News Highlights
Why do women at risk for unwanted pregnancy not use contraception
Researchers in Michigan published a study that gives some insight into the behaviour of women who do not want to get pregnant but do not use contraceptives.
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) study surveyed 7856 women from across the U.S. who accidentally got pregnant and recently gave birth.
Of these unplanned pregnancies, a third of respondents said they thought they could not get pregnant at the time of intercourse, and 10% had believed themselves or their partners were sterile.
Sixteen percent of women had stopped using a method of birth control due to side effects, and 22% said their partner refused to use a contraceptive method.
Other common reasons for not using birth control included not thinking about it, not using a method properly, and not thinking they were at high-risk for pregnancy. Many other women were simply “not sure”.
Nettleman MD, Chung H, Brewer J, Ayoola A, Reed PL. Reasons for unprotected intercourse: analysis of the PRAMS survey. Contraception. 2007 May;75(5):361-6.
ARTICLE FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Mirena® IUS decreases uterine size in women with heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroids
A Brazilian research group looked at the effect of the Mirena® IUS (the hormonal IUD) on uterine size in women with heavy menstrual bleeding either with fibroids or with no obvious cause. The results again found that the Mirena® IUS is effective in decreasing the amount of bleeding during a period.
The study group included 32 women with menorrhagia with no obvious cause, 27 women with fibroids, and 28 women without bleeding problems who used the Mirena IUS for contraception. Researchers measured the uterus by ultrasound several times over the course of three years to estimate how big it was.
The size of the uterus decreased by 30% in the group with unexplained heavy bleeding and by almost 40% in the group with fibroids and heavy bleeding. Interestingly, this change in size was not due to shrinkage of the fibroids, and uterine size decreased by only 5% in women who did not have excessive bleeding, a statistically insignificant difference.
The main bleeding patterns seen after three years of IUS use were no periods (45-57%), or oligomenorrhea (light, irregular bleeding – 33-39%). The rates of spotting were 2-3 times higher in the menorrhagia group than among those who had no bleeding problems.
Magalhaes J, Aldrighi JM, de Lima GR. Uterine volume and menstrual patterns in users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system with idiopathic menorrhagia or menorrhagia due to leiomyomas. Contraception. 2007 Mar;75(3):193-8.
Ask Sexualityandu
My biggest wish right now is for my period to be normal, but I don't know what I can do to get it that way! I am sixteen years old and have been having my period for more than a year. I cannot predict my period, despite the fact that I keep a record. My period usually happens once every fourteen days. What is wrong with me? It used to scare me in my first year but now it just annoys me.
It is not uncommon for some girls to have irregular menses for the first year or so after they start their period. However, if this does not improve, a visit to your health-care provider would be a good idea. There are some health conditions that are associated with irregular periods and should be ruled out. Your health-care provider will have some options to regulate your cycle if you wish.
If I don’t bleed the whole seven days in-between my pill packs do I need to use an extra form of birth control?
No. There are many different bleeding patterns while on the pill. Some women may only have 2-3 days of bleeding, while others will bleed for 7-8 days. As long as you take one pill a day and start the next pack on time, no additional form of contraception is needed.
If my uterus is perforated during insertion of an IUD can I still have children after it heals? If I get pregnant with the IUD inside, can removing the IUD harm the fetus?
Fortunately, perforating the uterus during the insertion of an IUD is uncommon. The muscle typically heals without any problem and there is no effect on fertility. If you become pregnant with an IUD in place, it is very important to let your physician know. In certain circumstances, such as early in pregnancy with visible IUD strings, it is appropriate to remove the IUD. At other times, leaving the IUD in place is the better course of action.
Should a new condom be applied after every ejaculation, or can you ejaculate more than once?
A new condom should be used after every act of intercourse and after every ejaculation. You cannot use it more than once.
It is safe to use a tampon with NuvaRing?
Tampons are safe to use with the ring, although you have to be careful not to pull the ring out with the tampon. If the ring does come out with the tampon, simply rinse the ring off under the tap (lukewarm water) and reinsert it.
