Do you know everything there is to know about contraceptives, STIs/STDs, morning after pill, adoption, abortion, post-abortive syndrome, fertility or natural family planning? The Minnetonka Life-Care Center wants to help you gain the knowledge needed to make decisions regarding these topics.

CONTRACEPTION

What is Contraception? It is an artificial method of manipulating the natural biological functions of the reproductive system in order to prevent pregnancy.

What it does…

It is important to remember that whenever we administer something artificial into our bodies in order eliminate or suspend reproductive functions...we are opening ourselves up to serious side effects and complications. Our society has desensitized us to the terminology "side effects" to the point that we gloss over the true meaning of what that might entail. No matter what your decision is about contraception - it's important that you make an INFORMED decision. You have the RIGHT to know what you are putting into your body, what it will do to you in the long run.

You have the RIGHT to know that there is another option...a safe option that puts YOU back in control of your
fertility...your biology...your health.

What you NEED to know about the following before you decide to use the following:
 

Birth Control Pills
Depo Shot
IUD's
Ortho-evra
Norplant
NuvaRing
Condoms
Morning After Pill
Abortion
Fertility
Natural Family Planning

Birth Control Pills

What is the Birth Control Pill? 11 The birth control pill is any drug which uses artificial hormones to keep a woman from getting pregnant or from staying pregnant by interfering with her normal fertility.

What it is..

There are several types of the Pill on the market, but they basically break down into two groups: combination pills and progestrin-only “mini-pill.”*

The combination type contains two artificial steroids that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Some pills work in a “monophasic” way, keeping the dosage of hormones the same throughout the pill cycle. Others work in a biphasic or triphasic manner which alters the dosage of artificial hormones two or three times respectively through the cycle of pills, attempting to produce fluctuations similar to what a fertile woman would undergo naturally.

The progestin-only “minipill” uses only one artificial hormone, progestin, which is a steroid that has a progestational effect similar to natural progesterone.

What it does…

Suppresses Ovulation

Both pills act to prevent the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). However, women can and do experience breakthrough ovulation – meaning that an egg is released from the ovary and is available to be fertilized by the sperm.

Prevents Fertilization

Both types of pills also cause the cervical mucus to thicken, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. It is possible, though, for the sperm to break through the mucus and to fertilize the egg.

Inhibits Implantation

Both types of pills change the lining of the uterus. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the five –to-seven-day-old baby to attach to the lining of the uterus, where it would receive the nourishment needed to grow. If the baby does not successfully attach to the lining of the uterus, he/she dies and is expelled from the body during menstruation. This process is known as a chemical abortion and is why the Pill is referred to as an abortifacient.

The lower the dosage of the pill, the more likely it is to work by causing a chemical abortion. Other birth control methods that cause chemical abortions (abortifacients):
All Hormonal Contraceptives
Depo-Provera (the shot)
The IUD
Ortho-Evra (the patch)
Norplant
Nuva ring
“Emergency” contraception (Morning-After Pill, Plan B)
 

Important warnings:

There are possible side effects with the use of any type of birth control pill:
Cycle irregularities: bleeding or spotting mid-cycle, changes in menstrual flow, and even loss of menstruation.
Painful menstruation (dysmenorrheal)
Headaches; migraines
Depression
Decrease of sex drive
Abdominal cramps
Bloating, weight gain or loss, and water retention
Nausea; vomiting
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
And more…
 

“The Shot” Depo-Provera

What is Depo-Provera? Depo-Provera is the marketing name for the most widely-used inject able method of birth control in the world (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, or DMPA).*

What it is…

Depo-Provera is a long-acting, man-made hormone. It has been available in some parts of the world for 20 years or more and has been used by doctors specifically to abort children. That is why Depo-Provera was not approved in the U.S. until the mid-90’s.

Important warnings:

Some common side-effects:
Headaches
Weight gain
Mood swings
Abdominal discomfort
Dizziness
Fatigue
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
Serious risks are rare, but include heavy bleeding, sterility, increased risk of cervical cancer, adrenal gland suppression, hair loss, depression, decreased sex drive, and risk of breast cancer.

 

IUD

What is an IUD? An IUD is an intrauterine device made of plastic and/or copper that is inserted into the womb (uterus) by way of the vaginal canal.

