[Kenji86]

Hey guys, firstly I'd like to make it clear this isn't a debate topic for pro and anti- abortionists. We all have our own opinions and this time I'm seeking the opinions of those who have preferably experienced an abortion or are relatively informed about it. Don't get me wrong, I doubt the majority of peoples would want an abortion if they had a suitable solution.

Having started an active sexual relationship with my gf this year I've been abit more curious and aware about these sort of topics. Given my gf last had her period around the 16-18th last month (she can't remember ") I guess I have been abit spooked since its the 21st this month already and she still hasn't had her period, and I thought periods always came earlier and earlier each consecutive month since its only a 28 day cycle? Or is it normal that she could be a few days later this month? Especially since she's been on iron tablets due to iron deficiency and has recently just halted them? Any girls who wish to comment on the period lateness issue?

Anyway back to the topic, but yeah given the sorta spook as we wait, I guess it crossed my mind what would happen and what we could do in the event of an accident. Anyway for early pregnancies picked up, say before 12 weeks old, what are the general options (abortion wise) available? And also can this sort of procedure be undertaken on a day basis? As in can one go in, have the procedure/abortion carried out, and go home that same day without anyone (i.e her parents) finding out? Any girls who've been through this similar situation?

Just looking for general heads up info i guess form those who've been through the same thing or are generally informed about what's involved, costs, risks (not as well educated about this side) and everything.

Oh and another side question out of curiousity: I know morning sickness (throwing up) isn't a symptom of every lady who's pregnant, but is it generally quite probable? And if so does this sort of symptom show up immediately upon becoming pregnant say that week or two after, or only say a few weeks or more?

[HaplessChild]

Morning sickness usually doesn't start until a couple of months in if I'm not mistaken. I wouldn't get too worked up about your gf's cycle just yet though, especially if she's on any kind of birth control. There are all sorts of things that could put her cycle off: stress, major change in eating habits (when I became a vegetarian by cycle went a little nutty,) change in BC brands, forgetting one day and doubling up can throw you off a little, weight loss/ gain, etc, etc. The easy way to put your mind at rest would be a test.

Anyhoo, abortion laws and restrictions/ regulations will depend on your locality. Abortions are usually out patient.

[vividified]

its only a few days late, nothing to be worry about. The lateness can be caused by a lot of other things as well.

[Petite_Mal]

28 days is just an average cycle length. Few women actually have exact 28-day cycles -- your gf's could be 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, etc. days. It may even vary in length month to month (irregular cycle). You should ask her to start charting so you'll know for the future. This is a good book to read to learn more about fertility in general.

I don't really know much about abortions, sorry.

As far as morning sickness goes, it typically begins between week 4 - 6 of pregnancy (keep in mind that pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period), and up to 80% of all women will experience it. There are other very early symptoms like extreme fatigue, very frequent urination, and breast tenderness + growth that usually go hand-in-hand with the nausea.

Anyway, if it makes you feel better, I wouldn't freak out. Any given cycle, a healthy couple actually only has about a 20 - 25% chance of conceiving, and that's only if they've had intercourse within a very small window of fertility.

Good luck on your gf not being preggers!

[Meenuh]

Maybe you should take a pregnancy test?

When you get an abortion you go home the same day. They just have you come back in to check and see if you're still pregnant because there's a chance they didn't get it out the first time. So yes, she would be able to get an abortion and go home the same day without her parents knowing.

Morning sickness doesn't come usually until later on. Probably the first symptoms would be always tired, increased appetite, and breast soreness but it's different for everyone.

Next time you decide to have unprotected sex there is a pill you can buy. I think Plan B is the most popular. It's basically a high dosage of birth control and the sooner you take it the better chance of not becoming pregnant. That's why they call it the morning after pill. Now keep in mind, that doesn't mean that she's protected for the whole month. Just from that ONE occurence.

[Myss Blewm]

From what I recall in brief conversations about a friend of a friend I believe abortion procedures do not require overnight stays for the person getting an abortion. You can always look up information at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ You can search to see if there are any locations that you can visit. They'll have better answers than I can ever give. Many places are nice when it comes to money issues and they're all really nice people.

[mstar]

I'm a bit iffy on this subject, but I suppose well informed. I'll talk assuming you're in the US-- can't speak for other countries.

