Emergency Contraceptive Methods

Morning-after pill (NorLevo ® or Levonelle ®)

• The morning-after pill is composed only of levonorgestrel (progestin hormone)
• This emergency contraceptive method acts by stopping ovulation (if it has not yet occurred)
• The emergency contraceptive method hinders the passage of the spermatozoa towards the uterus and the tubes, at the same time altering the functionality of the same
• The post-coital pill also acts by preventing the fertilization of an already released egg (the meeting between spermatozoon and egg cell is denied)

• Very little use contraindications
• Relatively modest side effects
• It is NOT contraindicated for smokers, hypertensives, diabetics
• The emergency contraceptive method can also be taken by women suffering from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hypercholesterolemia, migraine, thyroid dysfunction, angina pectoris and other cardiovascular diseases
• No effects of acute toxicity were recorded following the administration of more pills the following day
• This emergency contraceptive method is not an abortive practice because it has no effect on the embryo implantation
• If the zygote has already been implanted, this emergency contraceptive method does not in any way hinder the correct development of the embryo

• It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
• The morning-after pill should NOT be considered a habitual contraceptive method
• Contraindicated in case of proven pregnancy
• Exercise his contraceptive activity if taken within and not later than 72 hours from a potentially risky sexual relationship
• This emergency contraceptive pill should not be taken together with anticonvulsant, antibiotic or antiepileptic drugs
• Possible side effects in subsequent menstrual cycles: hypermenorrhea, polymenorrhea, spotting, leucorrhoea
• Abuse of the emergency contraceptive method may induce liver toxicity
• The emergency contraceptive method requires a non-repeatable medical prescription

• Contraceptive efficacy of the contraceptive method 12 hours after the sexual relationship at risk: 99.5%
• Contraceptive efficacy of the contraceptive method after 24 hours from the risky sexual relationship: 85%
• Contraceptive efficacy of the contraceptive method 72 hours after the sexual relationship at risk: 58%

Copper IUD spiral

• The copper IUD spiral is a small plastic device surrounded by a thin spiraled copper wire. The spiral must be implanted in the woman's uterus by a gynecologist
• Copper exerts a spermicidal action: therefore, at the level of the uterus it releases its ions preventing the fertilization of the egg and hindering sperm motility and survival

• Once inserted into the uterus, the contraceptive action of the method is ensured for 3-5 years. The copper IUD can remain in situ as a continuation of contraception.
• It interferes with sperm motility
• Prevents implantation of the egg (possibly already fertilized) in the endometrium
• Reduced risk of ectopic pregnancies (after IUD removal)

• The contraceptive device must be inserted into the woman's uterus by the doctor after a gynecological examination
• Does not protect against venereal diseases
• Contraindicated for women predisposed to genital infections. Pathogens could lurk near the IUD, and cause damage
• It is not indicated for women who have just given birth: in this case, the contraceptive method is more likely to be expelled
• It is not indicated for women with ovarian and cervical cancer
• Not indicated for women with pelvic inflammatory disease
• Can create allergic reactions to copper. Contraindicated for women who are also allergic to nickel
• More abundant menstrual cycles after insertion of the IUD

• The inclusion of the IUD within 5 days of a risk report is able to avoid the onset of 99% of pregnancies