The day after pill - why have so many unwanted pregancies in this day and age?

[fernie]

This post is inspired by another post.

Let this be a lesson to everyone here - [duh] condoms break and some girls aren't on the pill or haven't remembered to take it every day. Some girls won't take the pill as it fucks them up hormonally and makes them cry all the time. Some girls won't take the pill because they think it will make them fat. Some girls won't take the pill as they worry about long term effects of taking the drug. I had a g/f who wouldn't take it because she said it made her dry and not in the mood for sex. Some women don't take the pill as it may fuck up other medications they're taking. [Example: The infamous Selena has made it clear that she's not on the pill.]

Let's say you're doing it and the condom breaks. Get thee to a doctor, a walk in clinic, emergency room or the hassle free clinic for the "day after pill". I think you have 24-36 hours for her to take the emergency contraceptive pill [which is I think a condensed version of the daily does birth control pill taken in two doses]. The earlier she takes the pill, the more effective it is. I think she needs to speak to the doctor, as I don't think they hand it out to guys. It is a freaking free service that could prevent major grief and emotional trauma. [Apparently it will soon be over the counter in Ontario - as in Quebec and B.C.]

And if she does get pregnant, and wants to terminate it. Tell her she can get a shot in the hip procedure to abort the pregnancy if she's within the first 7 1/2 weeks. It's best to just get it done asap, but most people put their heads up their asses and don't deal with it until it's not an option. Otherwise she can go under at a hospital or get it done at a clinic when she stays awake through the procedure.

I've been there, done that. I still can't believe that me and g/f went through this because we didn't realize that Day One of the cycle is the first day of bleeding - so when she said, "Don't worry, my period just ended last week - I'll be fine "... we were actually in prime time for her getting pregnant. I should have paid closer attention to my sex ed. class.

Only other info I learned was that the drug store pregancy kits are nearly 100% accurate. I thought you needed to go to a doctor's office to make absolutely sure, but the doctor said it was a reliable method.

And I think that the Bay Centre for Birth Control or the Hassle Free clinic can book appointments and walk you through this.

Fernie

 

[Kitty]

And if she does get pregnant, and wants to terminate it. Tell her she can get a shot in the thigh procedure to abort the pregnancy if she's within the first 10 weeks. Otherwise she can go under at a hospital or get it done at a clinic when she stays awake through the procedure.

I have never heard of this. Do you have anymore info?

 

[fernie]

From the hassle free clinic web page:

There are two types of abortions: surgical and non-surgical.

The start of your pregnancy is considered to be from the first day of your last normal menstrual period.

Vacuum Suction Curettage (VSC) is a surgical procedure that can be done up to 14 weeks in the hospital and up to 20 weeks at some clinics. The cervix is dilated (opened up), instruments are inserted into the uterus and a machine provides gentle suction to remove the contents. Laminaria tents are used in all procedures done at the hospital, and for clinic procedures when the pregnancy is 14 weeks or over (Laminaria tents are thin pieces of sterile seaweed that are put into the cervix. They slowly open up the cervix to make the procedure easier and more comfortable.)

Methotrexate and Misoprostol (M&M) is a non-surgical abortion that can be performed up to SEVEN weeks from the start of your last menstrual period. An injection of Methotrexate given into the hip muscle stops the growth of the pregnancy. Misoprostol tablets are put into the vagina at home five to seven days later. This causes the uterus to contract and expel the contents usually within 24 hours. In about 35 per cent of cases, it may take several days or weeks. A surgical abortion may be needed if the drugs have not worked and the abortion is not completed.

Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) is a surgical procedure that can be done up to 7½ weeks from the start of your last menstrual period. A flexible plastic tube is put into the uterus. Pulling back on the syringe creates a gentle suction and the contents of the uterus are removed. You are awake during the procedure and it takes about 10 minutes.

 

[fernie]

My only other comment, the day I took my g/f for the abortion was one of the shittiest days I've experienced. I can't imagine how it was for her to have to go through it. Even though neither of us wanted to have a kid, we never got back on track after it. I'm not preaching or trying to be an infomercial, just thought this might make sense in this forum.

Fernie

 

[fernie]

Maybe if this info was circulated more, less people would have to go through the experience.

Fernie

 

[[ALIMEISTER]]

The art of swallowing....Very interesting!

 

[elmo]

Tell her she needs to learn the art of swallowing

Did anyone else get wood when the read this? Sara, does this mean you swallow?

 

[zog]

This is true

I'm sorry for what happend to you but one thing you missed in all of your info. is that when a woman takes the morning after pill she's really,really,REALLY sick for about 2 days.

This is a very important point. It's also true that the "morning after pill" is not 100% safe; some women have even more serious side-effects that can last much longer than the two days of severe discomfort that is standard. Add to this the fact that it is also not 100% effective and one realizes that the "morning after pill" is not the simple, magic, answer to a broken condom that some people seem to believe.

