Emergency Contraception Glossary

When a birth control method does not work as intended, such as a condom breaking or missing birth control pills.

An intrauterine device that can be used as emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex, and then provides ongoing contraception.

Birth control methods used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy.

A measure of how well a medication or treatment works under ideal conditions, often expressed as a percentage.

A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. A medical emergency requiring immediate care.

The natural ability to conceive and have children. Emergency contraception does not affect long-term fertility.

A synthetic progestin hormone used in emergency contraception pills like Postinor to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

A common term for emergency contraception pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

The monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the body for pregnancy, typically lasting 21-35 days.

A brand name emergency contraception pill containing ulipristal acetate 30mg, effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.

A feeling of sickness in the stomach, often with an urge to vomit. A common but usually mild side effect of emergency contraception.

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, which typically occurs once per menstrual cycle.

The female reproductive organ that produces eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

A synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, used in many contraceptives including emergency contraception.

A natural hormone produced by the ovaries that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

A brand name emergency contraception pill containing levonorgestrel 1.5mg, effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

A widely used term for emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) in the Philippines. While Plan B is a US brand name, Filipinos use it to refer to any emergency contraceptive pill, including Postinor (levonorgestrel) and Mifestad (ulipristal acetate).

Light bleeding or discharge between periods, which may occur as a normal side effect of emergency contraception.

Unintended effects of a medication, which for emergency contraception are typically mild and temporary.

Male reproductive cells that can fertilize an egg. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days.

A selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) used in emergency contraception that remains effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex.