LIPSTICK LOGIC BLOG
Statement of Purpose
Lipstick Logic ™ LLC was founded in 2008 to provide education and health conferences for women. This blog was developed as a way to reach a larger female audience with a wide range of science-based health topics. With woman’s rights having been set back 50 years due to Roe v. Wade being overturned, our focus on women’s issues and health seems even more important.
A new day has dawned for women in America. Freedom of choice can no longer be taken for granted. The Supreme Court ruled against a woman’s right to have an abortion. Although some states will continue to provide education and abortion services, many states are pursuing legal changes to terminate women’s rights, criminalize their actions, imprison practitioners, and even track a woman who might leave her state to obtain needed healthcare elsewhere.
Several years ago, Dr. Betty, a specialist in internal medicine, wrote a primer on contraceptive issues and related biology. Over the next several weeks, this Lipstick Logic blog will provide updated information from that primer.
CONTRACEPTION is a broad topic. Even if you have had a child and have grown up in an age where options for women’s reproductive rights were rights, you may learn new information to share with other women, your daughters, granddaughters, and the men in your life.
ORAL MEDICATION FOR ABORTION will be our first topic. It is a safe option if chosen early in pregnancy. But, if you live in a state that has banned abortions, this medication will not be available to you. Always consult with your private physician regarding your situation and any medical concerns you have.
If you are interested in reading researched, science-based information regarding women’s health and human rights, please join us by subscribing to this blog.
Everyone woman of voting age must vote to protect her rights and freedom.
Betty and Bev, The Lipstick Logic Sisters
Author Note – Betty Kuffel, MD FACP
This science-based publication is a quick reference to understanding the natural processes of reproduction and contraceptive choices available today. Information related to sexual assault and sexually transmitted disease is also included.
My desire is to provide information for informed choices and make this publication widely available to all ages. Reproductive and contraceptive education is known to reduce unplanned pregnancies and the risk of sexually transmitted disease. The need for abortions can also be minimized.
The information is current at the time of publication. Individualized guidance must be obtained from your health practitioner or pharmacist.
Make informed choices. The effects of what you do today will be with you the rest of your life.
If men got pregnant, there would be safe, reliable methods of birth control.
They’d be inexpensive, too.
Anna Quindlen, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist
and bestselling novelist
ORAL MEDICATION
ABORTION OVERVIEW
The 1973 Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade legalized ending a pregnancy during the first twelve weeks following conception. Prior to the legalization, women were forced to go to untrained abortionists, or aborted themselves using all sorts of objects including knitting needles and rug hooks. Often, they died of hemorrhage and sepsis from infection.
In 2000, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first oral medication to induce abortion, (RU-486). A newer, lower dose drug, Mifeprex (mifepristone), is also available. The FDA lengthened the duration of time it can be used to 70 days (10 weeks) of gestation. The time is calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period.
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone cell receptors, a hormone important in maintaining pregnancy. It is used in combination with misoprostol to complete the abortion.
- Misoprostol softens and dilates the cervix and induces uterine contractions to expel the products of conception. There will be significant cramping and some bleeding when the abortion occurs. A follow-up visit with a practitioner is recommended.
Following the advent of birth control pills, improved education and more options for contraception, pregnancy rates fell, as did the number of abortions. There are still times when women decide to end a pregnancy, however, the current Supreme Court ruling makes it illegal to end any pregnancy even those resulting from violent rape or incest.
Procedure:
* Patient receives counseling, signs an agreement form, and is given a copy of the FDA Mifeprex (GENERIC- mefepristone) Medication Guide.
Note: Cost is markedly reduced from the approximate cost of $100/pill, to $14.00 using WebMDRx.
* A certified healthcare provider dispenses the medications.
* Mifepristone, 200 mg, is taken by mouth.
* 24-48 hours later, misoprostol, 800 mcg, is taken as directed.
This method is 98% effective. If the abortion is incomplete and some tissue is retained, such as remnants of the placenta, a procedure may be necessary to remove the tissue to stop bleeding and infection. See www.fda.gov/drugs/ for detailed information.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
THE MORNING AFTER PILL
Emergency Contraception (EC) can be used to reduce pregnancy risk following unprotected intercourse. When taken early and correctly, the medication is usually effective following a rape or unexpected situations such as a broken condom. EC must be used soon after intercourse and will not be effective if pregnancy has already occurred.
If you are raped, Emergency Contraception is recommended to prevent pregnancy. This medication is usually provided in the Emergency Room if the victim seeks medical assistance and a rape exam to collect forensic specimens. Medication to prevent sexually transmitted diseases is also given to victims.
Note: An emergency contraceptive prevents pregnancy. It does not cause an abortion. This treatment will be unavailable in many states under the new Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Roe v. Wade right to privacy and abortion.
The “Morning After Pill” has many forms: Plan B, One-Step, My Way, and others. They are available over the counter, without a prescription. There were no point-of-sale restrictions prior to overturning Roe v. Wade. Many states still allow use of this medication.
Progestin is a hormone that stops or delays ovulation and is best taken within three days of unprotected intercourse. It will not end a pregnancy. Talk with a pharmacist for information and side effects. Cost: ~$40.
This prescription medication delays or prevents ovulation. It can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. (It is thought to be more effective than either progestin-only or a combination hormone pill containing both estrogen and progestin.) Cost: ~$40-$60.
These pills contain both estrogen + progestin., taken in two doses and result in delayed ovulation. For dosage, consult with a physician or pharmacist. More information may be found at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730 Cost ~$30
Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
If you are overweight or obese, effectiveness of EC pills is reduced. Insertion of a Copper IUD is effective and provides contraception for ten years. IUDs must be inserted by a health practitioner. More information will be provided later on IUDs. Cost is variable. Placement may be free at Planned Parenthood clinics.
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