For some men, terminating an unwanted pregnancy is no different from clipping an unwanted fingernail or getting a haircut. Unfortunately, very few women, regardless of their moral position on the concept of abortion, can be so sanguine about this procedure. As men, we can't really relate to what it feels like to think, or know, that another human being is growing inside our bodies. Even for women who agree that abortion should be a woman's choice, it is usually a very difficult decision to make when it becomes personal.

All this said, sometimes terminating a pregnancy (or potential pregnancy) is the right choice for a woman who is not in a position (or place in her life) to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. However, when this situation comes up, it is not a simple or uncomplicated decision.

Some men have been writing about these procedures as though they were as simple as popping a pill to get rid of a head-ache. This is not a realistic way of approaching this type of major decision. If anyone is in a position where their significant-other (or other friend, acquaintance, or associate) is facing this type of decision, the last thing you should do is treat the choice as a "no brainer".

Zog.

 

[The Baroness]

Although I agree 2 days of feeling shitty isnt the best, a whole childhood of shit is alot worse.


(and yes I know there are other options)

 

[Mrs_Stiffler]

One of the key points though is also knowing when the "prime time" is for pregnancy. If you are within a couple of days of your next period, then chances are that the greatest risk from the broken condom is STDs, and if you are with your regular partner, then maybe that's not such a concern. In that case, skip the morning after pill.

But if you are within that 10 to 14 day time slot after the first day of the last period, you are in the danger zone. It's amazing how many women still don't know their own bodies and cycles. Ever watch the Maury Povich show trot out some uneducated young girl who is testing the 12th man to see if he might finally be the father of her five year old child?

 

[fernie]

I'm thinking that the medical professional dispense a lot of this info to girls who try to get the emergency pills. I'm not a Doctor or an asshole for thinking that people on the board could benefit from this type of info.

Fernie

 

[Goober Mcfly]

Mrs. S: The rhythm method of birth control works! 1,000,000,000 Catholics can't be wrong? Oops, 1,000,003,543. Shit! 1,000,025,724.

Dammit.

*runs off singing "Every Sperm is Sacred"*

 

[Annessa]

Some Facts

Fernie...




I want to say first and for-most I agree with this topic as it is very important discussion.


What I find bothersome at a level 10 is the post you made about abortions and the details of them. Now, I'm going to get a little personal and say I have gone through the mental, emotional and physical experience of an abortion that I had a very difficult time dealing with (many woman do) but I dealt with it.

SEEING it in black and white written down in technical terms is a horrible trigger, esp. since there are many woman that use these boards as well. (Perhaps, take out the detailed desc. of the procedures used. It's too much)

I'm still very surprised at how much seeing that after all this time startled me into a flashback.


_______________________________________________


Your information on the birth control pill is somewhat accurate. The major reason why woman don't take the birth control is the possible side-effect. Tell me if you would chance taking a medication that has a side-effect list like this;


Menstrual Cramps, Spotting, Depression, Nausea, Missed Periods, Abdominal Pain, Abdominal Bleeding, Chest Pain, Jaundice, Headaches, Shortness Of Breath, Weight Gain Or Loss, Breast Tenderness, Changes In Mood, Change In Sexual Desire, Leg Pain, Eye Problems, Increased Risk Of Blood Clots, Stroke, Heart Attack & DEATH.
*Cigarette smoking, heart conditions, other medications increases the risks, especially if you're over 35*


Sounds Great! Where do I sign? :/ Would you take the pill now Fernie?

I'm not saying don't take the pill I'm saying it's not as easy as 'get on the pill' anymore. There are ALOT of things to consider when you look at that list.

As for the morning after pill you can take it from just after intercourse up until 72 hours.

There are many methods of using double protection if the pill is not an option. A diaphragm, IUD, Depo Provera, A sponge, etc.
There are more things to be concerned about then just pregnancy like STD's. So any woman in this business (if they are a smart woman in this business) always uses 2 forms of protection and go for regular check-ups.



All the best,
Annessa

 

[fernie]

The black and white info was taken from the hassle free clinic web page in response to Kitty's question. It was not meant to offend, but inform.

Fernie

 

[Mrs_Stiffler]

Definitely the rhythym method is the most unreliable. I'm just trying to point out Goob that if it is the day before the girl's period, there's probably no reason to run out and get the morning after pill and suffer through that agony. I'm amazed at how little a lot of women know about their own bodies. When I give seminars, the questions astound me. Unfortunately, due to pressure from anal retentive parents, the school boards have seriously scaled back the sex ed portion of health classes before junior high. I talk to 18 year old boys who actually believe they will go blind if they masterbate. Girls who don't know what the clit is or how to find it. And 40 year old women who have never given a bj, or had an orgasm.

Sorry for jumping on the soapbox for a moment gang. I think enjoying your own sexuality, safely and within your own limits, should be part of the charter of rights and we bloody well owe it to our young people to teach them to be comfortable with their own bodies, through knowledge.

 

[Annessa]

The Morning After Pill

Since this topic is about the morning after pill I will do the same that I did for the Birth Control Pill.


