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Emergency contraception (EC)

A Canadian clinical summary of emergency contraception (ec), with source-attributed priorities and explicit jurisdiction boundaries.

JurisdictionCanada
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team 路 Clinical editorial review 路 reviewed 2026-08-20 路 due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Canada
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Canada sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. The evidence source is pan-Canadian, but formularies, funded access, referral routes, public-health directions and service availability remain provincial or territorial.

Source and scope

This summary is bounded to the recommendations, population and decisions covered by Canadian Contraception Consensus (Part 1 of 4), including emergency contraception. Apply it with the current provincial or territorial pathway where implementation differs.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Source-attributed clinical priorities

  • Assess timing and number of unprotected exposures, pregnancy possibility, current contraception, medicines and patient preference.
  • Offer the most effective eligible option without unnecessary delay and explain that an intrauterine method can provide ongoing contraception.
  • Give clear advice about restarting contraception, backup use, pregnancy testing and STI assessment.
  • Offer the most effective suitable option based on time since intercourse, weight-related efficacy considerations and ongoing contraception goals.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Practical assessment and management workflow

1
Establish timing of all unprotected intercourse, last menstrual period, pregnancy possibility and interacting medicines.
2
Discuss copper intrauterine contraception and available oral options with their timing and access.
3
Provide the chosen method promptly and plan when to start or resume regular contraception.
4
Arrange pregnancy testing if the next period is late or symptoms occur and counsel about STI testing.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Safety, red flags and urgent escalation

  • Emergency contraception does not interrupt an established pregnancy.
  • Enzyme-inducing medicines can reduce oral method effectiveness and change the preferred option.
  • New severe lower abdominal pain after a missed period requires ectopic-pregnancy assessment.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Confirm the local pathway before acting

The evidence source is pan-Canadian, but formularies, funded access, referral routes, public-health directions and service availability remain provincial or territorial.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Source and implementation boundary

Read this educational summary with the linked source, current Canadian product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable provincial or territorial pathway. Local formularies, reporting duties, referral routes and service availability can differ.
sources for this section:SOGC contraception part 1

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of CanadaCanadian Contraception Consensus (Part 1 of 4), including emergency contraceptionaccessed 2026-08-20
    view source
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