morn·ing-af·ter pill (môr n ng- ft r)n. A pill containing an estrogen or a progesterone drug that prevents implantation of a fertilized ovum in the uterus after sexual intercourse. |
morning-after pill
Etymology: AS, morgen + aefter + pilian, to peel,
Usage notes: informal.
a large dose of an estrogen, given orally, over a short period, to a woman within 24 to 72 hours after sexual intercourse to prevent conception, most commonly in an emergency such as rape or incest. The woman is warned that the medication may cause the formation of clots, severe nausea and vomiting, and teratogenic and carcinogenic effects on the fetus if pregnancy already exists or if contraception fails. The availability of mifepristone provides an alternative and |mf100% effective method for preventing pregnancy with fewer side effects; a single dose prevents pregnancy by preventing implantation.
morning-after pill
Emergency contraception, interception pill Gynecology A high-dose estrogen given in the early post-ovulatory period to prevent implantation of a potentially fertilized egg after unprotected intercourse. See Contraception, DES, Norplant, Pearl index, RU 486.
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