Objectives: To give an overview of knowledge on emergency contraception (EC) and its utilization in the adolescent population, and to present the practical guidelines useful for EC prescription.
Methods: Review of the literature on EC and results of a survey on sexual behavior of 16-20-year-olds in Switzerland are used.
Results: Both estrogen-progestin and estrogen are used for EC. Condom breakage, lack of compliance in oral contraception and failure in contraceptive use are the main reasons for using EC. Sexually active adolescents are aware of CPC and 20% of girls have used it in Switzerland. However, insufficient information and low quality of services in emergency situation could be important barriers to the use of EC.
Discussion: and conclusion. Practical knowledge and information on EC must be disseminated among adolescents and both professional training and development of the quality of services have to provide better access to EC.