noun
- a synthetic progestin used in hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical term; commonly used in emergency contraception products
Examples
- Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient in several over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills.
- The birth control pill contains levonorgestrel combined with an estrogen.
- Levonorgestrel works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
- Many countries have approved levonorgestrel for use without a prescription.
- The effectiveness of levonorgestrel decreases the longer it is delayed after unprotected intercourse.