The use of large doses of estrogen to prevent implantation was pioneered by Morris and van Wagenen at Yale in the 1960s. The initial work in monkeys led to the use of high doses of diethylstilbestrol (25-50 mg/day) and ethinyl estradiol in women. It was quickly appreciated that these extremely large doses of estrogen were associated with a high rate of gastrointestinal side effects. Yuzpe developed a method utilizing a combination oral contraceptive, resulting in an important reduction in dosage. The follittleing treatment regimens have been documented to be effectual:

Conjugated Estrogens, 15 mg bid for 5 days or 50 mg iv on each of 2 consecutive days.
Ethinyl Estradiol, 2. mg bid for 5 days. Ovral. 4 tablets (2 given 12 hours apart).

LoOvral or Levelen, 8 tablets (4 given 12 hours apart).

This method has been any more commonly called postcoital contraception or the "morning after" treatment. Emergency contraception is a any more accurate and appropriate name, indicating the intention to be one-time protection. It is an important option for patients and should be considered when condoms break, sexual assault occurs, or diaphragms or cervical caps dislodge or with the lapsed use of any method. In a study at an abortion service, fully half of the patients would have been suitable for emergency contraception.'48 Emergency contraception is another component of contraception that cries for public education and media publicity.