4B - The Pill An Update

Question 1

The Pill: an update

Answer 1

At present ~150 million women rely on oral contraceptives worldwide
Oral contraceptives are “anovulatory agents” –ie they prevent ovulation
When used properly, they are virtually 100% effective

Question 2

Progesterone

Answer 2

hormone of pregnancy

Question 3

3 Estrogenic Hormones

Answer 3

Estradiol, Estrone and Estriol
Estriol is a metabolic product of Estradiol and its concentration increases drastically during pregnancy
Responsible for secondary sexual characteristics
Also skin elasticity, bone development

Question 4

Progestins

Answer 4

Stopped ovulation
Could be taken orally
But small amount of “breakthrough bleeding”
“Combination Pill” : Progestin and estrogen
Dosage: 1/day for 21 days, off for 7, can miss one

Question 5

The MiniPill

Answer 5

Uses a progestin alone without any estrogen
Dosage: Take every day of the year!
NO Estrogen, hence fewer negative side effects

Question 6

Nestorone?

Answer 6

A new synthetic progesterone, very similar in structure to the natural hormone

Question 7

The Day After Pill

Answer 7

RU-486 available as a “morning after” alternative
Another steroid
Causes disintegration of the uterine lining
Fetus starves and dies from lack of nutrients
RU-486 mimics a miscarriage & causes bleeding over 9-14 days.

Question 8

cotton

Answer 8

Hunt for the male “pill”
Gossypol-occurs naturally in the seed, stem and root of the common cotton plant
Reduces the sperm count in seminal fluid
No effect on sex hormone levels or libido

Question 9

Side effects of gossypol

Answer 9

Causes irreversible sterility in some men

Minor side effects are nausea, loss of appetite, inability to perspire