Morning-After Pills
Morning-after regimens are available that, depending on when the woman begins medication, either prevent fertilization altogether or stop the fertilized egg from ever implanting. These regimens involve taking pills containing synthetic progesterone and/or estrogen in a manner prescribed by a physician. Many women do not realize that this method of birth control is available, and yet use of these regimens could greatly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies. Effective treatment sometimes causes nausea and vomiting, which can be severe.
Mifepristone, better known as RU486, is a pill presently used in France and Great Britain that is now being considered for use in the United States. RU486 causes the loss of an implanted embryo by blocking the progesterone receptors of endometrial cells. Without functioning receptors for progesterone, the endometrium sloughs off, carrying the embryo with it. When taken in conjunction with a prostaglandin to induce uterine contractions, RU486 is 95% effective. Someday, the medication may be used by women who are experiencing delayed menstruation without knowing if they are actually pregnant.
Numerous. well-known birth control methods and devices are available to people who want to prevent pregnancy. but their effectiveness varies. In addition. new methods are being developed.
