Denmark: Increased use of ECPs (2017-2021)
November 2022. The Danish Health Data Agency has recorded an increase of about 27% in the number of emergency contraception pills (ECPs) sold in the past five years: from 107.000 units sold in 2017 to 136.000 in 2021. The largest increase was registered in the Zealand Region (44%).
The Danish Broadcasting Corporation published this news, with comments from representatives of Sex og Samfund and the Danish Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Both agree that this increase reflects that women are increasingly aware of methods to prevent pregnancy, and more responsible. This increase may be related to the decrease in use of regular oral contraceptives, and the fact that some women started using ECPs as their main contraceptive method for a period of time.
“It is not irresponsible. It is rather responsible, because you act conscientiously and avoid a pregnancy.” Chairman of the Danish Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Sex og Samfund also mentions that, although the fortrydelsespiller (the “regret pill”, as it is casually called in Danish) is a good alternative in case of unprotected sex or an accident with the regular method, using an ongoing method is always recommended.
