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Introduction to Emergency Contraception

Understand emergency contraception and the choices available with this course for people working in healthcare and related fields.

2,322 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Understand the range and use of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception can be confusing, with different types available and public understanding sometimes limited. On this course you will master the basics of emergency contraception: learning about the different types of post-coital contraception, exploring clinical guideliness; and working out which type of contraception is appropriate in different situations.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds For those of you who work in the field of reproductive and sexual health care, you understand that this can be a challenging and sensitive area of health for both patients and healthcare professionals. Emergency contraception is a particular area of reproductive health that has been very much in the media over recent months, initiating both thoughtful and sometimes provocative discussion. As a healthcare professional, you may be advising or providing emergency contraception within your service, but may find it difficult to know how and where to access continuing professional development about this subject matter.

Skip to 0 minutes and 38 seconds This course has been designed to support professionals working in this field to access relevant, up-to-date information about emergency contraception and support you as you continue to provide high quality reproductive healthcare.

What topics will you cover?

• Introduction to emergency contraception available in the UK
• Consultation skills required for taking a comprehensive history in relation to EC
• Clinical guidance which informs practice and decision making
• Method specific information. For example mode of action, contraindications, side-effects etc
• Quick starting contraction; the pros and cons

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the range of hormonal and non-hormonal methods available for emergency post-coital contraception.
  • Explain the importance of an effective sexual history in determining the choice of method of emergency contraception.
  • Identify current clinical guidelines and legislation and know where to access this information.
  • Identify which method of emergency contraception is most suitable in a given situation.
  • Describe the complexities and benefits of quick-starting and how this might impact on practice.

Who is the course for?

The course is for professionals involved in providing contraception as part of their wider role but who have not received formal education in sexual health. The course will also suit people considering a career change who are looking to learn more about sexual health.

Who will you learn with?

I joined the UEA in 2002 having worked for a number of years in sexual health and HIV. I am involved in teaching reproductive and sexual health to healthcare students on a number of programmes.

I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist in contraception & sexual health and an Associate Tutor at the University of East Anglia.

Who developed the course?

UEA (University of East Anglia)

The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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