Title: Emergency contraceptives
Course: Level 3 - Family Planning > Section: Emergency contraceptive

Emergency contraception also called postcoital contraception is a form of birth control that may be used by women who have had unprotected sex or used a birth control method that failed. The method is reserved for specific situations and is not a regular method of birth control. Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy, not end one. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Emergencies include:

- When no contraceptive has been used.
- When there is a contraceptive accident or misuse, including:
  - Condom rupture, slippage, or misuse.
  - Diaphragm or cap dislodgment, breakage or tearing, or early removal.
  - Failed coitus interrupts, withdrawal, (e.g., ejaculation in the vagina or on external genitalia).
  - Miscalculation of the periodic abstinence method.
  - IUCD expulsion.
  - Returned for DMPA injection later than four weeks.
- After a sexual assault or rape.