Paper II
2016 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Post coital contraceptives

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

Post-coital (emergency) contraceptives are used after unprotected intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Examples

  • Levonorgestrel (single high dose, within 72 hours) — most commonly used
  • Ulipristal acetate (selective progesterone receptor modulator, effective up to 120 hours)
  • Combined oral contraceptive pills (Yuzpe regimen — high-dose oestrogen-progestin)
  • Copper IUD (most effective, can be inserted up to 5 days after intercourse)

Mechanism of action

  • Primarily inhibit or delay ovulation; may also alter endometrial receptivity and cervical mucus, reducing the chance of fertilization/implantation

Adverse effects

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Menstrual irregularity/breakthrough bleeding
  • Not intended for regular contraception (lower efficacy than regular methods, does not protect against STIs)

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