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Young Woman - Ask The Expert Topic - Contraception

Ask The Expert Archives on Contraception

 

Questions on Contraception answered by Marta Mendez, MD,
OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board


Q: Tubal ligation
I'm 32 years old and I am considering a tubal ligation. I have been told, by friends and family members, that having this procedure will eventually lead to a hysterectomy. Is this true, and why would that happen? Also, what type of anesthesia do they use for this procedure?

A:
Tubal Ligation has no direct relation to hysterectomy. The doctor might use general or regional (epidural) anesthesia. Ask your doctor about what type of anesthesia he/she will use.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Alesse 28
I am scheduled to start my period on the day I leave for a vacation. Is there a way to delay my period by one week?

A:
Try this: Take only the first 21 pills and on day 22, start a new pack.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Pill versus yearly injection
At my wife's last OB/GYN appointment the possibility of her taking a yearly injection was brought up. What, if any, are some of the side effects that vary from the pill? Also, if there is a side effect with it being a once a year application, how does one stop the side effect seeing that the injection lasts for one year?

A:
You are probably talking about IM microspores preparation. Side effects are related to the pattern of bleeding, spotting, prolonged bleeding or no bleeding at all. Talk with your gynecologist about ways to handle the side effects.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: His condom broke...Could I be pregnant?
My boyfriend and I just recently started having sex. Our second time having sex his condom broke. Four days later I started my period. My boyfriend said that I could still be pregnant. Is this true?

A:
It is highly unlikely.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Exactly when can a woman get pregnant?
I heard that the only time a woman can get pregnant is when she ovulates. Is that true? Also, when does a woman ovulate?

A:
A woman can only get pregnant when she ovulates. Ovulation occurs fourteen days before menstruation (about the middle of the menstrual cycle).

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: When should I start taking birth control?
When should I start taking birth control? I have the pills, and this will be the first time starting. When do I take it? After my period, or right now?

A:
It depends on the type of pills you have. Some start at the first day and others at the 5th day of your period. Read the instructions and also, talk to your doctor.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Concerns about Provera
I was on Provera to start my menses for 10 days (10 mg). I've stopped taking the pills now for two days but still I have no cycle. Is there something wrong with me? Can I still conceive?

A:
Nothing is wrong with you. Usually it takes more than 3 days.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Depo-Provera
I am 21 years old and just recently began a birth control program. I received the Depo-Provera shot 2 1/2 months ago. I was told that I may bleed for a month or so; however, I have been bleeding/spotting the entire 2 1/2 months. Should I be worried and see my ob/gyn or is this normal?

A:
Light spotting or bleeding (sometimes heavy) are some common side effects of Depo-Provera.

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Broken Condom
I have been taking birth control pills (Orthotricyclen) for two months. My partner and I were having intercourse when his condom split in half (I was in my second week of pills when this happened). I was worried about pregnancy because during the first week of my second cycle of pills I took two or three of the pills a few hours late (I usually take my pill between 10 mm and 12am, but sometimes I fall asleep and end up taking the pill around 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning or between 7am and 8am when I rise to get ready for work). I was able to go to Planned Parenthood to obtain some emergency contraception, but because the clinic is open only a few days a week, I took those pills approximately 76 hours after the condom broke instead of the recommended 72 hours. I have two questions: what are my chances of becoming pregnant, and how many hours late can I take my birth control pills before their effectiveness is reduced?
A:
Becoming pregnant?.. It's improbable. If one pill is missed take two pills at the next scheduled time, and complete the pack. If two or more consecutive pills are missed, finish the package and use an alternative contraceptive method (e.g., condoms).

Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only
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