Emergency contraceptives are generally considered to be what percentage effective?

Emergency contraceptives, specifically the hormonal pills like levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, are generally recognized for their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of emergency contraceptives can vary depending on factors such as the timing of administration in relation to ovulation and the specific type of contraceptive used.

The correct answer indicates that emergency contraceptives have an overall effectiveness rate of about 89% when taken within the recommended time frame following unprotected intercourse. This high percentage reflects that while these methods are not foolproof, they significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy when used appropriately.

Additionally, it is important to recognize that the effectiveness may decrease based on how soon the pills are taken after the incident. For instance, levonorgestrel is most effective when taken within 72 hours, while ulipristal can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. Therefore, the 89% effectiveness rate highlights their role as a crucial option in emergency contraception, underscoring the importance of timely administration for maximizing efficacy.