For up to 5 to 8 days after unprotected intercourse, you can have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted to keep you from getting pregnant. This is the most effective currently available postcoital contraceptive in the United States. When used after unprotected intercourse, the Copper T 380 A IUD is inserted into the uterus. It prevents implantation of a fertilized egg (if an egg was fertilized by the unprotected sex).Women wanting the most effective emergency contraceptive should consider IUD insertion. It has a lower failure rate than emergency contraception pills. Complete information about this emergency contraceptive is available from your clinician or by calling (1-888) - NOT 2- LATE. Once in place the Copper T IUD (ParaGard) may be left in place as a woman's ongoing contraceptive.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- If 1,000 women have unprotected intercourse in the middle 2 weeks of their cycle, 80 would become pregnant without emergency contraception, but only 1 will become pregnant if a Copper T 380-A is inserted as emergency contraception.
- Once in place, this IUD can be used for at least 10 to 12 years as an effective contraceptive.
- Fertility returns immediately after IUD is removed.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Not all clinicians will insert IUDs.
- You may have some cramping or pain at the time of or just after insertion of the IUD.
- There is a high initial cost of insertion, but far less expensive than a pregnancy. If it is left in place, over time it becomes an extremely cost-effective contraceptive.
- If you leave the IUD in place, it may cause irregular periods or more cramping with periods.
- IUDs offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom if infection is a possibility.
WHERE CAN I GET AN IUD INSERTED AFTER UNPROTECTED SEX?
You can go to your clinician or family planning clinic. Some clinicians are not familiar with emergency contraception. In this case, call the toll-free hotline: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE to obtain the phone numbers of clinicians near you who may be willing to insert an emergency IUD. Some of these sources of help are free. You can also go to this web site for additional information: www.opr.princeton.edu. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea and the least vomiting. Emergency postcoital insertion of the Copper T 380 A IUD (ParaGard) is the most effective currently available postcoital contraceptive. | |
