WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1997: Re: birth control pills

Re: birth control pills

From: Robert Radnich, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 5 Jun 1997 18:47:51 -0500 (CDT)

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At Thu, 5 Jun 1997, deb wrote: >
>i've heard that you should give your body a break from the pill after 5
>years. who made up this story? who can i believe? what do you do when
>you really don't want children (ever) what other alternatives are there
>for married people when the husband does not want a vasectomy? i'm
>concerned i've been on the pill for 7 years.
>thanks
>deb

Dear Deb

We used to recommend stopping OCs to "give your body a break". There is no reason to recommend that, and I'm not sure how that got started. In healthy women who don't smoke there is no reason to feel compelled to stop OCs; and there are certain advantages to continuing then. There is a significantly decreased incidence of ovarian and uterine cancer. Menses are quite regular, light and much less PMS and cramping. They are expensive, however. Most couples use OCs to postpone pregnancy and use some other method of family planning once a decision has been made to not have any further pregnancies. The most common choice in this country is sterilization, but there are other options. One of the best methods - and also one of the least expensive - is IUDs. They have had a lot of bad press in this country, but the currantly available IUDs are quite effective and have a very good risk/benefit ratio. Talk it over with your spouse and your doctor. I'm sure you can find an option that you are comfortable with. Good health,

--
R.H. Radnich,MD,FACOG
OB/GYN Associates of Dover
540 S. Governors Ave.
Dover, Delaware 19904

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: ovanian cancer death"
Previous message: Dr: "Re: Postpartum menstration"
In reply to: deb: "birth control pills"
Next in thread: Joel: "Re: birth control pills"

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