Depending on how far along she is, there are different options. For early pregancies, you can opt to take RU-486 (mifepristone). It is a medical aborption pill. Can be used up to 49 days after conception (7 weeks). I believe its sucess rate is around 97-98%.

Take the pill, some anti-biotics. Afterwards, you'll take a second pill (I believe misoprostol?). Third, a check-up. In the rare case that she is still pregant, she will have to have another form of aborption (most likely aspiration). No major worries, as for a docter to issue you RU-486 they must also agree to perform another form of aborption should it fail.

The above is the most common for those who find out early, and make the decision quickly. Cost is around $300-500, but you can get it waived-- check your local clinic (particularly: Planned Parenthood). The procedure is more or less straight forward. Pain medicine, sedation, etc. Speculum for opening, possibly other tools for dilating the cervix. A vaccum is then used to remove the fetus. You're more or less leaving the same day with some antibiotics.

After that, your option is pretty much aspiration (vaccum). This is more or less valid until 16 weeks or so. Cost ranges from $300 and onwards (up to $1000), depending on where you do it.

There's also D&E, but I don't think it's necessary to discuss. Also the above procedure can also end up as a D&C (dilation and curettage), although this is more commonly done during miscarriages to make certain whether the uterus is empty or not (they'll use the curettage to remove any excess tissue for an abortion).

No personal expierence with abortion, but yes on the other similiar one. My knowledge on this subject is pretty much due to all the little pamphlets I read at the clinic and at the hospital.

[questions987]

About abortion procedures,

It's outpatient and she's sent home within an hour or two of getting to the office. There's some spotting on cramps that might happen but other than that - it's nothing out of the ordinary from maybe a really harsh period.

Cost is based on your health insurance and income and they would determine that at the the time of the appointment.

On a side note:
Aborotion is a really tough topic and it's really hard to face. It's easy to say what you're going to do before you're faced with the situation, but when it actually happens - it's harder to say. Whatever happens, it's the woman's decision and pressure either way won't help her. Even in Roe vs. Wade, Roe has said that she regrets her decision years later. So - it's too early to worry for you, but in all honesty, if you're stressing about this now, maybe you shouldn't be having sex because the consequences of an abortion are almost as bad as the consequences of having a child before you're ready.

[mstar]

Does insurance start covering abortions now? I figured they would cover it when it endangers the health of the mother, but otherwise not. Been awhile since I've checked.

[Myss Blewm]

^From what I've read, some insurance companies cover abortions, but not all. You must check with your insurance company first.

[oceansgurlie]

Does insurance start covering abortions now? I figured they would cover it when it endangers the health of the mother, but otherwise not. Been awhile since I've checked.

it probably depends on your insurance plan but i checked mine and under Kaiser Permanente, abortions are covered and you just have to pay the $15 co-pay just like any other doctor's visit. hope that helps!

[shotamerican]

morning sickness varies from woman to woman. mine started at 2 weeks.
you sure your gal is okay with you posting all this info on the net?

if i were you guys i would just opt for the $9 home test or something.

i would find out if you guys are pregnant first, before thinking about abortion.
accident or not, the moment you find out, you could change your mind about everything.
i'm not anti-abortion or anything, but it's just a thought.

[Kenji86]

@DreamingSaturn: nope she is not on any Birth control methods. She was always quite iffy about the whole hormonal negative impact of say the pill, and I took the general hint that she preferred to avoid such things due to the health wise side. So yeah unfortunately that comfort excuse isn't there =(

@Petite_Mal: Yeah I've just been so used to her period creeping forward on the day of the month for each consecutive month, that being later than 30 days this time around has sort've freaked me out. I mean I always thought form what she said that it should always creep forward. Not too sure about her having irregular periods though, it's not something she's brought up before so I assume she's quite consistent? And at our age it should be as well (in terms of the body not going through puberty etc). So you said pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period? So the first day from when she first started bleeding back in April would be considered the first day of pregnancy? And out of curiousity where did you pluck the 20-25% chance thing of conceiving?

