What's New 

Author: Michelle Swiglo, M.D.
Clinic: Vadnais Heights Clinic

View more Articles by this Physician

     Birth control pill, condoms, diaphragms, "Depo" shots, natural family planning, vasectomies, "tubals"-many of these options have worked well for family planning for many years. Several new methods of birth control have become available in the past few years, giving patients many more options, but also causing some confusion, too. Maybe you've seen ads on TV or have heard rumors about new methods for birth control-let's walk through a quick summary of some new options.

 

Ortno Evra

• Birth control pills in a patch form-three weeks of patch use followed by one patch free week.

• Worn on the upper arm, upper torso, lower abdomen, or buttocks.

• Stays on through daily showering, swimming, etc.

• Slightly more effective than birth control pills at similar cost.

 • May not be effective for women weighing over 200 Ibs.

 

 Seasonale

 

 • The first "extended -cycle" birth control pill.

 • Contains the same hormones (estrogen and progestin) as in birth control pills, but is taken for 84 consecutive days instead of 28, resulting in menstruation just 4 times a year.

 • As effective as birth control pill, at similar cost

 • Like birth control pills, can be helpful for women with irregular or heavy bleeding, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), endometriosis, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

 

 NuvaRing

 

 • Flexible silicone ring, inserted into the vagina, slowly and continuously releases estrogen and progestin.

 • Self-inserted, left in place in the vagina for three weeks, followed by one ring-free week.

 • As effective as birth control pills at similar cost.

 

 Mirena IUD

 

 • Most effective form of reversible birth control (pregnancy rate less than 0.1%).

 • A small, T-shaped device which continuously releases a small amount of progestin.

 • Insertion is simple and takes only about 5 minutes.

 • Decreases menstrual blood flow by 40-50%-an effective treatment for women with heavy or painful periods, especially in the years prior to menopause.

 • Does not cause infection or infertility (as in the 1970s with the Dalkon Shield: IUD-this gave all IUDs negative press for many years).

 • Effective for five years, but can easily be removed at any time if pregnancy is desired.

 

 Essure

 

 • Permanent birth control-tiny coil inserted into the fallopian tubes, blocking the passageway from the ovaries to the uterus (similar in concept to a tubal ligation)

 • Minimally invasive, performed by a Gynecologist under local anesthesia.

 • Must use a backup method of birth control for the first three months, to make sure that the tubes have been completely blocked.

 • Effectiveness at 2 years 99.8%.

 

       The only effective contraception is one that is used correctly and consistently. Many of these new options are covered by insurance, but check with your insurance plan to make sure. Ask your doctor about possible side effects. And remember that none of these contraceptives will prevent STDs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS. If you would like to learn more, make an appointment to talk with your family doctor.