These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Prostaglandins and progesterone receptor antagonists in human fertility regulation.
    Author: Healy DL.
    Journal: Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol; 1994 Jun; 34(3):357-60. PubMed ID: 7848216.
    Abstract:
    Anti-progesterone medicines have now been extensively studied for human fertility regulation. The combination of the anti-progesterone Mifepristone with prostaglandin analogues such as Gemeprost and Misoprostol have been used in several European centres for medical abortion. Used before nine weeks gestation, these medicines have similar efficacy to surgical abortion. In addition, administration of progesterone antagonists within five days of unprotected intercourse appear effective in pregnancy prevention. Anti-progesterone medicines are not currently available in Australia. The introduction of progesterone receptor antagonists and modern prostaglandins would save approximately $10,000,000 per year to the Australian Health Budget. Furthermore, the introduction of progesterone receptor antagonists for emergency contraception would have even greater financial and emotional savings for Australian women. In Australia, when known carcinogens can be purchased over the counter, it is surely time for Australians to consider effective emergency contraception bought over the counter. Medical researchers have thoroughly investigated antiprogesterone drugs as means of human fertility regulation. Several European centers have conducted studies of the antiprogesterone mifepristone (RU-486) combined with prostaglandin analogs (e.g., gemeprost and misoprostol) as means of medical abortion. RU-486 and a prostaglandin analog administered before 9 weeks gestation has the same efficacy as does surgical abortion. Progesterone antagonists administered within 5 days of unprotected intercourse can be an effective emergency contraceptive method. Australia has not yet made antiprogesterone drugs available to women. If the government would introduce progesterone receptor antagonists and prostaglandin analogs, the Australian Health Budget would save about $10 million/year from medical abortion. If it would allow women to have access to progesterone receptor antagonists for emergency contraception, Australia would save even more money and women would be relieved of more emotional energy. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, Australia must think about having emergency contraception be available over the counter. It allows carcinogens to be available over the counter. Women from the UK, France, and Sweden have access to emergency contraceptive options, so should Australian women.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]