Menstruation behavior after use of emergency contraception: Ulipristal acetate versus levonorgestrel in women of reproductive age

Introduction The goal of this study was to investigate the contribution of emergency contraception (EC) with hormonal preparations: Ulipristal acetate and progestin-only pill (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) concerning behaviour of vaginal bleeding in the subsequent cycles after the pills administration.

Material and methods In the period from 1 April 2012 to 30 September 2018, EC was prescribed to 205 women in the family planning centre of Democritus University of Thrace. With regard to the contraceptives used, in most cases (Group A=98) a Ulipristal acetate pill 30 mg was prescribed within 80 hours later of sexual intercourse. In the rest of cases (Group B=107 women), progestin-only pill levonorgestrel 1.5 mg was used initiated within 60 hours later of sexual intercourse.

Results The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 39 years. In the Group A the most common reason for requesting a doctor’s advice was unprotected intercourse (59%),followed either condom breakage (39%) or missed pills (19%) while in the Group B was the condom breakage (92%) and missed pills (8%). In all consecutive cycles with both EC methods no pregnancy had occurred and the majority of the participants in both Groups (76%) reported regular menses after EC with minor adverse changes in bleedings behaviour included: prolonged, frequent spotting in 13.5% and irregular bleeding in 15% of cases.

Conclusion EC either with Ulipristal acetate or Levonorgestrel is effective and associated with less negative impact to vaginal bleedings behaviour compared to other emergency contraceptive- methods.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2020