Emergency contraception can be used after episodes of unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI).

There are three options for emergency contraception:

• Levonorgestrel should be taken within 72 hours of UPSI
• Ulipristal should be taken within 120 hours of UPSI

Extra contraception (ie. condoms) is required for the first 7 days of the combined pill or the first 2 days of the progestogen-only pill for the above methods.

• Copper coil can be inserted within 5 days of UPSI, or within 5 days of the estimated date of ovulation

Intrauterine device

1st line for emergancy contraception(most effective)

MOA - fitted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse or within 5 days after earliest estimated date of ovulation

• the coppor coil is toxic to ovum and sperm and inhibits implantation
• prophylactic antibiotics may be given if the patient is considered to be at high-risk of sexually transmitted infection
• may be left in-situ to provide long-term contraception. If the client wishes for the IUD to be removed it should be at least kept in until the next period

Efficacy - the most effective emergancy contraception (>99% effective regardless of where it is used in the cycle)

Complications - infection, PID, pain, risk of expulsion, perforation

Advantages - very effective, can be left in situ as long term contraception

Disadvantage - must be inserted in correct time frame, may cause complications

Levonogestrel (Levonelle)

MOA - Works by stopping ovulation and inhibits implantation