Open AccessUse of effective contraception 6 months after emergency contraception with a copper intrauterine device or ulipristal acetate – a prospective observational cohort study
Author(s) -
Envall Niklas,
Groes Kofoed Nina,
KoppKallner Helena
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.12916
Subject(s) - ulipristal acetate , medicine , emergency contraception , intrauterine device , family planning , gynecology , obstetrics , pill , observational study , levonorgestrel , outpatient clinic , population , cohort study , research methodology , nursing , environmental health
Emergency contraception must be followed by the use of an effective method of contraception in order to reduce future risk of unintended pregnancies. Provision of long‐acting reversible contraception ( LARC ) is highly effective in this regard. The aim of our study was to compare use of an effective method of contraception 6 months following insertion of a copper intrauterine device (Cu‐ IUD ) or intake of ulipristal acetate ( UPA ) for emergency contraception ( EC ). Material and methods Women ( n = 79) presenting with need for EC at an outpatient midwifery clinic chose either Cu‐ IUD or UPA according to preference. Follow up was 3 and 6 months later through telephone interviews. Primary outcome was use of an effective contraceptive method at the 6‐month follow up. Secondary outcomes included use of an effective contraceptive method at 3 months follow up and acceptability of Cu‐ IUD . Results A total of 30/36 (83.3%) women who opted for Cu‐ IUD for EC used an effective contraceptive method 6 months after their first visit compared with 18/31 (58.1%) women who opted for UPA ( p = 0.03). In the Cu‐ IUD group 28/36 (77.8%) were still using Cu‐ IUD at 6 months and 31/36 (86%) stated that they would recommend the Cu‐ IUD to others as an EC method. Conclusion Significantly more women who chose Cu‐ IUD for EC used an effective method for contraception at the 6‐month follow up. The results of this study support increased use of Cu‐ IUD s for EC .