How to counsel about emergency contraception
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Emergency contraception works best when used soon after unprotected sex. Fast, nonjudgmental counseling helps the patient choose the right option.
Step by step
Ask when and what happened
Find out the time since unprotected sex and the date of the last period. Stay calm and nonjudgmental. [1]
Offer the copper IUD
It is the most effective option, works up to 5 days after sex and gives ongoing birth control. [2]
Explain ulipristal
A prescription pill that works up to 5 days after sex. It works better than levonorgestrel later in that window and at higher body weight. [3]
Explain levonorgestrel
An over-the-counter pill that works best within 72 hours. It may work less well with a BMI over 30. [3]
Say what to expect
The next period may come early or late. Take a pregnancy test if it is more than 1 week late. [2]
Plan ongoing birth control
After ulipristal, wait 5 days before starting hormonal birth control and use condoms meanwhile. [3]
Offer testing and support
Ask gently about consent and safety, and offer STI testing. [1]
Use teach-back
Ask the patient to explain how and when to take the pill and when to test for pregnancy. [4]
Common errors
- Forgetting the copper IUD option.
- Not mentioning that weight can affect the pills.
- Not planning ongoing birth control.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
- NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint
- Open RN, Nursing Pharmacology 2e (CC BY 4.0)
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.