Definition of Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception: The prevention of pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse. Emergency contraception may use drugs related to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These "morning-after pill" are similar to birth control pills but generally contain higher hormone doses. Another form of emergency contraception uses an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted by a physician within 5 days after intercourse.

Emergency contraception is also known as emergency birth control; emergency postcoital contraception; and postcoital contraception.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25137
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012