What do women know about the “morning after pill”?

INTRODUCTION: Emergency contraception pill (ECP) has been available for free in Argentina for the last decade. However, the incidence of unplanned pregnancy is rising. There has been a significant disproportion between consults for unplanned pregnancy and the demand for ECP. OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of knowledge of and access to ECP. METHODS: A descriptive cross-section study was conducted in June-July of 2015 by means of a questionnaire targeted to women between the ages of 15-50 residing in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. RESULTS: 200 surveys were performed. 86% knew about ECP: 69.2% through peers, 15,7% trough health professionals, 7.6% through media and 7.6% trough school lectures. 65.7% had used ECP at least once. In terms of first time access, 78.8% purchased it, 20.4% obtained it at health establishments and 0.9% from peers. For future attainment 71.2% continued to purchase it. Reasons for usage were: 54.7% absence of regular birth control, 36.8% unsuccessful condom usage and 7.7% failure of their regular method. 88.5% used at least one type of contraceptive method. 44.3% of the population was well informed of the usage of ECP while 46.4% was not aware of its existence. Regardless both populations had unprotected sex. CONCLUSIONS: Although ECP is a known method, many had obtained their information from informal sources which could lead to misuse. Despite free distribution, women still obtain ECP through pharmacies, probably due to obstacles in health institutes. While most use contraceptive methods, many had been at risk of unplanned pregnancy and not resorted to ECP.