You know, as modern society evolves into the future science, medicine, tech, etc. is all a part of it. I don't believe that a 'product' that can make it easier for a woman to not get pregnant or 'end' a pregnancy is the issue. The fact that women (and people in general) are not educated enough in what all of this can do to a person. I gre up in a day and age where anything relating to sex, womanhood, alcohol, drugs was NEVER a discussion in my strick Roman Catholic Italian home, and whatever little information was given it was because of our 'nationality says that' or our 'religion says that'

There are so many unwanted pregnancies because people are not educated/releasing that you can have the most incredable Safe & Amazing sexual experience with someone and not have to fall victim to any sort of stereotypes and stigmas.


Some Important Info:
______________________________________________

* Morning After Pill *


In April 2003, the makers of the morning-after pill (a high dose of the birth control pill) applied to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin selling the so-called “emergency contraceptive” over-the-counter. A decision is expected by February 2004 regarding removal of the prescription requirement.

“The FDA would have to violate its regulations, and would be unleashing an unsafe drug on unsuspecting women, if it agrees to allow the morning-after pill to be dispensed over-the-counter,” said Wendy Wright, Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) senior policy director.

The FDA is only allowed to approve drugs that have been rigorously studied for safety and effectiveness. However, the FDA based its 1997 approval of “emergency contraceptives” upon a review of published literature on the morning-after pill, NOT ON MEDICAL TRIALS. No studies have been done on the morning-after pill’s long-term effects or its repeated use.

To obtain regular birth control pills, a woman must visit a physician for a physical examination and return annually for check-ups. “This is vital, since some of the adverse effects [of oral contraceptives] are known to be life threatening,” wrote Carol Denner, R.N., legislative liaison for CWA of Virginia, in her CWA paper, The Morning-After Pill. If the morning-after pill (which is 50 times stronger than regular birth control) is approved as over-the-counter, no exams or check-ups will be administered.

Proponents of the morning-after pill claim it is effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, the pill is actually less effective at preventing pregnancy than most other forms of contraceptives.

The morning-after pill carries the side effects of regular birth control pills, including: changes in menstrual cycle; nausea; vomiting; headaches; abdominal pain or cramping; weight gain; and hot flashes; swelling of the face; ankles or feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; acne; trouble sleeping; loss of sexual desire; skin rash; mental depression; blood clot formation; numbness; and ectopic pregnancy.

Some countries, including the United Kingdom, France, parts of Canada, and other European countries, have made the morning-after pill available without a prescription. But pharmacists and nurses are now seeing the damage this has caused.

Nurses in London are calling for tighter regulations on the morning-after pill throughout the United Kingdom, where it has been available over-the-counter since January 2001. The nurses fear that females as young as 10-years-old are receiving the pills without proper medical checks and without addressing warnings about the pill’s potential side effects. The nurses’ call comes with release of new statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The pill may add to the increase of STDs because women are relying on it, rather than abstaining from sex. However, the morning-after pill does not protect women from contracting STDs or HIV/AIDS. “With the false hope that the morning-after pill is the perfect protection, it is only reasonable to expect that already high rates of sexually transmitted diseases will climb even higher,” wrote Elizabeth Bossom in the CWA policy paper, Contraception or Deception.

Another dark side to the morning-after pills is that they could be slipped to unsuspecting women. When they are available without a prescription, anyone can obtain them. Men are already abusing the pill on unsuspecting targets, and in at least one country where it is easily accessible.

______________________________________________

I was actually shocked at some of the information I read that I didn't know about the MAP, I personally have not had a situation where I needed to take the MAP, but I'm sure there are women out here who has. I hope this helps in some way.



Annessa

 

[DenWa]

Tell her she needs to learn the art of swallowing then there isn't a mess or any fears of anything going wrong because you can't have an accident if she's swallowing. Again just my 2 cents worth.

Sara, you dirty girl. I miss you...check your pm's.

DW

 

[DenWa]

So many pregnancies are preventable. Accidents happen, but it's so often the result of ignorance, laziness, or the mind-boggling delusional habit people have of not wanting to use some sort of protection.

My brother came to visit me in L.A. in December. He "fell in love" with Lil'Miss' best friend, and they had two days of unprotected sex in which he blew off inside of her without a care. So, she missed her next period, and it turned out to be a false alarm but she went to planned parenthood to get birth control. They wouldn't give it to her, as she smokes over a pack a day. So instead they give her a bunch of condoms and a morning after pill. Well, she was pissed, cause she doesn't want to quit smoking (brilliant, eh?) and she hates condoms. So after being apart for 3 weeks, she and my brother are reuinited. Still not wanting to use condoms, they have another 2 days of unprotected sex since she figured she can just take the morning after pill.

There are so many people like this it is almost beyond belief. I can't belief the casual attitude people seem to have about using what should be a last resort as a normal means of birth control.

DW

 

[syn]

She hates condoms??? I don't get it. What difference does it make to her if he's wearing a condom? Is she allergic to them? And is your brother nuts? Why would he put his dick inside someone that self destructive. God knows what diseases she has if she doesn't use condoms ...

Syn

 

[DenWa]

exactly....the fact that she has known us for years is irrelevant...that's some dangerous thinking.

DW