levonorgestrel + lactational amenorrhea method

This intervention combines the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) with the advance provision of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills (LNG-ECPs). LAM is a natural family planning method based on the physiological infertility caused by breastfeeding, which is effective only when specific prerequisites are met: the mother is less than six months postpartum, remains amenorrheic, and practices exclusive or near-exclusive breastfeeding. The intervention involves counseling postpartum women on LAM and providing them with a backup supply of levonorgestrel (typically 1.5 mg, either as a single dose or two 0.75 mg doses) to be used if LAM prerequisites expire or are compromised before a long-term contraceptive method is initiated. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that prevents pregnancy primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. This specific strategy was evaluated in a randomized trial at Assiut University to increase the uptake of regular contraception and reduce unintended pregnancies in breastfeeding women.

Other names

LAM + LNG-ECEmergency Contraception as a Backup to Lactational Amenorrhea MethodLAM + LNG-EC-Assiut University-unintended pregnancy