Overview of emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (postcoital contraception) aims to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (ie no reliable method of contraception [eg condoms, hormonal contraception] used, or contraception method not used correctly [eg missed contraceptive pill] or failed [eg broken condom]). Emergency contraception is not required following unprotected sexual intercourse that occurred within 21 days postpartum or 5 days of an abortion.

Methods of emergency contraception are:

copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD): prevents fertilisation and implantation
ulipristal or levonorgestrel (oral emergency contraception): prevent or delay ovulation.

Note: Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are not suitable for use as emergency contraception.

The copper IUD is the most effective method of emergency contraception. It must be inserted by a trained clinician. Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs cannot be used as emergency contraception.

Oral emergency contraception is available without a prescription, so avoids the need for a medical consultation or procedure. Ulipristal is the most effective oral method because, unlike levonorgestrel, it can prevent ovulation even when the luteinising hormone (LH) surge has started.

No method of emergency contraception is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

For more detailed information on emergency contraception, see the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare website.

See also the Emergency contraception wheel for a quick guide to emergency contraceptive method selection.