For the record we've always used a condom. Although I do feel guilty that i've always never done the pull out method even with the condom on... i guess we always felt it was safe enough and less of a buzz killer to keep it in when I came. But yeah I mean given that I don't know what I'd do and how I could face up to the odds that using a condom something still went wrong... hopefully that day wont come. On another note, I do remember fretting towards the end of March since we'd just 'tried' unprotected for a short while. You know just at the start one or two times going in and out since she wanted me to feel what it was like without plastic on. Maybe another time when i needed help staying hard to put the condom on. But yeah these were for so short before I put the condom on, and then she went on to have her period in April so I felt all relieved.. but the more i read up on this topic, could the April period have been just spotting or the lighter 'fake' period which is actually from pregnancy. I mean she has said her periods seem to be lighter now, but yeah she always reasoned it was due to her medication (iron tablets) and since she was no longer iron deficient she wouldn't lose as much blood during her periods. Could we have overlooked this? I guess im digging up all sortsa past facts and fretting/worrying while i wait for some sorta good news that her periods come for this May month... But yeah besides that march times where we 'tried' the feel of it unprotected, i've always used a condom. If it didnt roll on properly we were safe, ditched it and got a new one. After the nights end I'd always check/squeeze the tip abit once its all tied up to sorta pressure test if anything would leak out and nothing. So I'm quite scared that somehow against the odds and all this checking/safeness I've still landed myself in hot water.

I guess I just feel abit sore that so many couples do it unprotected, sleep around, all sortsa unsafe practices and get away with it for ages. Im barely 3-4 months through and playing it safe and... *sigh*.

@Meenuh: No need for the morning after pill since I'd never do it unprotected ever again if I get past this scare. AFter the little worry in March of just putting it in once or twice, I decided never to just 'try' anyway. So a condom will always be on that thing. Unless the condom breaks of course. Currently praying for dear life that if I get through this month or two with her periods coming constantly that perhaps I'll ask her about a second form of protection. Or worse come worse perhaps I'll have to sacrifice some intimacy/fun by withdrawing even if i have a condom on.

Just a quick question but how many who lead active lives actually withdraw when they or their partner comes?

@Myss Blewm + Mstar: I'm down under eastern side of Australia. So yeah, since you were assuming us. The RU-486 I have only heard of being legislated recently but i think its generally not being used in practice. So far from my readings the abortion procedures seem to be either the pill over time (although still uncertain if this is done in aus) and secondly the surgical procedure of sucking it out. I don't take either lightly. But does anyone have any facts or info about the procedures and any risks?? Does next to everyone end up fine? And althoguh your out of the clinic that same day, a person would effectively need to rest up the next day too right? Or are they strong enough to go into work?

@questions987: I agree totally. Abortion is definitely not something I'd be proud of or plan ahead as my backup plan if accidents happen. To be honest I have no excuse. I'm one of those people who knows whats ideally right, but doesn't do it. I know the whole talk talk about if you're worrying now, you're not ready for sex, that sorta thing. And yeah I know, I'm a sinner. I still know that ideally we shouldn't be doing anything, particularly before marriage. But for us it just happens when you're alone. For us we're not really a rough , pleasure seeking (although of course we both enjoy it) couple. But rather its more of an intimate/close thing. To be honest I struggle still with one side of me the sinner, and another side of me who knows the ideals. I know we have both graduated and started work so we have careers to build. I know we have families with expectations. Things to see. Places to travel. Parties to party hard at . All sorts of things before we get into something like a child and marriage. I know all this and yet I'm a sinner. I don't know if anyone else is in the same situation. I don't think I'm a particularly bad person. I think anyone who knew us would be shocked since we're just good, friendly pplz to everoyne else. We're educated, work hard, you know all that stuff... so i guess its been playing on me the social consequences, and the financial side. But i guess mostly the whole idea of this derailing our career, finances, and just our general life (seeing things while we're young.. you know those things they say you've just gotta do before you miss out) puts me off.

If i make it through this month, she has offered that we could cool it down or stop. Perhaps once a month than say once a week, but yeah I'm not quite sure what I'll do. Im just waiting, praying, hoping, for that magic msg to come through on msn or over the phone that she's got her period.

@shotamerican: i understand your thoughts. I do think quite ahead/abit of a worry wart and fretter. But yeah I wish I could change myself. She's more of a 'i haven't thought about that' sorta thing, which is what she's like now. So I guess I'm doing the posting for her. She doesn't know about it, but I don't plan to give away personal details. Just asking for some general opinions that's all.

[HaplessChild]

If you guys are having sex regularly I would STRONGLY suggest the pill, the patch or an IUD. I'm sorry but condoms are just a crap form of contraception. And pulling out? Yeah right...

