morning-after pill
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A type of emergency contraception taken orally by a woman after unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It typically works by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
Usage
The term is used specifically to refer to post-coital emergency contraceptive pills. It is a compound noun, and its meaning is fixed to this specific medical context. - It is taken after intercourse, not as a regular method of birth control. - It is most effective when taken as soon as possible.
Examples
- Noun:
- She went to the pharmacy to get the morning-after pill.
- Access to the morning-after pill is an important part of reproductive healthcare.
Advanced Usage
- Legal and Access Contexts: The term is often used in discussions about healthcare policy, pharmacy access, and reproductive rights.
- The law guarantees access to the morning-after pill without a prescription.
Variants and Related Words
- Emergency contraception (EC): The broader category of methods that includes the morning-after pill.
- Plan B®: A common brand name for one type of levonorgestrel-based morning-after pill in some countries.
- Ulipristal acetate: The active ingredient in another type of emergency contraceptive pill (e.g., ella®).
Synonyms
- Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP): A more formal or clinical synonym.
- Post-coital pill: A less common technical synonym.
Important Notes
- Not an Abortion Pill: It is crucial to distinguish the morning-after pill from medication used to terminate an established pregnancy (e.g., mifepristone). The morning-after pill is intended to pregnancy.
- Time Frame: While often associated with use the "morning after," some types are effective if taken within 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse.
Noun
- a large dose of estrogen taken orally within 24 to 72 hours after intercourse; prevents implantation of a fertilized ovum and so acts as a contraceptive; commonly used after rape or incest