Postinor use among young women in Southwestern Nigeria: A research note

Abstract

Postinor is the brand name of a progestogen-only contraceptive tablet, manufactured by a Hungarian firm 1 and available in about 25 countries around the world, primarily in parts of Eastern Europe and several developing countries, including Vietnam 2 Thailand 3 and Nigeria. 4 Although Postinor is marketed in Nigeria as a postcoital method for women having infrequent intercourse, it has not been shown to be safe or effective for this indication. 5,6 This paper reports on the experience of 26 young women with post-secondary education in south western Nigeria who have used Postinor, how they heard about it, what they know about it and where they buy it. While these young women are primarily using Postinor as a postcoital method, some also are using it to test for pregnancy, to bring on menstruation and in attempts to abort or all of these as needed. It has been proposed that Postinorshould bemarketed asanemergency contraceptive, the only indication for which it has been shown to be effective, but its uses in Nigeria may not change unless the reasons why women use it are addressed.