title: Emergency contraception.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Humans have long sought an effective method of contraception that could be utilised after unprotected sex.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article aims to examine the range of available emergency contraceptive options, with particular emphasis on the advantages of progestogen only emergency contraception over the combined regimens advocated in the past.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The recent release of the first commercially packaged emergency contraceptive regimen on the Australian market has refocussed attention on this important public health issue. The widespread adoption of effective emergency contraceptive regimens has the potential to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancy and termination of pregnancy in Australia. This article aims to discuss available regimens, their mode of action and existing barriers to use, and controversies such as over-the-counter supply of emergency contraception.
authors.affiliation: terrifash@fpahealth.org.au
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Foran
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital