The effects of RU-38486 on cervical ripening: clinical studies

Article Abstract:

Mifepristone, or RU-486, inhibits progesterone synthesis and induces abortion in 60 percent of pregnancies of less than eight weeks when administered alone, and in 95 to 100 percent of pregnancies when administered in combination with prostaglandins. Even when not effective, Mifepristone has been observed to ripen and dilate the cervix. Since this may be a valuable property of the drug, a study was undertaken to determine the effective dose range of Mifepristone. Six experimental groups of 30 women, with pregnancies at less than 12 weeks gestation, were administered one of five doses of Mifepristone or placebo 48 hours prior to surgical abortion. The Mifepristone doses were 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 milligrams. Cervical measurements showed that after 48 hours, the 400 and 600 mg doses achieved cervical dilation. Some patients reported abdominal cramps at doses greater than 50 mg, and bleeding episodes increase with higher doses. No patient required hospitalization for excessive bleeding. Other drugs, particularly the prostaglandins, dilate the cervix. However, prostaglandins should not be administered to patients with diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and several other disorders. To date, Mifepristone has not been contraindicated for any condition. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Product/Service Evaluation, Cervix uteri, Mifepristone (Medication)

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Mechanism of action of intrauterine contraceptive devices and its relation to informed consent

Article Abstract:

The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) may prevent pregnancy by postfertilization as well as prefertilization actions. Researchers reviewed two databases of medical literature to investigate whether the IUD prevents pregnancy by disrupting postfertilization implantation and whether doctors inform women of this fact before inserting the IUD. The literature confirmed that IUDs work primarily by preventing postfertilization implantation rather than by a spermicidal prevention of fertilization. Doctors should inform women of how the IUD prevents pregnancy before insertion, as some women may object to this method of birth control on moral grounds.

Analysis, Informed consent (Medical law), Informed consent, Intrauterine contraceptives, Intrauterine devices

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Effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse

Article Abstract:

Emergency contraceptive pills may still be very effective in preventing pregnancy if used more than three days after sexual intercourse. This was the conclusion of researchers who studied the so-called morning after pill in 131 women who used the pills within three days and 169 who waited longer.

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