What is Emergency contraception?
'''Emergency contraception''' is a form of [[contraception]] that can be taken by the woman after [[sexual intercourse|sex]]. Emergency contraception can not protect against [[sexually transmitted disease]]s. Emergency contraception may prevent a [[pregnancy]]. The [[drug]]s that are used for emergency contraception are based on [[hormone]]s. Emergency contraception needs to be applied soon after the unprotected sex. If it is not applied within about 3 days (72 hours) after the event, it will no longer help to prevent pregnancy. The sooner the drug is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.<ref name = SHFPA>{{cite web |url = http://www.emergencycontraception.com.au/ |title = Emergency Contraception |publisher = Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia |date = 2008 |access-date = 2008-11-18 |archive-date = 2008-10-28 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081028141144/http://www.emergencycontraception.com.au/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> The drugs work by either: * Stopping or delaying [[ovulation]], the [[ovary|ovaries]] from releasing an egg or [[ovum]]; * Preventing [[sperm]] from [[Fertilization|fertilising]] any egg already released; or * Stopping a fertilised egg from attaching itself to the lining of the [[womb]].<ref name = SHFPA/> It is estimated that these drugs may prevent 85% of expected pregnancies.<ref name = SHFPA/> The drugs will not work if the woman is already pregnant.<ref name = SHFPA/> The drugs will also not work for preventing pregnancy from unprotected sex again in the same menstrual cycle.<ref name = SHFPA/> Often the drugs are available in [[pharmacy|pharmacies]]. In some countries, the affected person needs to talk to a healthcare professional (a [[Medical doctor|doctor]] or a [[pharmacist]]). After this counseling, the drugs can be obtained. == Different from abortion == Emergency contraception is not a form of [[abortion]]. Abortion is only possible when a pregnancy has started. This means that the ovum has been fertilized, and that it has attached itself