What it is…

One type releases a hormone (progesterone), and is replaced each year. The second type is made of copper and can be left in place for five years. The most common shape in current use is a plastic "T" which is wrapped with copper wire.*

Important warnings:

The IUD has some possible side-effects:
septic abortion-infection that can cause high fever, endometriosis and other complications
continuation of pregnancy-potentially dangerous for baby and mother
ectopic pregnancy-could be fatal if not discovered in time
pelvic infection which can lead to sterility
embedding the IUD in the uterus which is very painful
perforation of the uterine wall or cervix
perforation of the urinary bladder
spontaneous abortion
backache
copper toxicity (Wilson's disease)-poisoning of the organs
anemia-decrease in red blood cells causing weakness and lack of energy
localized pain that persists each time ovulation occurs
Not effective against sexually transmitted infection

“The Patch” (Ortho Evra)

What is Ortho Evra? Ortho Evra is a thin beige patch that measures 1 3/4 inches on each of its 4 sides. The transdermal—or "through the skin"—weekly birth control patch attempts to prevent pregnancy by delivering continuous levels of the hormones norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol (progestin and estrogen, respectively) through the skin and into the bloodstream.*

What it does…

Hormones from patches applied to the skin get into the blood stream and are removed from the body differently than hormones from birth control pills taken by mouth. You will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen if you use Ortho Evra than if you use a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen. In general, increased estrogen exposure may increase the risk of side effects.

Important warnings:

The patch has possible side-effects:
Nausea
Breast symptoms
Headache
Emotional Liability
Blood clots
Stroke
Heart attacks
Not effective against sexually transmitted infection

NuvaRing

What is NuvaRing…
NuvaRing is a flexible contraceptive ring that is about two inches in diameter. The ring is self-inserted into your vagina once a month. The muscles in your vaginal wall will keep the ring in place for three weeks. During that time, it will slowly release hormones into your system in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.*

Important Warnings:

Some possible side-effects:
Headaches
Elevated blood pressure
Bleeding irregularities
Ocular lesions
Blood clots
Stroke
Heart attack
And more…
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections

 

Norplant

What is Norplant…
It is a birth control method that requires the surgical insertion of six flexible rods into the arm of the woman who will be using it. The rods contain a chemical called levonorgestrel, a man-made hormone. This chemical is slowly released into the woman’s body. One insertion of six rods will last for up to five years.*

Important Warnings:

Some possible side-effects:
Discomfort in the area of the arm where the rods are surgically implanted
Difficulty in surgically removing the rods
Increased bleeding and spotting associated with the period and sometimes in between
Changes in blood pressure
Risk of heart attack
Headaches
Increased body weight
Blood clotting
Mood swings
Ovarian cysts
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections

Condoms

What is the condom? A sheath made to cover the penis before intercourse to attempt to prevent the sperm from joining the egg.

What it is made of…

The sheath may be made of thin latex, plastic, or animal tissue

What it does…

Acts as a barrier to attempt to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Important Warnings:

Condoms slip or break from 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent of the time.
Less than half of 15- to 19-year-old males report using a condom consistently over the past year.
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections
Some side-effects:
Reaction due to an allergy to latex.
Loss of sensation

MORNING AFTER PILL

What is the Morning After Pill? The morning after pill (also known as emergency contraception) is promoted as a quick and easy answer for unprotected sex, but there are some important things you should know before taking the pill.*

What it is…

The morning after pill comes in two forms: Progestin-only pill and Estrogen and Progestin combination pill.

The morning after pill contains the same hormone as regular birth control pills, but the dosage prescribed is several times the strength of a daily birth control pill.

What it does…

The morning after pill works like a birth control pill. See section on Birth control pills.

Important warnings:

The morning after pill has possible side effects:
Approximately 1 out of 4 women studied experience menstrual bleeding and nausea.
Approximately 1 out of 5 women studied experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and headache.
Other side effects include:
Changes in menstrual cycle
Breast tenderness
Dizziness
Vomiting
Also, you may be at an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing somewhere other than in the uterus) should you take the morning after pill and become pregnant. Ectopic pregnancies can be, on rare occasion, fatal if you are not able to identify it and get medical attention immediately.

ABORTION

What is it? An operation or other intervention to end a pregnancy by removing an embryo or fetus from the womb.

What it does…surgical abortion?*

Early Non-Surgical Abortion

A drug is given that stops the hormones needed for the fetus to grow. In addition, it causes the placenta to separate from the uterus, ending the pregnancy.
A second drug is given by mouth or placed in the vagina causing the uterus to contract and expel the fetus and placenta.
A return visit to the doctor is required for follow up to make sure the abortion is completed.
Possible Complications
Incomplete abortion
Allergic reaction to the medications
Painful cramping
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Infection
Heavy bleeding

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion

A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to prevent discomfort or pain.
The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators. The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen.
A tube is inserted into the uterus and is attached to a suction system that will remove the fetus, placenta and membranes from the woman’s uterus.
A follow up appointment should be made with the doctor.
Possible Complications

