Word: Morning-After Pill
Definition:
The "morning-after pill" is a type of medication that women can take to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex. It is usually taken as a large dose of hormones within 24 to 72 hours after the intercourse. It works mainly by stopping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus, which prevents pregnancy.
Usage Instructions:
- The morning-after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. - It is available at pharmacies and can be obtained without a prescription in many places. - It is important to follow the instructions on the package or given by a healthcare provider.
Example Sentence:
"After realizing they had not used protection, Maria decided to take the morning-after pill the next day."
Advanced Usage:
In some discussions, the morning-after pill may also be referred to by its medical names, such as "emergency contraception" (EC) or "levonorgestrel." It's essential to understand that while it can prevent pregnancy, it is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control.
Word Variants:
- Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP): Another term for the morning-after pill. - Plan B: A brand name for a specific type of morning-after pill.
Different Meaning:
The term "morning-after pill" primarily refers to emergency contraception. It does not have other meanings in common usage.
Synonyms:
- Emergency contraceptive - Post-coital contraceptive
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "morning-after pill," it can sometimes appear in discussions about making decisions quickly or dealing with unexpected situations. For example: - "To face the music": This means to deal with the consequences of one's actions, like needing emergency contraception after unprotected sex.
In summary, the morning-after pill is an important option for women to prevent unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse.