[Ulipristal acetate: an emergency contraception extended to 5 days using a progesterone receptor modulator (Ellaone)]

Emergency contraception is a second chance for prevention of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Hormonal emergency contraception with levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, only provides an effective contraception from 0 to 72 hours after intercourse with decreasing effectiveness as time elapses. It was accordingly mandatory to develop an alternative approach with a stable contraceptive efficacy and good tolerance for 5 days, knowing additionally that the estimated lifespan of sperm in the female genital tract is about 5 days. In comparative studies bearing on more than 3000 young women, the progesterone receptor modulator (PRM) ulipristal acetate, a progesterone antagonist (taken in a single dose of 30 mg), or levonorgestrel (1.5 mg) were administered. Results indicated that the PRM was as effective as levonorgestrel, or even more, kept a stable efficacy for 120 hours after an unprotected intercourse, and was well tolerated. This establishes ulipristal acetate as the new standard for hormonal emergency contraception.