Emergency Contraception Can Prevent Over 95% of Pregnancies
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that emergency contraception can prevent over 95% of pregnancies when administered within five days of intercourse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its guidance on emergency contraception, a measure that can prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex. According to the WHO, emergency contraception methods, including copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), can prevent over 95% of pregnancies if used within five days of intercourse, with effectiveness increasing the sooner they are administered.
Emergency contraception is recommended in situations such as unprotected intercourse, concerns about contraceptive failure, incorrect use of contraceptives, and following sexual assault when contraceptive protection was not used. The WHO emphasizes that the copper-bearing IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception available. Recommended ECPs include those containing ulipristal acetate, levonorgestrel, or combined oral contraceptives (COCs) comprising ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.
The mechanism of action for ECPs involves preventing or delaying ovulation and does not induce abortion. Copper IUDs prevent fertilization by altering the chemical environment for sperm and egg before they meet. The WHO clarifies that emergency contraception cannot interrupt an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.
These methods are suitable for any woman or girl of reproductive age, with no age limits or absolute medical contraindications. The WHO guidance allows individuals to resume or initiate regular contraception methods after using emergency contraception. If a copper IUD is used for emergency purposes, no additional contraceptive protection is required. For ECPs containing levonorgestrel or COCs, regular contraception can be resumed immediately.
Following the use of ECPs with ulipristal acetate, women and girls can start or resume progestogen-containing contraceptives on the sixth day after taking the pill. Immediate insertion of a copper IUD or a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD is also possible if pregnancy is ruled out.