Oops, we all know contraceptive mishaps happen - split condoms, missed doses of the Pill - you get the picture. Fortunately, there are backup methods: emergency contraceptions that are very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

What Are Emergency Contraceptions?

Emergency contraception (postcoital contraception) is used as a backup method to avoid pregnancy when a woman has had unprotected vaginal intercourse or a contraceptive method has failed for some reasons.

Emergency Contraception Situations

Emergency contraceptions can be used for the following situations:

• No method of birth control has been used.
• Accidental condom breaking.
• Missed doses of oral contraceptive pills.
• Dislodged diaphragm.
• Sexual assault.

How Do Emergency Contraceptions Work?

Emergency birth control prevents pregnancy by stopping:

• Ovulation. Stops the ovaries from releasing eggs for fertilization.
• Fertilization. Stops the egg from being fertilized by the sperm.
• Implantation. Stops a fertilized egg from implanting itself to the uterus wall.

The effectiveness of emergency contraception will be the greatest when it is used as soon as possible after the intercourse. It will not work if you are already pregnant.

Next, types of emergency contraceptions.