title: Emergency Contraception.
abstract: Emergency contraception uses oral contraceptives or postcoital insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) to prevent pregnancy after an episode of unprotected intercourse. This chapter reviews the available data on the efficacy of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), indications and contraindications, availability, safety, and potential side effects. It also addresses the controversial issues that arise from equating ECPs with abortion, as well as the effects of ECPs on contraceptive practices of adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gold