Morning-after Pill-If, as a result of unprotected intercourse or a condom bursting around the time of ovulation, fertilisation may have occurred, two pills (Eugynon 50 or Ovran) can be taken within 72 hours, but preferably 48 hours, of exposure followed by two more 12 hours later. Pregnancy is now unlikely to occur.
However, a pregnancy test must be carried out 3—4 weeks later and a barrier method of contraception should be used in the meantime. There is a risk, however theoretical, that if the woman is pregnant and continues, the foetus may be damaged by the pills. Your GP or any clinic can provide the service. (Some clinics remain open even over the Christmas holiday for this purpose). Alternatively an IUD can be fitted and has the same effect.
Male pill-Hormones as well as other substances such as gossypol, discovered by the Chinese, and D-propranolol, a drug normally used to reduce blood pressure, have been tried in Pills for men. Since a man makes 100,000 sperms per minute, compared with a woman’s one egg a month, it is a tall order and all formulations have problems in practice. Whatever is possible technically though, one survey of over a thousand women found that two-thirds would not trust a man who said he was taking a male Pill.
Anti-progesterones-These substances block the body’s progesterones. One such product, RU 486 (mifepristone), is undergoing trials. It can be given by mouth, vaginally, or by injection. If given in the second half of the cycle or early in pregnancy it usually results in menstruation occurring. In this respect it is similar to an IUD.
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