Emergency contraception: Oral and intrauterine options

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 ..