August/2006

ANSWER  5 =A

DISCUSSION:

Women who have had unprotected intercourse within five days of their visit can be offered hormonal emergency contraception that day, after appropriate counseling, and can begin their new contraceptive method the next day.  The copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be used for emergency contraception as well as for long-term contraception, and is close to 100 percent effective when used within five days after unprotected intercourse; however, the progestin IUD cannot be used for emergency contraception. Women who choose a hormonal method that is more difficult to discontinue in the event of pregnancy-such as hormonal injections, implants, or a progestin-releasing IUD-can use short-term hormones as a bridge until pregnancy is ruled out, or can wait until the next menses to begin the chosen method.