Your Questions Answered
What is new in reversible contraception?
There are more than 3 million unplanned pregnancies each year in the US. Of those, 54% will eventually terminate. Our practice is committed to educating women about their contraceptive options and finding the one that is best for them.
The average woman will need to prevent pregnancy for about 30 years during her life. Safe options are evolving in the field of hormonal choices. In the “pill,” lower doses of estrogen and new progesterones are helping to decrease side effects such as nausea and weight gain. Also, we understand that it is not necessary for a woman on the pill to have a period every month just as it is unnecessary for her to have a period during her pregnancy. Extended cycle pills are now available, i.e., seasonal, which are designed to give her four periods a year. This works especially well for women with medical conditions that are worse around menstruation such as endometriosis, PMS, and cyclic migraines.
A new hormonal option for women who find it inconvenient or difficult to take a pill every day is the Ortho Evra Patch. Once a week for three weeks, the patch is applied to skin and the fourth week is patch free when bleeding will occur. For a monthly option, the NuvaRing is a small flexible ring which is inserted into the vagina where it remains for three weeks and is removed on week 4, for a period. It is not usually noticed during sexual relations. These two methods are similar in pill effectiveness and usual side effects. Any method should be given a few months trial phase for body adjustment.
We have had the 10-year Paraguard or Copper T IUD available for decades. A few years ago the FDA approved a 5-year IUD called the Mirena. It is coated with progesterone resulting in light, crampless periods. Many women stop menstruating altogether. It can be removed before five years but it can also take up to a year for your periods to resume and therefore, a pregnancy to occur quickly.
The “morning after pill” now known as Emergency Contraception is now new and improved. The progesterone only “Plan B” is 85% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and does not contain the high doses of estrogen which causes nausea and vomiting. Plan B is a helpful backup in the event of a condom breaking or unplanned intercourse without protection. Emergency contraception is sold over the counter in three states in this country as it is overseas.
It is best to talk with your gyn provider about the available options and what would fit best in your life situation.