Which of the following is not used as an emergency contraceptive?
**Core Concept**
Emergency contraception refers to the use of medications or devices to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The main goal is to prevent ovulation or fertilization, and in some cases, implantation. Various options are available, including hormonal pills, intrauterine devices, and ulipristal acetate.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The options listed for emergency contraception include hormonal pills (such as levonorgestrel), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and ulipristal acetate. These methods work by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. However, **Option A: Copper IUD** is the correct answer because it is not used as an emergency contraceptive in the same way as the other options. While a copper IUD can be inserted as an emergency contraceptive, it is not an emergency contraceptive method in the same class as hormonal pills or ulipristal acetate. Instead, it is an effective long-term contraceptive method that can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option B:** Levonorgestrel is a common hormonal pill used for emergency contraception, which works by preventing ovulation.
* **Option D:** Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator used for emergency contraception, which also prevents ovulation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To remember the key differences between emergency contraceptive methods, recall that hormonal pills and ulipristal acetate are used to prevent ovulation, whereas a copper IUD can be used up to five days after unprotected sex and works as a long-term contraceptive.
**Correct Answer: A. Copper IUD**