If she goes to the doctor they will tell her that there are several different types of birth control pills and they can find one that suites her personally. I just had a bad stretch with the pills I was on and now I'm on a new brand and everything is fine. However, I'm on the pill and I still spaz out with the fear that it's just "spotting" as well. That fear is a good thing, keeps you vigilant.

It may be trial and error and she may feel crappy for a little while but it's well worth the peace of mind. I would strongly reccomend you pushing that issue with her and ask her to get on the pill. Tell her you'll pay for half.

[Kenji86]

Yeah, I know theres pill, patches etc, they were all hormonal methods and that was what was iffy with her. I feel abit bad subjecting someone to hormonal additions like that, but yeah I will try to talk the issue over more if we get past this month *touchwood*. So from what peoples are telling me, there's more than one type of pill? Like how theres progesterone and estrogen (is that the two types?) and you can get mixes, or just one type? and some pplz respond badly to some and ok to others? So if we trial and error we can find one with minimal effects? I just don't want and I Think for her the main thing is she doesn't want, any pill that has any health effects through the hormonal changes. The IUD is that the device fitted inside? And is that expensive, complicated/risky and easy to undo?

As for pulling out I meant pulling out with a condom on... don't know if that really increases effectiveness that much? But yeah I'd never dare to dream using pull-out method for the whole time, putting it in for a thrust or two for the feeling was a one off thing last time i'd never do again (after getting abit paranoid about it after i realised the potential risk). So yeah rest assured in that sense

The pill is quite expensive though isn't it? I mean it has to be taken daily, 365 times a yr? And the same time everyday? wow but surely some days you forget to take it at 9am or something... and i heard failure to take it at the same time results in effectiveness lowering quite abit?

[Meenuh]

Yeah, I know theres pill, patches etc, they were all hormonal methods and that was what was iffy with her. I feel abit bad subjecting someone to hormonal additions like that, but yeah I will try to talk the issue over more if we get past this month *touchwood*. So from what peoples are telling me, there's more than one type of pill? Like how theres progesterone and estrogen (is that the two types?) and you can get mixes, or just one type? and some pplz respond badly to some and ok to others? So if we trial and error we can find one with minimal effects? I just don't want and I Think for her the main thing is she doesn't want, any pill that has any health effects through the hormonal changes. The IUD is that the device fitted inside? And is that expensive, complicated/risky and easy to undo?

As for pulling out I meant pulling out with a condom on... don't know if that really increases effectiveness that much? But yeah I'd never dare to dream using pull-out method for the whole time, putting it in for a thrust or two for the feeling was a one off thing last time i'd never do again (after getting abit paranoid about it after i realised the potential risk). So yeah rest assured in that sense

The pill is quite expensive though isn't it? I mean it has to be taken daily, 365 times a yr? And the same time everyday? wow but surely some days you forget to take it at 9am or something... and i heard failure to take it at the same time results in effectiveness lowering quite abit?

You choose the time you take the pill. You can take it in the afternoon or the evenings but you always take it at the same time. Yes, people do forget to take the pill sometimes and I believe they just tell you to double doses the next day.

[HaplessChild]

I personally prefer Ortho TriCyclen. I've used TriNessa and a couple of other brands. The one that I just stopped taking, the dosage was WAY too low and I ended up having a period that lasted 2 1/2 weeks! I experience some weight gain with ortho tricyclen but it makes the boobage bigger too so it's ok.

Put it this way, the hormones are in her body already, all the pill does is release and regulate what she's already got going on inside. If the medical community felt that the risks weren't worth the weight the pills would not be on the market.

Some brands cost more than others. I'm paying about $20 more than was I was paying before because I like this brand with the higher dosage better. I only pay about $30 a month total though. The brand I had before was like $10 a month. That's nothing compared to the price of diapers.

The pill [usually] works like this: you get a pack of 28 pills.



Starting with the white pills, the dosage of hormones decreases until you get to the green pills which are just sugar pills. You are protected from day one of the white pill. Each pill covers 24 hours (which is why you have to take it every day.) If you forget to take it at [let's say 6] take it as soon as you remember. If you forget and skip a day go ahead and double up the next day.

