Use of ulipristal acetate and levonorgestrel for emergency contraception: a follow-up study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Previously we showed that increasing choice of emergency contraception (EC) guided by medical eligibility, did not result in wholesale usage of ulipristal acetate (UPA). A further 12 month study assessed: Does offering choice of EC lead to change in methods used? Are women who choose UPA more likely than those who choose LNG to continue using condoms for subsequent contraception or to decline any ongoing contraception? Do more women choosing LNG quick start hormonal contraception? METHODS: Retrospective study of EC episodes (01/04/2012–31/03/2013), by quarters. Among women offered all three methods of EC (49.1%) we noted the method chosen, and decisions on ongoing contraception among those choosing either LNG or UPA. Differences were tested for statistical significance. RESULTS: In 6110 episodes of EC, LNG was issued in 69.2%, UPA in 26.0%, and in 4.8% a Cu-IUD was fitted. Quarter-by-quarter, the data show a small decline in LNG use, suggesting plateauing by the last quarter, and a significant increase in UPA use between first and other three quarters (p<0.001). The use of the Cu-IUD remained static. The percentage offered three methods rose to 54.2%. In women offered full choice (3000; 49.1%), we saw a significant increase in choice of UPA from 39.3% to 48.6% (p<0.001). Women who chose LNG were more likely to quick start (p=0.02), or be continuing contraception already used (p<0.001). Overall, those choosing UPA were more likely to use condoms (p<0.001) but were no more likely to decline ongoing contraception (p=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant increase in women using UPA for EC compared with our last study, particularly among those wishing to use condoms for continuing contraception. Women choosing LNG were more likely to be quick starting pills or continue current hormonal contraception. Detailed attention to continuing contraception following EC may be an important factor in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy.