Birth control methods used after sex has taken place. Historically, ineffective folk remedies, such as cola soft drink or vinegar-water douches, have been used for postcoital contraception. However, certain types of birth control pills and intrauterine devices can be used with some success to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Action taken to prevent conception after sexual intercourse. The type of contraception may be hormonal, or it may be an intrauterine device. Pregnancy after intercourse without contraception or where contraception has failed as a result, for example, of a leaking condom may be avoided with a course of ‘morning-after’ contraceptive pills. Such preparations usually contain an oestrogen and a progestogen. Two doses should be taken within 72 hours of ‘unprotected’ intercourse. An alternative for the woman is to take a high dose of oestrogen on its own. The aim is to postpone ovulation and to affect the lining of the UTERUS so that the egg is unable to implant itself.
The prevention of pregnancy in the first hours or days that follow sexual intercourse. Methods commonly used include the administration of hormones chemically related to estrogen or progesterone, or the insertion of an intrauterine device in the first five days of unprotected coitus or after known or suspected contraception failure (such as condom rupture). Levonorgestrel (Plan B) is the most commonly used progestin used in postcoital contraception. Low-dose mifepristone (RU 486) is an alternative.