Women’s Health: Prevent panic the morning after

(NC)–In the modern age we live in, panic on the morning "after" should never happen. We do after all have condoms, the Pill, sponges, spermicides, intra-uterine devices, and so many more contraceptive choices and options.

The universal problem of course is that from time to time, we do forget. Panic is the initial response to the excruciating thoughts of an unwanted pregnancy, an unplanned baby, or the quest to halt conception, or terminate the pregnancy. So welcome to the modern age because indeed, birth control methods are getting better and better.

The shot

Scientists and researchers have always believed that if you remove the issue of remembering – or improved conditions to simply comply – far more women would achieve success with their birth control and live with peace-of-mind. For decades in Europe, women have been opting for the injectable form of contraceptive – a shot that is administered by a doctor four times a year. That means no daily routine is required, and at 99.7% efficacy, the shot is currently the most effective, reversible form of birth control available.

In Canada, we now have the injectable Depo-Provera which is also used by more than 30 million women in 100 countries. Here’s why:

Advantages:

• 99.7 % effective with no daily routine required.
• Does not contain estrogen. Depo-Provera contains the hormone medroxprogesterone, which is produced by your ovaries during the second half of your menstrual cycle.
• Recommended safe for women who smoke.
• Considered ideal for career women, teens, nursing mothers, and women who have finished having their family.
• Effective immediately if administered during the first five days of a normal menstural period.
• Menstrual periods eventually get very light, and in the majority of cases periods stop. After the first year, 55% of women no longer have a period, and 68% after two years.
• There are very few known drawbacks to preventing periods with hormones. With Depo-Provera, fertility returns again from six to nine months after Depo is discontinued.

Disadvantages:

• Menstrual periods become irregular during the first three to six months, but very light, if at all, after that.
• It is a continuous, slow-release action, so it is not suitable for women as a short term contraceptive. Plan on approximately one year after Depo is discontinued to get pregnant.
• Similar to the pill, constant hormone release may cause mood swings, and increased appetite.
• Only condoms give a measure of protection from sexually-transmitted disease.

More information on all birth control methods is available online at www.birthcontrol.pnu.ca. Depo-Provera users can register for interactive information on the site, which includes personal reminders by e-mail to get your next shot.

- News Canada