NEW Birth Control Methods
What You Should Know About NEW Birth Control Methods
There 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:
• Are over 35, and still smoke cigarettes
• Have tried other methods without success
• Want to change their method of birth control
• Are not yet ready for permanent sterilization
EXTENDED CYCLE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
These 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’s
An 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.
There 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:
• Are over 35, and still smoke cigarettes
• Have tried other methods without success
• Want to change their method of birth control
• Are not yet ready for permanent sterilization
EXTENDED CYCLE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
These 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’s
An 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.
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