From the Guidelines
The Mirena IUD is not recommended for emergency contraception, and instead, a copper IUD (ParaGard) should be used within 5 days of unprotected intercourse for effective emergency contraception. For emergency contraception after unprotected sex, the copper IUD is the most effective option and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse 1. Alternatively, oral emergency contraception pills like levonorgestrel (Plan B, Take Action) can be taken within 72 hours, or ulipristal acetate (ella) within 5 days of unprotected sex 1. If you're interested in the Mirena IUD for ongoing contraception, it can be inserted at any time during your menstrual cycle once pregnancy has been ruled out, but it won't work as emergency contraception for a previous unprotected sexual encounter.
Some key points to consider when using the copper IUD for emergency contraception include:
- The copper IUD works as emergency contraception by creating an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and can prevent implantation 1
- The copper IUD can be inserted at any time, and a bimanual examination and cervical inspection are recommended before initiation 1
- Most patients do not require additional STI screening at the time of IUD placement, but screening may be performed at the time of IUD placement if a patient has risk factors for STIs 1
- Patients with current purulent cervicitis or chlamydial infection or gonococcal infection should not undergo IUD placement 1
It's essential to seek medical advice immediately to discuss the most appropriate emergency contraception option for your situation, as the effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases over time. The copper IUD is a highly effective option for emergency contraception, and its use is supported by recent guidelines 1.
From the Research
Emergency Contraception Options
- The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is the most effective method of emergency contraception, and it can be left in place for up to 10 years for long-term contraception 2, 3, 4.
- The copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex 4.
- Other options for emergency contraception include oral levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA), which are available over-the-counter or by prescription 2, 5, 6, 3, 4.
Mirena IUD for Emergency Contraception
- There is no specific mention of the Mirena IUD in the provided studies as an option for emergency contraception.
- However, the copper IUD is mentioned as a highly effective option for emergency contraception, and it can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex 2, 3, 4.
Timeline for Emergency Contraception
- The sooner emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex, the more effective it is likely to be 2, 5, 6, 3, 4.
- Oral levonorgestrel (LNG) is most effective when used within 72 hours after unprotected sex, while ulipristal acetate (UPA) can be used up to 5 days after intercourse 5, 4.
- The copper IUD can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex, and it is the most effective method of emergency contraception 2, 3, 4.