Ingredient Name: NORGESTIMATE (nor-JES-ti-mate) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole)

Drug Manufacturer: ORTHO

Common Uses: This medicine is progesterone and estrogen combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine: WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine increases your chance of having heart problems. Do not smoke while using this medicine. Women greater than 35 years of age and women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day are at a greater risk for heart problems. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking azole antifungal medicines such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, acitretin, aprepitant, bosetan, barbiturates, griseofulvin, carbamazepine, topiramate, tetracycline antibiotics, hydantoins such as phenytoin, St. John's wort, or rifampin without talking with your doctor. An increased risk of pregnancy has been identified when taking these medicines with birth-control pills. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, felbamate, HIV protease inhibitors, nevirapine, modafinil, beta-blockers such as metoprolol or carvedilol, lamotrigine, pioglitazone, penicillin antibiotics, theophylline, troglitazone, troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including cancer, diabetes, headaches or migraines, high triglyceride level in the blood, high blood pressure, recent surgery, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are at risk for developing severe blood clots or have certain heart problems (such as certain heart valve problems or certain types of irregular heartbeat); chest pain caused by angina; certain types of headaches or migraines with aura; severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure; diabetes that affects circulation; endometrial, cervical, or vaginal cancer; estrogen-dependent growths; undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding; active liver disease; or liver cancer or tumors. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of blood clotting problems, severe blood clots (such as in the lungs, legs, or eyes), certain blood vessel problems (such as bleeding in the brain, heart attack, or stroke), breast cancer, or yellowing of the eyes or skin caused by pregnancy or prior birth control use. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have had surgery and are or will be confined to a bed or a chair for an extended period of time, or if you are older than 35 years old and you smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. AN ADDITIONAL PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR about how you should start to take your first pack of this medicine. IF YOU BEGIN TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE on the Sunday after your period starts, ask your doctor if you need an extra form of birth control for the first 7 days of your pack. IF YOU ARE SWITCHING FROM ANOTHER BIRTH CONTROL PILL to this medicine, start this medicine on the same day that you would have started a new pack of your previous birth control pills. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about how to switch from another form of hormonal birth control to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH OR WITH FOOD. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU ARE USING A 28 DAY PACK, start the first pill from the new pack the very next day after taking the last pill from the previous pack. IF YOU ARE USING A 21 DAY PACK, wait 7 days after taking the last pill from the previous pack before you start the first pill from the new pack. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE at the same time of the day. Do not skip doses even if you do not have sex very often. Do not skip pills if you are spotting, bleeding, or nauseous. If you have these side effects and they do not go away, check with your doctor. IF YOU MISS ONE DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. You do not need to use a backup form of birth control if you only miss 1 pill. If you miss more than 1 dose, read the extra patient leaflet that comes with this medicine or contact your doctor for instructions. YOU MUST USE A BACKUP FORM of birth control if you miss more than 1 dose. If you are not sure how to handle missed doses, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms) until you talk with your doctor. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Cautions: SMOKING CIGARETTES while using this medicine may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. IF YOU HAVE VOMITING OR DIARRHEA for any reason, your medicine may not work as well. TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants while you are using this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. USE OF THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, difficulty wearing contact lenses, mood or mental changes (such as depression), or vaginal itching or discharge. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience calf/leg pain or swelling, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, lumps in the breast, sudden severe headache, sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, yellowing skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Overdose: If overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent or severe nausea or vomiting or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

[Myss Blewm]

First, the internet is your friend. It only took me a couple minutes to find a site that is like Planned Parenthood. If you and/or your girlfriend are interested, this site might be helpful in finding a health clinic that can help you with more in depth questions you may have about birth control and abortion procedures.
http://www.mariestopes.com.au/

Pull out method with a condom on: Pulling out with a condom on lessens the chances of an accidental pregnancy, but I think it only is about 5 - 10 % more effective than not pulling out. Either way, like some of the other posters, if you're regularly having sex and you and your partner aren't ready to get pregnant other methods of birth control are always a good idea. The patch (Ortho Evra) is a pretty good method. I think it more or less has the same effects of the pill. I just like that you don't have to take a pill everyday. Just put a new patch on every week, though in the fourth week you skip on it and let your period do it's thing. You can also look into getting a shot (Depo-Provera). You only have to get the shot every three months. Although, with a heed of warning, once I went into a clinic and this girl I was talking to said she took the shot and said it failed to work. A friend of mine uses the ring (NuvaRing). It's a ring you put into your vagina once a month for three weeks. All these methods have the same side effects as the pill and like one of the posters said, it depends on a person's body which method works best with them.

