OBGYN.net Young Woman Ask The Expert - May, 2000
Marta Mendez MD, OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board, is a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecologist at the Children's Hospital in Panama City, Panama. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Please post your questions to her and check back here each month for a selection of Young Woman focused questions and answers.
In addition to Dr. Mendez, our resident expert, many of this month's questions have been answered by several other professionals at OBGYN.net. Assisting Dr. Mendez are:
R. Daniel Braun, MD, 
OBGYN.net Co-Chair Young Woman Editorial Advisory Board
Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, CNM, MS, 
OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor
Betsy Hyde, CNM, MSN, 
OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor

Questions regarding Contraception:
Q: Question about birth control
Yesterday my mom went to her gynecologist for a checkup. He asked her some questions and one was about me. He asked her if I was on birth control. My mom said no, because I'm not sexually active. The doctor said that isn't the only purpose of birth control. My mom didn't get a chance to ask him what he meant because he was called for an emergency. My question is, what did he mean that birth control isn't just for prevention of pregnancy? I know it also protects against diseases like HIV.

A:
Thanks for your question. There are many benefits of the birth control pill, which is what your moms' health care provider was referring to. For some girls it improves (decreases ) their menstrual cramps. Sometimes it regulates periods, sometimes improves acne. By suppressing ovulation, it decreases the monthly stimulation of the ovaries and uterine lining. Taking a pill every day when there is no specific reason does seem a bit foolish, but if you have extreme cases of any of these problems, the pill might help you. There are other medications that help with cramps and acne, but for some the birth control pill might be the lesser of side effects. Despite what you might think, the birth control pill DOES NOT protect against HIV or Hepatitis B, or some of the other vaginal infections. This is why condoms are recommended, even if you are taking the birth control pill. Here are some web sites that might help you learn more about the benefits (and risks too) of the birth control pill:

http://www.obgyn.net/women/conditions/conditions.asp
Contraception: http://www.obgyn.net/women/contraception/contraception.htm
http://www.cnm.wa.org/reprodhc.htm

Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, CNM, MS, 
OBGYN.net Editorial Advisor
P.S. Remember that this is for educational purposes only.
Q: Birth control pills and antibiotics
I have heard that taking oral antibiotics (I am on ampicillin) can make oral contraceptives less effective. Is there any truth to this?

A:
This is definitely a theoretical problem. The theory is that the antibiotic kills off bacteria in the intestine which help the hormones get absorbed. In practice, it probably doesn't happen. If you want to be overly cautious, it wouldn't hurt to use condoms as well during the rest of this cycle.

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

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