Emergency Contraception Emergency Contraception Emergency contraception is a birth control method that women can use within 72 hours of intercourse. Often unintended pregnancy happens after contraceptive failure or human indiscretion. Examples include breakage or slippage of a barrier method, missing 2 or more contraceptive pills, or going longer than 8 days in the no-hormone week of oral contraceptives.
Emergency contraception is an essential treatment option for victims of sexual assault.
When used prior to ovulation, emergency contraception disrupts normal follicular development and maturation of an egg. This results in prevention or delay of ovulation. Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant. Also, emergency contraception is not teratogenic - it does not cause birth defects. Emergency contraception should not be used as a routine form of contraception.