Non-hormonal products like getting a diaphragm or sponge also work as well. Most of these products you'll have to put inside the vagina prior to intercourse. And it'll be more effective than just your condom. There's also the IUD. It's pretty effective, but it may slip so you always have to look out for that when your girlfriend gets her period. It's long lasting and easy to remove. Common side effects are spotting between periods, heavier period flows, and menstral cramps/backaches.

Back to abortion there are two methods, the pill method and the surgical method.
Pill Method: It can be used up to about 63 days after your pregnancy, but it depends on from clinic to clinic. First you take the abortion pill which will break down the uterus and discontinue the pregnancy, and then awhile later you'll take the misoprostol which will empty out the uterus. You will get cramps and heavy flow. It'll last for a few hours, but you might see some spotting up to about four weeks after you take the misoprostol. Most times the woman will feel dizzy, have stomach aches, cramps, maybe a bit of a fever. Don't take aspirin to help relieve the pain though, go for ibuprofen or Tylenol instead. A couple weeks after you take the medicine you'll have to go in for a follow up to see if the abortion is complete.

In-Clinic:
What I got from Planned Parenthood's site:

There are two abortion methods to end pregnancy. In one, health care providers do an in-clinic abortion with medical instruments. The other method is the abortion pill. It is done only with medication.

There is more than one kind of in-clinic abortion procedure. The most common is called aspiration. It is also known as vacuum aspiration. Aspiration is usually used up to 16 weeks after a woman’s last period. More than 9 out of 10 abortions in the United States happen during this time.

D&E — dilation and evacuation — is another kind of in-clinic abortion. D&E is usually performed later than 16 weeks after a woman's last period. Less than 1 out of 10 abortions in the United States happen during this time. After 24 weeks of pregnancy, abortions are performed only for serious health reasons.

[nanshi]

This is terribly inaccurate AND it's difficult to gauge... BUT if your girlfriend is really ultra paranoid about going on the birth control pill and/or other hormonal methods, maybe you could try it the old fashioned way. Most couples who are trying to get pregnant have these ... "procedures" where they schedule out when she's ovulating, what time of the month is the peak/perfect time to try and get pregnant and when she stops ovulating. It's certainly not one hundred percent accurate, BUT if you're already using a condom, then it shouldn't be incredibly difficult to "schedule" sex around times when she's ovulating and more prone to getting pregnant. Just... do the reverse of what those couples do. I think there's a few at-home tests you can buy to recognize ovulation and stuff like that (or you can just look it up online and generally it's... pretty obvious, lol.. ie. she gets really really horny. It's just biological imperative because the body WANTS to procreate).

Personally, I would just invest in a diaphragm if I were her. I think there's one that can be left in for up to 24 hours before actual intercourse and not lose its efffectiveness (the diaphragm typically has to be covered in a spermicide as well for it to work as well as possible). Have her talk to her gynecologist about non-hormonal female forms of contraception.

[the_enigma]

the pill is pretty safe, or so my doctor tells me. yet like ur gf, i dont want my body being messed around with hormones. its just so unnatural. actually when u have ur period or "withdrawal bleed" while on the pill, ur not really menstruating. you only bleed because ur taking the sugar pill and there are no hormones in it. so you have control and know exactly when u will get your "period" but its not your real period. some women on the pill opt to never have their period and thats just wrong as well in my opinion. thats so unaturally for ur endometrium to not go thru the cycle of renewing itself every month.

As for DreamingSaturn, who thinks the pills only regulate the hormones that are already inside, thats wrong. the pills ARE hormones. they contain oestrogen or progestrogen or both. once you get a constant supply of hormones, your body detects there are high levels in the blood so it will no longer make its own hormones. this is referred to as negative feedback. so basically ur oestrogen and progesterone while taking the pill is all exogenous (coming from outside the body). gotta love being a pharmacy student.

dont get me wrong, i would advocate the pill for someone sexually active. i even considered getting it at one stage but since im not even in the same city as my bf (recently ex, now) i dont need it lol (is that overshare?). anyways the doctor was telling me there is a form of the pill that is more expensive but has less side effects. he assured that one would not make me gain weight. a couple of my friends have gained weight while on the pill, i thinks its a common side effect. and to repeat once again, its very safe. maybe u should really consider it with ur gf if shes up for it.