Emergency contraception (EC) is often referred to as the "morning-after pill," and vice versa. The morning-after pill is the same as emergency contraception. It is used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. However, the term "morning-after" can be misleading, because you don't have to wait until the morning after you have unprotected sex to take the medication. It can be taken right away.

 

It is also a confusing term because you can use emergency contraception up to three to five days after unprotected sex (depending on the product), not just the "morning after." However, the sooner you take the medication after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be.