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 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 to those that are associated
with birth control pills. It is available
at Health Services, talk to your medical provider if you're interested
in trying this method.
Hormonal
IUDs Mirena
is a newer hormonal IUD option. The advantage
is that Mirena also emits the hormone progestin as an extra level
of contraceptive protection.Mirena IUDs offer a high level of protection
(approximately 99%) and are effective for 5 years. The Mirena costs about $350 to $400 plus the cost
of insertion, and although it is not available at Health Services,
a medical provider can give you a referral to a site where it is
available.
Single Rod Implant Implanon, is a single rod hormonal implant method that replaced Norplant, a multiple rod implant which is no longer available in the U.S. Implanon is a thin, flexible plastic implant about the size of a matchstick, which contains the synthetic hormone progestin. Inserted under your upper arm, it can be left in place for up to 3 years. A woman won't be able to see the rod, unless she is very thin, but she can feel it with her fingers. Researchers estimate that Implanon will be up to 99.9% effective for up to 3 years. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect. Periods become fewer and lighter for most women and, in time, may stop altogether. Some women will have longer and heavier periods and some may have increased irregular or breakthrough bleeding. Implanon costs about $600, plus the cost of insertion. Implanon is not currently available at Health Services, but 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.
Links
you can use
For more information about the future of birth control options for
both women and men, you can visit:
Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.
