What is it?
The same T-shaped device used for regular contraception, inserted into the woman’s uterus up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
How does it work?
The IUD may act by interfering with implantation. If used quickly enough, the copper works as a spermicide, preventing the sperm from even reaching the egg. The IUD must be inserted by a trained medical person.
When can you use it?
A woman can decide to have an IUD inserted as emergency contraception if she has had unprotected or inadequately protected vaginal intercourse and does not wish to become pregnant.
The IUD is usually preferred to hormonal methods if more than 72 hours have elapsed or if the person is considering using and IUD for continuous, long-term contraception.
It should be inserted within five days of intercourse, although it may be used up to eight days after intercourse if ovulation is known to have occurred three day or more after the unprotected sex.
Some health providers may refuse to insert the IUD if a woman does not plan on keeping it as a regular form of contraception because of the financial costs associated with insertion and removal.
The IUD does not carry any additional risks or side effects for young women who wish to use it only as emergency contraception, and should not be refused if there are supplies and medical personnel on hand.
Advantages
• Can provide long-term protection against pregnancy following insertion (5-10 years)
• Offers an opportunity to prevent pregnancy in the case of rape, barrier method failure (condom breaks or slips, etc) or any other unprotected vaginal intercourse
• Reduces anxiety about unintended pregnancy prior to next menses
Disadvantages
• Same as with regular contraceptive use of IUD
• Some health providers may be reluctant to insert an IUD if only used for EC and removal is expected soon because of the high costs associated
• No protection against sexually transmitted infections
What does it protect against?
The IUD is the most effective postcoital contraceptive with a 99+% effectiveness against pregnancy.
The IUD does not protect against HIV and other STI.