Emergency contraception: Oral and intrauterine options

Kirsten I. Black; Safeera Y. Hussainy

Emergency contraception: Oral and intrauterine options

Kirsten I. Black, Safeera Y. Hussainy

Centre for Medicine Use and Safety

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy where contraception has not been used, or there has been contraceptive misuse or failure. Australian women have three options for emergency contraception: two types of oral pills (levonorgestrel [LNG]-containing pill and ulipristal acetate [UPA]) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Both pills are available from pharmacies without prescription, whereas the copper IUD requires insertion by a trained provider.

Objective

The objective of this article is to describe the indications, efficacy and contraindications for use of the three emergency contraceptive methods available in Australia.

Discussion

Emergency contraception can potentially reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The oral methods have similar side effects, but UPA is more effective than LNG and can be used up to five days after intercourse. The copper IUD is the most effective method, and provides ongoing contraception for up to 10 years. Factors to consider when recommending one option over another include time since unprotected sex, body mass index and use of enzyme-inducing medicines.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	722-726
Number of pages	5
Journal	Australian Family Physician
Volume	46
Issue number	10
Publication status	Published - 1 Jan 2017

Access to Document

253267499-oaFinal published version, 306 KB

https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/october/emergency-contraception-oral-and-intrauterine-options/

Cite this

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AB - Background Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy where contraception has not been used, or there has been contraceptive misuse or failure. Australian women have three options for emergency contraception: two types of oral pills (levonorgestrel [LNG]-containing pill and ulipristal acetate [UPA]) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Both pills are available from pharmacies without prescription, whereas the copper IUD requires insertion by a trained provider. Objective The objective of this article is to describe the indications, efficacy and contraindications for use of the three emergency contraceptive methods available in Australia. Discussion Emergency contraception can potentially reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies. The oral methods have similar side effects, but UPA is more effective than LNG and can be used up to five days after intercourse. The copper IUD is the most effective method, and provides ongoing contraception for up to 10 years. Factors to consider when recommending one option over another include time since unprotected sex, body mass index and use of enzyme-inducing medicines.

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Emergency contraception: Oral and intrauterine options

Abstract

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Other files and links

Corrigendum: Emergency contraception: Oral and intrauterine options [Aust Fam Physician, 46, 10, (2016), (722-726)]

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