Emergency contraception Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are the 3 options for emergency contraception?
- Levonorgestrel → should be taken within 72 hours
- Ulipristal → should be taken within 120 hours
- Copper coil → can be inserted within 5 days of UPS
What is the most effective emergency contraception?
Copper coil as it is also not affected by BMI, enzyme inducing drugs or malabsorption.
It is toxic to the ovum and sperm and also inhibits implantation.
What can insertion of the coil lead to?
PID especially in women who are at high risk of STIs.
How long does the emergency coil have to be left in?
Keep in until at least the next period, after which it can be removed or it can be left in as long term contraception.
When is oral emergency contraception most likely to work?
The sooner it is taken - but unlikely to be effective after ovulation has occurred.
How does levonorgestrel work and after how long can the COCP or POP be taken?
A type of progestogen which works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
Combined pill or POP can be started immediately after taking levonorgestrel (extra contraception is required for the first 7 days of the COCP and first 2 days of POP) and is licensed for up to 72 hours after intercourse.
What are common side effects of levonorgestrel?
N&V (if it occurs within 3 hours - dose should be repeated), spotting, diarrhoea, breast tenderness, dizziness, depressed mood.
How does ulipristal work?
Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne) is a selective progesterone receptor modulator which works by delaying ovulation.
It’s given as a single dose (30mg) to prevent pregnancy after UPSI and is licensed for up to 120 hours after intercourse.
When taking ulipristal how long do you wait before you start COCP or POP?
5 days.
What restrictions are there to ulipristal?
Breastfeeding should be avoided for 1 week after taking ulipristal (milk should be expressed & discarded).
Should be avoided in patients with severe asthma.
