How Effective Is Emergency Contraception and How Can Efficacy Be Optimised?
• Women should be given written and verbal information regarding the failure rates of oral and intrauterine EC to allow them to make informed choices and to increase compliance and efficacy (Grade A). • LNG EC may be considered between 73 and 120 hours after UPSI, but women should be informed of the limited evidence of efficacy, that such use is outside product licence, and the alternative of an IUD (Good Practice Point). • Women can be advised that LNG EC can be used more than once in a cycle if clinically indicated (Good Practice Point). • An intrauterine device (IUD) (or advice on how to obtain one) should be offered to all women attending for EC even if presenting within 72 hours of UPSI (Good Practice Point). • IUDs with banded copper on the arms and containing at least 380 mm2 of copper have the lowest failure rates and should be the first-line choice, particularly if the woman intends to continue the IUD as long-term contraception (Grade A). • Ideally, an emergency IUD should be
