Contraception: 3. Prevent Embryo Implantation or Development

Question 1

What are the contraceptive methods that prevent embryo implantation or development?

Answer 1

• MAP (morning-after-pill)
• intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• RU 486 (mifepristone)

Question 2

What is the morning-after-pill?

Answer 2

• a course of pills which mast be started within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse

Question 3

How does the morning-after-pill work?

Answer 3

• it is a combination of oestrogen and progesterone which completely confuses the normal hormonal signals
• resulting in either the prevention of fertilisation or the inability for a fertilised egg to implant

Question 4

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

Answer 4

• a small object made of plastic, copper or stainless steel that is inserted into the uterus

Question 5

What does an IUD do?

Answer 5

• prevents implantation of the blastocyst

Question 6

What is RU 486 ?

Answer 6

• another pill that uses mifepristone
• must be taken within the first 7 weeks of pregnancy

Question 7

How does an RU 486 pill work?

Answer 7

• it blocks the action of progesterone so that if implantation has occurred the endometrium will disintegrate
• resulting in a miscarriage