Background: Emergency contraceptive (EC) pills are safe and effective in preventing pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
Objective: This study was conducted to determine the proportion and characteristics of women seeking urgent care who might benefit from receiving EC.
Methods: We used a computerized survey to assess desire for pregnancy and frequency of sex without contraception among 360 fertile women aged 18 to 45 years, who were seeking urgent care at two clinics in San Francisco, CA. Medical records were abstracted to assess whether clinicians discussed contraception.
Results: At both clinics, 11% (95% confidence interval, 8-15%) of women seeking urgent care might have benefited from immediately using EC. Few (8%) women reported a personal objection to EC, but few (7%) women had used EC in the prior 6 months. Chart review showed no evidence that any participants discussed EC with a clinician during their visit.
Conclusions: Many women presenting for urgent care might benefit from EC.