Emergency contraception is a form of birth control to be considered in women who have had recent unprotected sexual intercourse for any reason. Women who need emergency contraception should use it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The treatment is reserved for emergency situations, and should not be used as regular birth control. Other birth control methods, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, are more effective in preventing women from becoming pregnant. Women presenting for emergency contraception should be counselled about their need for effective long-term contraception. (C) Medpharm