A 32-year-old woman requests emergency contraception 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. She has no contraindications. The most effective single-dose oral emergency contraceptive available in this timeframe is:

• A Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
• B Ulipristal acetate 30 mg ✓
• C Combined ethinyl estradiol + levonorgestrel (Yuzpe method)
• D Mifepristone 10 mg

Explanation

Ulipristal acetate (UPA) 30 mg is more effective than levonorgestrel for emergency contraception up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, particularly in the 72–120 hour window and in women with higher BMI. It acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator, primarily delaying or inhibiting ovulation. Levonorgestrel loses significant efficacy beyond 72 hours and in obesity.

Reference: Shaw's Textbook of Gynaecology, 17th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.