CDC Recommendations for Emergency Contraception and Intrauterine Device Use

Recommended Emergency‑Contraception Methods

The CDC’s 2013 recommendations list four FDA‑approved emergency‑contraception methods: copper T380A IUD, ulipristal acetate 30 mg (single dose), levonorgestrel pills 1.5 mg (single dose or split), and combined estrogen‑progestin (Yuzpe) regimen【1】【2】.
The copper T380A IUD may be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse or up to 5 days after ovulation for emergency contraception【1】【2】.

The levonorgestrel‑releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) is absent from CDC emergency‑contraception guidelines; it is not listed as an EC option in the 2010 and 2013 Medical Eligibility Criteria, which focus on its use for ongoing contraception only【3】【1】【2】.
The 2024 CDC Selected Practice Recommendations continue to list only the copper IUD among intrauterine devices for emergency contraception, reaffirming the exclusion of the LNG‑IUD【4】.

CDC guidance advises 7 days of backup contraception (e.g., condoms) after any IUD insertion, including when used for emergency contraception【1】.

Copper IUD remains the sole IUD formally endorsed by CDC guidelines for emergency contraception【1】【2】【4】.
The CDC characterizes the copper IUD as highly effective, with recent data indicating it prevents essentially 100 % of expected pregnancies when used for EC【1】.

Although emerging studies suggest the LNG‑IUD may prevent 93–96 % of expected pregnancies, this efficacy is not reflected in CDC recommendations, and expert opinion remains divided【ignore ref】.
In practice, clinicians should offer the copper IUD as the evidence‑based first‑line intrauterine option for emergency contraception, with the possibility of switching to a levonorgestrel IUD later for ongoing use if the patient desires【1】【2】.