Incomplete abortion

Pelvic infection
Heavy bleeding
Torn cervix
Perforated uterus
Blood clots in uterus

Dilation and Curettage Abortion

A local anesthetic is applied or injected into or near the cervix to prevent discomfort or pain.
The opening of the cervix is gradually stretched with a series of dilators.
The thickest dilator used is about the width of a fountain pen.
A spoon-like instrument (curette) is used to gently scrape the walls of the uterus to remove the fetus, placenta, and membranes.
A follow up appointment should be made with the doctor.
Possible Complications
Incomplete abortion requiring vacuum aspiration
Pelvic infection
Heavy bleeding
Torn cervix
Perforated uterus
Blood clots in uterus

Dilation and Evacuation

Sponge-like tapered pieces of absorbent material are placed into the cervix. This material becomes moist and slowly opens the cervix. It will remain in place for several hours or overnight. A second or third application of the material may be necessary.
Following dilation of the cervix, intravenous medications may be given to ease discomfort or pain and prevent infection.
After a local or general anesthesia has been administered, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus with medical instruments such as forceps and suction curettage. Occasionally for removal, it may be necessary to dismember the fetus.

Possible Complications

Blood clots in the uterus
Heavy bleeding
Cut or torn cervix
Perforation of the wall of the uterus
Pelvic infection
Incomplete abortion
Anesthesia-related complications

Dilation and Extraction

This method may be performed between 20 and 32 weeks gestation.
Sponge-like tapered pieces of absorbent material are placed into the cervix. This material becomes moist and slowly opens in the cervix. It will remain in place for one to two days. A second or third application of the material may be necessary.
After a local or general anesthesia has been administered, the fetus and placenta are removed from the uterus with medical instruments such as forceps, suction and curette (a spoon-like instrument). It may be necessary to dismember the fetus.

Possible Complications

Risks are similar to childbirth
Uterine infection
Heavy bleeding
High blood pressure
Rare events such as blood clot, stroke or anesthesia-related death
What it does…chemical abortion?
RU 486, Mifepristrone (within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP)
This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.*

Important Warnings:

According to Life Dynamics Incorporated, you have rights regarding abortion:
You have the right to insist that your abortion is performed by a licensed physician.
You have the right to know whether this physician has ever had his or her medical license suspended.
You have the right to know if this physician has a history of medical malpractice.
You have the right to verify that this physician has medical malpractice insurance to protect and/or compensate you in case you are injured or killed during the procedure.
You have the right to insist that if you are injured during the procedure you are to be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency hospital or trauma center.
REMEMBER: Regardless of your age, marital status or any other factor, no one has the legal right to make you have an abortion.*
If someone is trying to force you into this decision against your will, contact ULCC 612.623.3211 or call 1-800-401-6494.

What do I need to be thinking about before I make an appointment for an abortion?
(See Your Options – Abortion)
(See Three questions you need to ask yourself if you're considering abortion)

FERTILITY

What is fertility?

Our body’s capacity to breed or reproduce/ to get pregnant/ to develop offspring.

What happens…

Some facts:

Men are fertile all the time.
Women are fertile approximately 5 days in a month.
Healthy vaginal discharge (cervical fluid) is the number one sign that a woman is fertile.
Estrogen is a hormone that causes the cervix to produce cervical fluid.
Cervical fluid is for sperm to swim.
When healthy cervical fluid is present sperm can live for several days in a woman’s body.
An egg can live for approximately 12-24 hours.
A new human life is created when the sperm fertilizes the egg.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural Family Planning is a system of observing a woman’s cycle of fertility and timing sex accordingly.

What happens…

Some facts:

NFP is up to 99% effective (if both the man and woman attend classes and work together to track her symptoms every day).
NFP is not difficult to learn.
It’s free (except for the initial cost for the classes).
There are no unhealthy side effects.
It increases communication between the couple.
It increases romance because you find other ways to show affection.
It increases respect, especially for the woman.
The divorce rate for couples who practice Natural Family Planning is less than 5%.*

 

*Indicates source of information

Before You Decide. 2003. Carenet
Birth Control Pills: How They Work. 1999. American Life League
Depo-Provera. 1997. American Life League
Fertility Appreciation.
Healing After Abortion. 2002. Focus the Family. www.family.org/pregnancy
IUD. 2007. American Life League
The Morning After Pill. CareNet
Norplant. 1997. American Life League
www.nuvaring.com
www.orthoevra.com
The Pill: How does it work? Is it safe?. 1993. The Couple to Couple League
STI/STD Facts Sheet. 2007. ULCC
Patient Rights for the woman who is seeking a legal abortion. 2004. Life Dynamics Incorporated

 

Return to top of page