postcoital

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postcoital (pohst-koh-i-t'l) adj. occurring after sexual intercourse. p. contraception (emergency contraception) prevention of pregnancy after intercourse has taken place. This can be achieved by two spaced oral doses of levonorgestrel (Levonelle) taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse; or by the insertion of an IUCD within five days of unprotected intercourse. p. test a test used in the investigation of infertility. A specimen of cervical mucus, taken 6–24 hours after coitus in the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, is examined under a microscope for the presence of motile spermatozoa.

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