What does EVERYTHING mean?! pt.2

We are back with part 2 of our “What does EVERYTHING mean?!” series, there was a lot we didn’t cover on our last post and today we’ll try to help you understand a little bit better this crazy fertility world

Remember our staff is always ready to answer your questions!

• COC: COC, also oral contraceptives, are birth control pills that contain synthetic estrogen and progestin.
• D&C: or dilation and curettage, is a surgical procedure where a doctor removes tissue from the uterus. There’s different reasons a D&C may be performed, some of them are if there’s abnormal vaginal bleeding, the body didn’t expel all of the placenta after giving birth, or after a miscarriage or abortion.
• D&E: or dilation and evacuation, is the medically preferred approach to abortion after 14 weeks. There are no incisions on the cervix or uterus.
• ECP: or emergency contraception pills, are a safe and effective form of emergency contraception containing either the progestin levonorgestrel (Plan B and others) or the progestin blocker ulipristal acetate (ella) to prevent pregnancy
• IUD: or intrauterine device, is a very effective form of long-term and reversible birth control (sometimes called LARCs) that is also used for non-contraceptive reasons like heavy or painful periods. A doctor inserts the T-shaped device into your uterus, which, if you’re using it for contraceptive reasons, then prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. If you’re using it for non-contraceptive reasons, the IUD helps to thin the uterine lining to make periods shorter, lighter, and less painful.
• M&M: or mifepristone and misoprostol, are the two safe and effective medications used in medication abortion. Mifepristone works by blocking the activity of progesterone to stop the pregnancy from growing. Misoprostol works by inducing cramping to open the cervix and empty the uterus.
• OCP: OCP, or oral contraceptive pills, are another way to refer to birth control pills.
• POP: POP, or progestin-only pills, are oral contraceptive pills that only contain progestin (aka no estrogen). POP are often referred to as minipills.

Learning new terms can be overwhelming which is why we are giving them in small dosis, keep an aye out for our next and last entry of “What does EVERYTHING mean?!”