A 26-year-old woman presents 4 days after unprotected intercourse. She wants the MOST effective emergency contraception available. The correct recommendation is:
- A Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg orally
- B Insertion of a copper intrauterine device ✓
- C Ulipristal acetate 30 mg orally
- D Yuzpe regimen of combined pills
Correct answer: B. Insertion of a copper intrauterine device
Explanation
The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraceptive, with a failure rate below 0.1 percent, and it works up to 5 days after intercourse or up to 5 days after expected ovulation. It also provides ongoing contraception afterwards. Ulipristal is the best oral option but is less effective than the copper IUD. Levonorgestrel and the Yuzpe regimen are both inferior and their efficacy drops near the end of the 72 hour window.
Reference: Contraceptive Technology, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.