Emergency contraception

Question 1

What are the 3 options for emergency contraception, and how soon after unprotected sex should they be taken?

Answer 1

• Levonorgestrel should be taken within 72 hours of UPSI
• Ulipristal should be taken within 120 hours of UPSI
• Copper coil can be inserted within 5 days of UPSI, or within 5 days of the estimated date of ovulation

Question 2

What is the most effective method of emergency contraception?

Answer 2

Copper coil

Question 3

Intrauterine device
1) How does it work (2)?
2) Name a potential complication

Answer 3

1) Copper coil is toxic to the ovum and sperm, and also inhibits implantation
2) PID

Question 4

Levonorgestrel
1) What is levonorgestrel?
2) How does it work?
3) Name the commonest side effect, and name 1 other

Answer 4

1) Type of progesterone
2) Delay or prevent ovulation
3) Nausea and vomiting. Spotting and changes to the next menstrual period, diarrhoea, breast tenderness, dizziness, depressed mood

Question 5

Ulipristal
1) What is ulipristal?
2) How does it work?
3) Name the commonest side effect, and name 1 other
4) Ulipristal should be avoided in patients with what?

Answer 5

1) Selective progesterone receptor modulator
2) Inhibits ovulation
3) Nausea and vomiting Spotting and changes to the next menstrual period. Abdominal or pelvic pain, back pain, mood changes, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness
4) Severe asthma