by APFLI | Oct 20, 2004 | Contraception - Chemical Methods / Hormonal Contraception / Emergency / Morning After Pill
By Hans E. Geisler, MD, FACOG, FACS Definitions Contraceptive – An agent for the prevention of conception[i] Contraception – Prevention of conception or impregnation[i] Impregnation – Act of making pregnant[i] Pregnancy – The condition of the female from conception to birth[i] Abortifacient – An agent that produces abortion[i] Abortion – Giving birth to an embryo or fetus prior to 20 weeks gestation. May be spontaneous or induced[i]. Life – The state of existence characterized by active metabolism[i]. Prenatal life – That interval of life between conception and birth; in humans, usually divided into embryonic and fetal periods[i] Metabolism – The sum of the chemical changes occurring in tissue[i] [NOTE: the term "conception", which used to be synonymous with "fertilization" was redefined by the abortion and contraceptive industries in the 1960s to mean "implantation of the embryo in the uterus".] Mechanism of Action Intrauterine device ("Three independent mechanisms have been suggested for the contraceptive action of IUDs, although none has been conclusively established."[ii]) 1. Inhibition of sperm capacitation and survival[ii]. "The data supporting a predominantly spermicidal effect of IUDs are surprisingly weak."[iv] 2. Inhibition of implantation[iii],[iv],[v],[vi]. Absence of elevated bhCG only proves lack of implantation not lack of conception[iv]. 3. Interference with sperm transport from the cervix to the fallopian tube[ii]. Birth control pill 1. Prevents ovulation by inhibiting gonadotropin secretion via an effect on both pituitary and hypothalamic centers[vii] 2. Production of an endometrium which is not receptive to conceptus implantation[v],[vii] 3. Production of cervical mucous which is thick and impervious to sperm transport[vii] 4. Possible decrease in secretion and peristalsis of fallopian tube[vii] Long-Acting methods of...
