep their health conditions in a better way. In this review, general information about emergency contraception concept and contraceptive methods are given. Unplanned and unwanted pregnancy which may occur after unprotected sexual intercourse, is one of the important health problems in the world. By the help of emergency contraceptive methods, unplanned and unwanted pregnancies can be prevented. The emergency contraceptive pills, those are used within 72 hours (3 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse will be safe and effective for the protection against unwanted pregnancies. Insertion of an intrauterin device within 120 hours (5 days) after the unprotected sexual intercourse also can prevent the unwanted pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive methods can be used after unprotected sexual intercourses, or after rape events or after the failures of routine contraceptive methods. But it should be reminded that emergency contraception is not a family planning method