Copper-T IUD as Emergency Contraception
The copper-T intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted up to five days after
unprotected intercourse or 5 days after the expected date of ovulation,
whichever is later, to prevent pregnancy. Insertion of a copper-T IUD is
much more effective than use of ECPs or minipills, reducing the risk of
pregnancy following unprotected intercourse by more than 99%. And a copper-T
IUD can be left in place to provide continuous effective contraception for
up to ten years. But IUDs are not ideal for all women. Women at risk of
sexually transmitted infections because they or their partners have other
sexual partners may not be good candidates for IUDs because insertion of the
IUD can lead to pelvic infection, which can cause infertility if untreated.
The risk of pelvic infection from insertion of an IUD is slight among women
not at risk of sexually transmitted infections.