Emergency Contraception and IUDs

Emergency contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sexual intercourse or when contraception may have not worked properly, to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.

This might include not using contraception, forgetting to take one of your usual contraceptive pills, the condom broke during sex or you were sexually assaulted.

There are three main methods of emergency contraception available:

1. A 1.5mg single dose levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill (LNG-ECP), licensed for use up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex; available from pharmacies as an over the counter medication
2. A 30mg single dose ulipristal acetate (UPA) tablet licensed for use up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex
3. Insertion of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) within 5 days of unprotected sex, which also provides very effective long term contraception for up to 10 years.

It can be difficult to obtain emergency contraception if it is nearly 5 days since the episode of unprotected sex.

Currently it can take up to 1 week to order a copper IUD from pharmacies and recently I discovered that it was difficult to obtain ulipristal acetate from local pharmacies as well. This can make things very difficult if more than 3 days have passed. I therefore am stocking copper IUDs at the clinic and they are therefore available for emergency use if required.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation please call 08 9271 2248 and if it is out of hours you can call my friendly receptionist Jenny according to instructions on our answering machine and she will notify myself of the situation so you are able to get the help you need.

IUDs can be inserted at the clinic as well for contraception use. An initial consultation is required to obtain a prescription and discuss suitability. IUD insertions cost $175 and copper IUDs cost $99. A mirena can be obtained from most pharmacies and cost approximately $35. Mirena IUDs provide contraception for 5 years and standard copper IUDs for 10 years.

Contact us today or book for an appointment.