NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 7 – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has now recommended the use of Copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUD’s) as an emergency contraception.
It says if inserted within five days of unprotected sex, an IUD which is also a regular contraception method can be up to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy following sexual assault, incorrect use of contraceptives or unprotected sex.
“This is the most effective form of emergency contraception available,” says the WHO.
It says once inserted, a woman can continue to use the IUD as an ongoing method of contraception and may choose to change to another contraceptive method in future.
“This may be an ideal emergency contraceptive for a woman who is hoping for an ongoing, highly effective contraceptive method,” WHO says in its website.
It says as an emergency contraception, IUD’s primarily prevent fertilisation by causing a chemical change that damages sperm and egg before they can meet.
“A copper bearing IUD is a very safe form of emergency contraception. The risks of infection, expulsion or perforation are low.”
However, the global health body has cautioned that IUD’s are not to be used if a woman is already pregnant. It adds that there are other contraindications to using a copper bearing IUD as ongoing contraception which should also be considered before its use as emergency contraception. Read full article.
