Birth Control Options - A Hard Look At The Morning After Pill

Of the birth control options available, none have been so embroiled in controversy as AR486 or The Morning After Pill. Birth control and birth control options have been a hot topic in religious circles since (no pun intended) inception. But you can't dispute the fact that most forms of birth control have been effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

The Morning After Pill is designed to be a birth control method that prevents pregnancy after sperm has been released into the woman’s body. While conception isn't guaranteed at this time, given the right set of circumstances, there is a good probability that the woman could get pregnant.

The Morning After pill has been a birth control option available in Europe for many years and has recently made its way to the United States. There has been much debate over whether or not the morning After Pill is a viable birth control option and it’s availability without a prescription has all come under fire.

Birth Control Options – Is the morning after pill for you?

What is the Morning After Pill? Well actually the Morning After Pill is a series of high dosage birth control pills that are taken over a 12-hour period. Women that have had unprotected sex in the last twenty-four hours can take the Morning After Pill in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.

Morning After Pills contain estrogen and progesterone, as do regular birth control pills. The concept is that the high doses of these hormones will work to prevent conception and the menstrual cycle will begin. Of course, the Morning After Pill isn't guarantee against pregnancy and should only be considered on an emergency basis.

Birth Control Effectiveness

The Morning After Pill is a form of birth control and has also been referred to as an emergency contraceptive. The large dosage of hormones works to prevent ovulation or fertilization. RU486 may also stop the implantation of the blastocyst after fertilization has already taken place.

Progesterone based Morning After Pills have progestin lenonorgetrel in 1.5 mg doses. Users can take the progestin in one dose or two equal doses. The progestin only Morning After Pill is available in 44 countries around the world.

The Yuzpe regiment of pills is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Two doses must be taken in 12-hour intervals and it is considered to be a bit more effective than the progestin only regimen.

Mifepristine is a drug that is used as emergency contraception or as an abortifacient. In the US Mifepristone is not used as emergency contraceptive method. However, in China, it is often used for this purpose. In the US, Mifepristone is not among the emergency contraception measures that are approved.

Birth Control Options

The Morning After Pill is not the same as the Abortion Pill. Abortion Pills are taken after the fetus has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. A pregnancy is already established whereas with the Morning After Pill, no pregnancy has been determined.

Emergency contraception is frowned upon by Pro-Life groups that consider that life commences the moment the wheels of conception begin to turn. All the same, groups that support the use of the Morning After Pill site that the process prevents ovulation and the egg is not released. Consequently the Morning After Pill is along the equivalent to birth control pills. The egg is not released and is not imbedded in the lining of the uterus.

The Morning After Pill can now be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. The side effects that women may get with Morning After Pills include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and blood clot formation. It is also important to note that the Morning After Pill provides no protection from any sexually transmitted diseases.

Again, the Morning After pill should not be considered contraception. This is an emergency measure that shouldn't be abused. If you are having sex, then use other forms of birth control that will work to make pregnancy less likely and protect against STD’s. Apply responsible sexual behavior and guard yourself from undesirable results and learn more about your birth control options before you engage in any sexual activity.

About the Author

Tess Barksdale is your average new century woman, author, mother, daughter, friend, and businesswoman. Tess writes on many topics but loves discussing all things women. Find out more about birth control options by visiting Tess at her website at http://womenshealthreport.org or her blog at http://womenshealthreport.org/blog

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