Common questions on emergency and postcoital contraception

Abstract

There are a number of key questions that must be asked when considering the method of emergency or postcoital contraception to use. Alison J Vaughan examines these when choosing from the three treatments available in the UK Copper IUD (CU-IUD), Levonorgestrel (LNG-EC), Ulipristal Acetate Emergency Contraception (UPA-EC) are the three methods of emergency contraception (EC) available in the UK. CU-IUD is the most effective method and must be offered to all women requesting emergency contraception and that offer documented in the record. UPA is more effective than LNG but the efficacy of UPA can be affected by on-going contraception, so is not always the ideal method for all women (see Figure 1 ). A consultation for EC offers the opportunity to discuss on going contraception and sexual health. Comprehensive evidence-led guidance can be found in the EC clinical guideline, published by the Clinical Effectiveness Committee of Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) in 2017.