V. Ways to intervene or avoid pregnancy

Today, with so many uncertainties in women’s reproductive rights, access and options, it is important to define and understand the varying and available methods to avoid or intervene pregnancy. Here we identify the differences between pregnancy prevention, suppression, sterilization, maturation and termination.

i. Prevention. Prevention includes using any form of contraception including condoms, IUD’s, birth control pills, rhythm + withdrawal or abstinence. These varying methods are used to prevent conception and avoid pregnancy. Some of these options may require a prescription or medical supervision/involvement and others can be found over the counter or should be consensual between partners.

ii. Suppression. The morning after pill method(s), is a safe and effective way to prevent/suppress an unitended pregnancy after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. This does not cause an abortion. It works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg and by thickening the cervical mucous to impede fertilization within 3-5 days after having intercourse. The suppression ‘method’ may require a prescription or medical supervision/involvement, and some options are available over the counter as well.

iii. Sterilization. Eliminating the chance of getting pregnant by means of surgical intervention via permanent birth control is an option for some. There are the two common types of sterilization for women and men. For women, a tubal ligation or having her "tubes tied”, is a safe and highly effective option to prevent pregnancy permanently by blocking or sealing or removing the fallopian tubes to prevent the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilized. This does not change hormone levels, menstrual cycles or menopause onset. For men, a vasectomy — also called male sterilization — is a simple, effective surgical procedure that protects against pregnancy by blocking the sperm from leaving the body via cutting or sealing the tubes that carry sperm called the vas deferens. Both tubal ligation and vasectomies are meant to be permanent, therefore serious thought and consideration should be taken before electing for sterilization.

iv. Maturation. Men can father healthy children into old age, though sperm quality continues to decline in men over 50. However, once a woman is in her mid-to-late thirties and older, the chances of naturally getting pregnant reduces significantly. We are not saying that aging inhibits pregnancy, however the chances dramatically decrease —particularly in women as their reproductive organs continue to mature. In addition, certain risks can increase to the fetus and the mother as maternal age advances. Therefore, having unprotected ‘middle aged and beyond’ intercourse is less likely to result in a viable pregnancy. However, when in doubt, use a condom or other form of contraception.

v. Termination. Termination ends an existing pregnancy. It can be remedied with medication or with a surgical procedure. These methods can aid in the treatment of miscarriages (a nonviable pregnancy) or an undesired pregnancy. How a termination is performed, whether it is due to a miscarriage, health related (for either maternal or fetal indications) or elective, depends upon access, where you live and how far along you are/gestational age. These procedures, whether medical or surgical, are safe and effective.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. Discuss all/any contraception, suppression, sterilization or termination issues, questions or concerns with your personal doctor.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.