Dr. A. is a resident physician in family medicine in Montreal. Yes, a real doctor! Call it a cyber-house-call, call her Dr. A, just make sure you email her for answers to your queries on sex and health. When avivalsvegas got wind of this column, she tried to bill the zine as a medical journal, but her marketing people put the brakes on that. Of course, the lawyer had to jump in too, as you can see from the caveat below. So go ahead, ask away, it's "Sex Drive Live" and the Doctor is in the house.
Sex Drive Live: Q & A with Dr. A
“Hey Ladies: New Year’s Contraception Update!" : MIRENA
There is a new contraceptive on the market called Mirena. It is a new version of the IUD (intrauterine device). Mirena is not for everyone, however. It does not protect against STDs so it is best suited for women in monogamous relationships or in association with a condom.
So here is an interesting new addition to our contraceptive arsenal. It is highly effective, reversible, and easy to use. If you are interested in Mirena for contraceptive purposes or to control heavy periods (or both!) discuss it with your family physician.
Mirena (which its makers like to refer to as an intrauterine system) is similar to the T-shaped copper IUD, however the copper wire stem has been replaced by a levonorgestrel sleeve. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progesterone also found in Alesse birth control pills and Plan B ( a new form of emergency contraception, see my February 2001 column).
How it works:
Levonorgestrel is released in the uterine cavity at a constant rate over five years. While Mirena can remain in place for up to five years, it can be removed by a physician at any time should the woman wish to become pregnant.
Why it's better than the old IUD:
The use of levonorgestrel in Mirena has lead to advances in areas which are a concern with traditional IUDs, namely the risk of pregnancy (particularly ectopic which is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes), painful menstruation and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Mirena prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus (thus inhibiting the movement of sperm) and thinning the lining of the uterus. It is a very effective method of birth control. If 1000 woman were to use Mirena for one year only one would become pregnant. This is a lower rate than with any other type of birth control including tubal ligation!
Leads to decreased menstrual bleeding too!
The use of levonorgestrel in Mirena also leads to decreased menstrual bleeding (about 85% less after 3 months, 97% less after 12 months). About one third of women will stop having periods altogether. The levonorgestrel acts locally to prevent the building up of the uterine lining. Because of this effect Mirena is a possible treatment for those women with heavy menstrual bleeding. In a study of 54 women awaiting hysterectomy for heavy periods 70% decided against surgery after using Mirena. Mirena also decreases menstrual pain in many cases.
Mirena must be inserted by a physician. Although expensive (about $380), Mirena is covered by most drug insurance plans.
Happy New Year!
Contact Sex Drive Live at dr.a@avivalasvegas.com.
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