Knowledge of and Interest in the Copper Intrauterine Device Among Women Seeking Emergency Contraception.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency contraception (EC) includes hormonal pills (levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate) and the copper IUD (Cu-IUD). The Cu-IUD is more effective for EC than hormonal pills but remains underused, possibly because of lack of knowledge or interest. The objective of this study was to examine knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC among Canadian women seeking EC. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional convenience survey of English-speaking women presenting for EC at two sexual health clinics in Toronto. The anonymous paper-based survey was completed in the waiting room. The main outcome measures were women's knowledge of and interest in the Cu-IUD for EC. Demographic and reproductive health data were also collected. RESULTS: Between January and December 2013, 124 surveys were completed. Mean age of respondents was 26 years (SD ± 6.9). Most were single (85%), and over one half had completed postsecondary education. Overall, 77% had heard of the Cu-IUD, but only 21% were aware of its use for EC. Over 50% were aware that the Cu-IUD is hormone-free and may be used for long-term contraception. Women were less familiar with the window of administration of the Cu-IUD for EC (26%) and its efficacy (6%). In total, 23% (28 of 124) of women were interested in the Cu-IUD, including eight women scheduled to receive one that day. CONCLUSION: Women presenting for EC were unaware of the Cu-IUD but were moderately interested in it once informed. Public education and routine counselling about the Cu-IUD at EC visits may increase the uptake of this method.

Copper intrauterine device placement 6-14 days after unprotected sex.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy risk following copper (CuT380A) intrauterine device (IUD) placement 6-14 days after unprotected intercourse. STUDY DESIGN: We used a combined dataset from four protocols in which participants had received a CuT380A IUD regardless of recent unprotected intercourse. At entry, participants had negative point of care urine pregnancy testing and reported all acts of unprotected intercourse in the two weeks prior to IUD placement. We identified a subset of women who had placement 6-14 days after unprotected intercourse and provided follow-up information on pregnancy status 2-4 weeks after IUD insertion. This follow-up within the four protocols included self -administered home urine pregnancy test (UPT) results 2-4 weeks after IUD placement or continued contact for up to 6 months. RESULTS: We identified 134 women who had a CuT380A IUD placed 6-14 days after unprotected intercourse and provided follow-up information on pregnancy status. Ninety-five (71%) participants reported UPT results 2-4 weeks after placement and the other 39 women were followed for 6 months after IUD placement to assess pregnancy status. Zero (97.5% CI 0-2.7%) participants reported a pregnancy within four weeks of CuT380A IUD placement. CONCLUSION: In these collected data, no women with recent unprotected intercourse became pregnant within 1 month of CuT380A IUD placement. IMPLICATION: These data indicate a low likelihood of pregnancy among women who reported unprotected intercourse 6-14 days preceding IUD insertion. For many women and their providers, these data may be sufficient to support same-day placement of a copper IUD rather than delaying IUD placement until the next menses.

Behind-the-counter status and availability of emergency contraception.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether the 2006 Food and Drug Administration approval of Plan B for behind-the-counter status increased availability. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a survey in 2005 and 2007 of pharmacies listed in Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, and Philadelphia, PA. We measured ability to dispense Plan B within 24 hours. Also measured were reasons for lack of availability and cost of Plan B. RESULTS: Pharmacists were interviewed at 1087 pharmacies (75% response rate) in 2005 and 795 pharmacies (82% response rate) in 2007. In 2007, 8% of pharmacies were unable to provide Plan B within 24 hours, compared with 23% of pharmacies in 2005 (P < .001). The total refusal rate in 2007 was half the rate of 2005 (2% vs 4%, P = .004). The average cost of Plan B was $43. CONCLUSION: Availability of Plan B in Atlanta and Philadelphia increased after it was awarded behind-the-counter status.

Emergency contraception.

This review summarises the development of emergency contraception (EC) methods, and provides an overview on the currently available options of EC which are effective and safe back-up methods in case of non-use or failure of the regular contraception. The copper intrauterine contraceptive device is currently the most effective method. In most countries, a single dose of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg is the first-line hormonal EC given within 72 h of unprotected intercourse. The oral anti-progestogens such as mifepristone and ulipristal acetate are promising alternatives with better efficacies and a wider treatment window of up to 120 h post coitus, probably resulting from more diverse ancillary mechanisms of actions. Education on EC should be part of any contraceptive counselling. Improving access to EC by providing it over the counter or in advance would not promote its abuse nor encourage risky sexual behaviours, but may further facilitate the timely use so as to achieve the best efficacy.

Intrauterine contraceptives: a review of uses, side effects, and candidates.

This article reviews the two intrauterine devices (IUDs) available in the United States: the TCu380A, marketed as ParaGard (Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pomona, NY), and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), marketed as Mirena (Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wayne, NJ). The properties of the two devices are detailed, as well as noncontraceptive indications and appropriate candidates for use. Studies consistently demonstrate that the devices are safe, effective, and provide cost savings when compared with other reversible methods. The TCu380A may be used as postcoital contraception with close to 100% effectiveness. Menstrual blood loss is likely to increase with the TCu380A and decrease with the LNG-IUS. Reduction in menstrual blood loss and endometrial suppression make the LNG-IUS an increasingly popular treatment for menorrhagia, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and as an adjunct to estrogen therapy. IUDs may be inserted immediately after a first- or second-trimester abortion, immediately postpartum, and >or=4 weeks postpartum. Candidacy for IUDs has expanded, and includes nulliparous women, adolescents, and women with immunocompromised conditions including HIV.