[Emergency contraception ].

nancies in the United States are unintended: there were 3.2 million in 1994 alone, the last year for which data are available.1 Emergency contraception, which prevents pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse, has the potential to reduce significantly the incidence of unintended pregnancy and the consequent need for abortion.2 For the 3.1 million women at risk of pregnancy but not using a regular method of birth control,3 emergency contraceptives can provide a bridge to the use of an ongoing contraceptive method. For the 7.9 million women who rely on condoms for protection against pregnancy,3 emergency contraceptives can provide a backup if the condom slips or breaks. (Note, however, that emergency contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases [STDs].) Emergency contraceptives available in the United States include emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), minipills, and the copper-T intrauterine device (IUD).4-6 Although most gynecologists are familiar with emergency contraceptives, most women—and many primary care physicians— are not. This article will outline treatment guidelines for the many methods now available for emergency contraception. It will also provide information on how and why patient awareness of this important medical service should be increased.