ABSTRACT
The Intrauterine devices (IUD) method has a number of recognized contraindications and always risks short-term pain, bleeding or post-insertion infection, not to mention the inevitable 'hassle'. So this option needs to be provided well, despite the 'emergency'. Women deserve to know that immediate insertion of a copper IUD is by far the most effective emergency contraception (EC). Pharmacists may sell either Levonorgestrel or Ulipristal acetate EC over the counter. Best practice would be that they ensure adequacy of their own training; privacy when with the client; and good referral pathways to a clinical provider, as indicated: for a copper IUD - or, for future, maybe an implant or intrauterine system (IUS). Insertion of a copper IUD – not the Levonorgestrel -intrauterine system IUS – before implantation is the most effective EC method available. If hormonal EC should be indicated, a risk to the infant from the small amount of Ulipristal acetate that enters the breast milk cannot yet be excluded.
