Health center presents trendy contraceptives

By: PEARMAN PARKER

Posted: 12/7/07

The University Health Center offers multiple birth control options, and officials say they hope to have more contraceptives.

"We hope to have IUDs available early next year," said Margaret Cramer, a gynecologist at the Women's Clinic.

NEW BIRTH CONTROL

All information for fees-paid students:
Implanon: $691 ($602 for implant, $89 for clinic fees)
Nuva Ring: $40 per month

The intrauterine device, implantable birth control and a vaginal ring highlight some options for women.

IUDs

Mirena and ParaGard are two IUD options for women - one with hormones and one without.

An IUD is a tiny T-shaped device inserted inside the uterus and "placed in the office with a simple office procedure," Cramer said.

With proper use, Mirena can be effective for up to five years, Cramer said. ParaGard can be effective for up to 10 years.

Mirena contains a hormone similar to progesterone.

"Women may have mild progesterone-like side effects," Cramer said.

Side effects can include acne, hair growth, headache, weight gain and changes in mood, but these are considerably lower than with oral contraceptives, Cramer said.

With Mirena, women ovulate, but the lining of the uterus is much thinner, causing a fertilized egg not to attach to the uterine walls, Cramer said.

Some women stop having periods, while others experience spotting, Cramer said.

"It makes them nervous, but in fact, most women love it," Cramer said. "They are very happy not to have their periods."

Few drugs interact with these birth control options, but the ones that do include drugs for HIV/AIDS, some antibiotics and St. John's Wort.

It was thought ParaGard was not suitable for women before they had children.

"ParaGard has FDA indications for women who have never had babies," Cramer said. "There is no longer a contra-indication."

ParaGard does not include hormones and can increase bleeding and cramping.

Cramer said counseling before implementing IUDs is very important.

"We ask questions to be sure she's a good candidate," Cramer said.

Reasons for not administering the IUDs are recent (within three months) sexually transmitted infections, possible confirmed pregnancy and uterine distortion such as fibroids, according to a document from the Women's Clinic.

The cost of IUDs, according to a research document on Mirena's Web site, is $3.80 per month or $456 for 10 years.

Implanon

Implanon, a 4-centimeter plastic rod, offers women protection hidden in their underarm.

"(Implanon) is embedded in plastic and designed to be slowly released so it lasts for three years," Cramer said. "It's just like putting in an IV."

Cramer said the implant isn't visible but can be felt.

The rod can be removed with a tiny insertion, and staff can slide another rod into place at the same time, she said.

"Almost anybody is a good candidate," Cramer said.

Like Mirena, side effects include irregular bleeding or spotting. Periods can also become irregular, Cramer said.

"The first month is probably the weirdest," said Michele Hagin, a junior from Americus. "But once your body heals around it, it's very easy."

Hagin said she had spotting for the first month and waited for her body to regulate.

"If you can stick it out that first month, (you're OK)," Hagin said.

Drug interactions with Implanon include various antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizing drugs and St. John's Wort.

The average cost is $20 per month with an estimated insertion fee of $89, Cramer said.

NuvaRing

The vaginal plastic ring, NuvaRing, is another option.

The ring is a very private method, Cramer said.

"Your mom won't find a pack of pills in your purse," she said. Cramer said women insert the ring like a tampon and remove it after three weeks.

"You don't have to remember to do something every day," Cramer said.

And, Cramer said, the ring provides period control due to the estrogen.

"You can extend your period a week and move it away from your wedding or honeymoon or whatever is important," she said.

The ring can decrease ovarian cysts because ovulation does not occur, she said. The drug interactions are the same as Implanon, according to NuvaRing's Web site.

"I think it's great there are a lot of different options because everyone's body works differently," said Taryn Weil, a senior from Frederick, Md.

The cost of the NuvaRing is estimated to be between $35 and $41 monthly.