Family planning: emergency contraception: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

PSM · Family planning: emergency contraception

Sample item

A 26-year-old woman with a BMI of 33 kg/m2 had unprotected intercourse 4 days ago. She wants the most effective emergency contraception available in a standard Indian clinic. What should be offered?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Copper intrauterine device insertion

A copper IUCD inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse is the most effective emergency contraceptive, and its efficacy is not reduced by obesity. Levonorgestrel is licensed for use within 72 hours, with declining efficacy afterwards and a reduced effect at higher body weight. The Yuzpe combined pill regimen is less effective and causes more nausea.

Option by option

  • A. Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg single dose

    Levonorgestrel works best within 72 hours, and efficacy is lower at day 4 and at higher BMI.

  • B. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection

    DMPA is a regular contraceptive and is not an emergency contraceptive.

  • C. Copper intrauterine device insertion (correct)

    A copper IUCD is effective up to 5 days and is not affected by body weight.

  • D. Combined oral contraceptive pills in two doses 12 hours apart

    The combined pill regimen is less effective than other methods and has more side effects.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Copper intrauterine device insertion. A copper IUCD inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse is the most effective emergency contraceptive, and its efficacy is not reduced by obesity.

Why is "Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg single dose" not the answer?

Levonorgestrel works best within 72 hours, and efficacy is lower at day 4 and at higher BMI.

Why is "Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection" not the answer?

DMPA is a regular contraceptive and is not an emergency contraceptive.

Why is "Combined oral contraceptive pills in two doses 12 hours apart" not the answer?

The combined pill regimen is less effective than other methods and has more side effects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Family planning: emergency contraception in PSM. Levonorgestrel is licensed for use within 72 hours, with declining efficacy afterwards and a reduced effect at higher body weight. The Yuzpe combined pill regimen is less effective and causes more nausea.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Family planning: emergency contraception?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.