http://www.brown.edu/Student_Service...th/ssc/new.htm


New Methods

Extra-Low-Dose BCPs I Contraceptive Sponge I Vaginal Ring I Hormonal IUDs I Male Contraceptives I Links you can use

A new generation of contraceptive methods is on the horizon that will increase the number of options for pregnancy prevention. Not all of these methods are available yet, but we'll give you a brief description and links to learn more so that you can be informed before they hit the market. You can make an appointment to talk with a medical provider at Health Services, by calling 401.863-3953, to see if these methods could be an option for you.


Seasonale
Seasonale is a newer birth control pill that is similar to others in that it is 99% effective when taken as directed, uses the same type of hormones, is a once-daily pill, and has similar side effects. What makes Seasonale different from other birth control pills is that it has 3 months of active pills, instead of 3 weeks. This extends the time between your scheduled periods and lets you have only 4 periods per year. If you are taking Seasonale, you are likely to experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Seasonale is available by prescription at University Health Services.

Extra-Low-Dose Birth Control Pills
The newest pill, Yasmin, is the latest low-dose birth control pill. Similar to Alesse, Loestrin, and Cyclessa, this pill is 99% effective when taken correctly and helps decrease the amount of PMS water retention. As with all hormonal methods, you increase your risk of heart attacks and blood clots. Each pack costs between $10 to $15 a month and is available by prescription at Health Services.

The Contraceptive Sponge
The Today Sponge is has returned to the market after receiving approval from the FDA. The sponge can be inserted hours before a woman has intercourse and remain in her body for up to 24 hours. It also contains spermicides that may offer some protection against STIs and is 72% to 84% effective at preventing pregnancy, depending on whether you have had children or not. The sponge can be purchased at Health Services Pharmacy.

Vaginal Ring
NuvaRing is a new hormonal method that is similar to a diaphragm in that it is a flexible plastic ring, but instead of having to insert it before each act of intercourse and remove it 6 hours later, it is left in place for 3 weeks. The ring emits progestin and estrogen and is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Inserting nuvaring correctly will be a key factor in insuring its effectiveness. Because it is a hormonal method, it has similar risks that are associated with birth control pills. It costs about $35 a month. It is available at Health Services, talk to your medical provider if you're interested in trying this method.

Hormonal IUDs
Mirena is a new hormonal IUD, similar to the Progestasert IUD. The advantage is that Mirena also emits the hormone progestin as an extra level of contraceptive protection. IUDs offer a high level of protection (approximately 99%) but this method is not advised for women who haven't had children yet. It costs about $350 to $400 plus the cost of insertion, and although it is not available at Health Services, a medical provider may give you a referral to a site where it is available.

Male contraceptives
The development of contraceptive methods for men poses a different challenge because men are continuously producing sperm and therefore are continuously fertile, unlike women who have a limited number of fertile days each month. The current research is focused on developing contraceptive injections, implants, or vaccines that will reduce a male's sperm count low enough to levels unlikely to cause pregnancy, but without damaging lifetime sperm production. Tests are currently being conducted overseas and the information in this field will continue to be expanded.

Contraceptive Options: Your Needs Can Change as You Age
http://www.healthywomen.org/contraception/index.html

Inside...
• Introduction
• Midlife: Pregnancy Still Happens
• Who's Using What?
• Birth Control Pills
• Other Estrogen-Based Options
• Non-Estrogen Hormonal Birth Control
• Emergency Contraception
• Non-Hormonal Options
• Permanent Contraception Methods
• Protect Yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Contraception Facts to Know
• Contraception Tips for Your Lifestyle
• Questions to Ask Your Health Care Professional
• Contraception Resources
• Test Your Knowledge about Contraception