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What You Should Know About NEW Birth Control MethodsThere are some exciting new choices available for birth control, especially with regard to extended cycle contraceptive methods with fewer periods per year. This page will outline some of the methods recently arriving to the U.S. There are two reasons for a delay compared to other countries: First, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a more lengthy approval process than in Europe. Second, since more American women are already satisfied with birth control pills, start-up costs for a new method could easily exceed 150 million dollars. This may give American women a hidden advantage—women in other countries test these methods before they become available here, and potential adverse effects are discovered. The new methods make highly effective contraceptive options available to women who:
EXTENDED CYCLE BIRTH CONTROL PILLSThese are traditional birth control pills taken for up to 12 weeks in a row, so the woman will have only 4 periods per year. Seasonale® is packaged in this manner, but other brands of pills can be taken in this fashion, with our guidance. The patch and ring can also be used in a similar manner, with our guidance and supervision. PROGESTERONE-ONLY Birth Control Pill (“MINI-PILL”)Many women who have not had good results with regular birth control pills have done well with the “Mini-Pill,” because it contains no estrogen. Women who quit pills often did so because of the side effects of estrogen, NOT the progesterone. The “Mini-Pill” is about 97% effective, may be used by breast-feeding mothers, and is a safer option for smokers over 35. DEPO PROVERA®Women complain about the amount of effort required with most birth control methods. Pills should be taken the same time each day, a diaphragm must be inserted before intercourse, and lovemaking can be interrupted for use of condoms and spermicides. Many have been pleased with Depo-Provera® - a long-acting injection given every three months. It provides 98% protection against pregnancy. Among side effects of Depo-Provera is an unpredictable return to fertility and interrupted menstrual patterns, usually resolving after the second injection. It contains only progesterone, and can be used by nursing mothers and smokers over age 35. Eventually, most women report very scant periods. THE NEW IUD’sAn IUD is a small “T”-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus as an office procedure. The presence of the IUD acts to disrupt the balance/environment within the uterus in such a manner as to prevent pregnancy about 99% of the time. The Mirena® IUD can be kept in place for five years, and provides an immediate return to fertility on removal. While in place, it requires no attention. This IUD decreases or eliminates menstrual flow because it contains the progesterone levonorgestrel. There are few cramps after insertion. The ten-year Paragard® IUD contains copper, and no hormones. It is highly effective for at least ten years. The user may have more cramps and slightly longer periods compared to Mirena. THE CONTRACEPTIVE “PATCH”Just like the “no smoking” nicotine patch, the contraceptive patch—Ortho-EVRA® is available in our office. This patch has both of the hormones currently in the Pill; and the hormones are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Each patch is worn for a week, and after a series of three or more, there is a week when you do not wear a patch. About 10 percent of women will have significant skin reactions, and will not be able to use the patch. The patch is not suitable for women who exceed certain weight requirements. THE CONTRACEPTIVE “RING”The new contraceptive “ring” NuvaRing® is available in our office. The device is a soft silicon ring about 2 inches in diameter that the woman inserts in her vagina, and then removes and discards it after 3-4 weeks. The device contains both a synthetic estrogen and a progestin, just like the Pill. After three-four weeks, there is a week without the ring, just like the week of “sugar pills” in a pack of birth control pills. The effectiveness is equal to the Pill, and there are fewer side effects. Because the hormones in the ring are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, there is much less nausea. The ring can be removed for very short periods of time if the patient or her partner desires. The ring is not suitable for women who exceed certain weight requirements. "MORNING-AFTER-PILL” (EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION)The “morning after pill” is really not one pill, but several birth control pills taken under our supervision to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or condom failure. It is not meant to be used for routine birth control. If properly taken, the “morning after pill” is almost 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. The critical time for success is less than 72 hours after intercourse. To use this “emergency” method, the woman should contact our office as soon as possible following unprotected intercourse. PERMANENT STERILIZATIONOur office provides two methods of permanent sterilization: Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization and the ESSURE® method. Laparoscopy uses an incision in the umbilicus and a tiny incision in the lower abdomen. This procedure is done under general anesthesia in a surgical center, and there is a 2-4 day recovery period.
WHEN YOU NEED OUR HELP:Drs. Hodes and Nauser, and Colleen O’Donnell, RN-C are known for their dedication in helping women find suitable contraceptive methods. Because of their research association with major pharmaceutical companies, the office has access to new developments that are not yet widely available. They have been involved with the research protocols necessary for approval in the U.S. of some of the methods mentioned above. To discover whether these new methods--or traditional ones--are appropriate for you, call our office for an appointment. We are eager to provide care for you, and your friends or family. Center for Women’s
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Last modified: 05/04/08 09:15:45 AM |
