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.