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What's new in the area of women's reproductive health?
Many new hormonal birth control options are available to women today. Like the pill, these new forms prevent pregnancy by delivering estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. The recently approved Seasonale® pill delivers a lower dose of estrogen and progestin over 84 days than the pill's delivery over 21 days, resulting in menstruation only four times a year. Pregnancy can also be prevented by the hormone patch placed on the skin weekly, by monthly intramuscular injection (Lunelle®), or by monthly insertion of a vaginal ring (NuvaRing®). Non-hormonal methods of birth control including intrauterine devices and barrier methods are still available.
Infertility, a problem for many couples, affects men and women at approximately the same rate. The most common causes of female infertility are ovulation problems or blocked fallopian tubes. Couples younger than 35 years of age who have failed to conceive after a year of unprotected sex should consult their doctor, while couples over the age of 35 should see their doctor sooner. Infertility problems can usually be overcome with medical intervention.
Pregnancy is a physically demanding but usually highly rewarding experience for women. Healthy women of normal weight who become pregnant should gain between 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy, while overweight women should gain slightly less and underweight women should gain slightly more. Cesarean or c-sections are performed in approximately 25% of all births in the U.S (MedicineNet.com). Vaginal delivery after c-section (VBAC) is successful in most women (www.abcbirth.com/hVBAC.html).
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not serve as a replacement for care provided by your own personal health care team. This website does not render or provide medical advice, and no individual should make any medical decisions or change their health behavior based on information provided here. All pertinent content provided on this website should be discussed with your personal physician to evaluate whether it has any relevance to or impact on your specific condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.
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