Emergency Contraception

Alternate Terms:
  • Morning-after Pill
  • Emergency Birth Control
  • Postcoital Contraception
  • Plan B
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Emergency Contraception


Emergency Contraception Definition by Healthwise:

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. There are two types of emergency contraception: pills, including Plan B, and an intrauterine device (IUD) placed as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Author: Bets Davis, MFA
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated: May 22, 2008

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