Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Sales of emergency contraception in the United States may rise by nearly 10% after New Year’s celebrations, according to a new study that found that this trend has become widespread in the past few years.
New Year’s Eve gatherings have been associated with increased sexual activity, sexual assault, and decreased access to and use of contraception during sex.
So the authors of the study, published in the journal BMJ on Wednesday, investigated whether the holiday would represent a period of increased risk of unprotected vaginal intercourse and increased sales of emergency contraception.
But the authors and an outside expert whom CNN spoke to indicated that the significant increase in sales this year, which was seen in previous years, may be affected by the repeal of the “Roe v. Wade” case in 2022, which protected women’s right to abortion.
The landmark decision by the US Supreme Court has increased demand for emergency contraception and concerns among retailers and some members of the public about legal liabilities for misinformation about what emergency contraception does.
This may mean that there will be variation in demand depending on the states, and what is available to consumers.
The researchers reviewed national marketing data on weekly sales (in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other stores) of the nonprescription emergency contraceptive levonorgestrel between 2016 and 2022.
After the federal New Year’s holiday, the team found sales of the product increased by 0.63 units per 1,000 women after the holiday.
“This increase in sales corresponds to an increase of approximately 41,000 additional units sold in the United States in the week following the New Year of 2022, compared to that same week if it had not necessarily followed the New Year’s holiday,” the authors wrote.
Valentine’s Day and Independence Day in America, two occasions that share some risks with New Year’s Eve (such as the possibility of increased sexual activity, alcohol or drug consumption), were also associated with increased sales, but to a lesser extent.
For example, the increase in sales following Valentine’s Day was about half the period following the New Year’s holiday.
“I think this just highlights that there is a need for emergency contraception to be available at certain times of the year, whether during national holidays or not,” said Dr. Dima Kato, an associate professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Southern California, who was not involved in the study.
Levonorgestrel, which is available in the form of pills or an intrauterine device, works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg, or preventing the released egg from being fertilized by sperm.
Dr. Michael Belmont, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who was not involved in the study, said that this method of contraception is most effective within 72 hours after sex.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe all the time, not just during the holiday season.
Practice safe sex during the holiday season
Emergency contraception is considered safe to use, but you must prepare in advance, and condoms, or already using birth control, may be the best method in general, especially since an increased risk of unwanted pregnancy is not the only factor to consider when having unprotected sex.
Belmont also noted that there is a greater risk of sexually transmitted infections.
And when you’re getting ready for a night out, or a vacation, taking advance precautions should be part of your routine.
Emergency contraception still has a role, Kato said, because of the potential for condom breakage, sexual assault, or forgetting to use contraception.
2023-12-23 07:11:29
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