12-week pill soon available to women

Abstinence is the only certain way to prevent pregnancy. With State College named first in America's Best Dating Towns this year, however, students may be finding it hard to practice total self control. For those caught in the dating game, there are alternatives.

A new 12-week pill has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but has not come on to the market as of yet. It is similar to the combination pill of estrogen and proestrogen currently available. The difference is women take the estrogen and progesterone pills continually for 12 weeks, instead of taking a placebo for one week each month, which results in a period every three months instead of every month.

The new product should be available by the end of October.

"Some women skip the placebo pills already, and as far as we know there are no negative health effects. But many doctors do recommend giving the body a break every three months," said Sharon Shriver, assistant professor of biology. "I assume this new drug is the repackaging of the standard pills."

Students who find themselves in need of a prescription fill for their particular method of birth control can go to University Health Services or Planned Parenthood of the Sus.quehanna Valley for a reasonable cost.

"We do transfer information between Planned Parenthood centers," said Paula Nossek, health center manager. "A women must have an annual gynecological exam before we can dispense birth control. Here at Planned Parenthood and also at UHS we are very reasonable as far as price. We evaluate each situation to determine how much a student can afford."

Many factors can determine which product is the best method available for the user.

"As long as you use your method properly you should be fine. Comfort, affordability and accessibility of the methods are just as important to the woman as the health issues and risks," Shriver said. "It is consistency which prevents pregnancy."

Hormonal treatments such as the pill, shot and patch are popular among young women.

"Nobody really knows exactly how [hormonal treatments] work," Shriver said. "The hormones that are in the pill, ring and patch and other hormonal methods rely on many effects and all together they prevent pregnancy. It is a number of things."

Some of the effects include preventing ovulation, altering the lining of the uterus to create a non- hospitable environment and the inhibiting of sperm mobility.

"It seems all of those things together make up this situation which prevents pregnancy. No one can pinpoint once specific thing these hormones do," Shriver said.

Consulting a professional is the best way to decide which method is most safe and effective.

"A trained provider will review your history and decide what is best for you. It depends on the individual, and is based on a physical exam, medical history and family history all which minimize health risks," Nossek said. "The risk of harmful side effects is why hormonal contraceptives are available only through prescriptions and not over the counter."

When engaging in sexual activity it is advantageous to not take chances when pregnancy is concerned.

"Don't think you are going to get lucky and not going to get pregnant," Nossek said. "Be mindful of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and use condoms definitely when engaging with multiple partners."

The Combination Pill

The pill is a combination of progesterone and estrogen, both of which the body produces naturally. It is taken every day each month and during the fourth week a placebo is taken. Women who smoke and have frequent migraines are not recommended to take estrogen-containing methods because it can increase the risk of blood clots. For those women who cannot tolerate estrogen, the mini pill contains only progesterone. It uses similar methods to the combination pill to protect against pregnancy.

"As far as needing a back up method on the pill, if you are taking it everyday and haven't missed any, then there isn't a need for a back up method, unless you are on antibiotics," Nossek said. "Some antibiotics can lessen the effect of the pill increasing the need for further preventative measures. I recommend calling a pharmacy to check."

Advantages include lessening of acne and an increase in cup size. However the pill does not protect against STIs. Minimal weight gain can occur, but each person is different.

Available by prescription at UHS, Planned Parenthood and most physicians.

97-99% effective for protection against pregnancy
0% effective for protection against STIs
$15-$40 per month

Depo-Provera

Also known as "the shot", Depo-Provera contains only progesterone and affects the body similarly as the pill does. It is given by a trained professional every three months. This is ideal for women who are intolerant of estrogen and recommended for those who do smoke. Also women who cannot remember to take the pill each day may find this method more convenient and effective.

Lunelle is a shot received every month. It is similar to Depo-Provera but contains both estrogen and progesterone.

Side effects include spotting and sometimes no periods at all. An average of five pounds is gained during the first year of treatment. As with the pill, no protection against SDIs is offered.

Available by prescription at UHS, Planned Parenthood and most physicians.

99% effective protection against pregnancy
0% protection against SDIs
$45-$75 per shot (Depo-Provera)
$25-$50 per shot (Lunelle)

Ortho Evra Contraceptive Patch

The patch is a recently introduced product, which contains both progesterone and estrogen, similar to the combination pill. It is worn on the shoulder, stomach or lower back and must be changed weekly. Similar health risks to those of the combination pill may develop.

It delivers a continuous stream of hormone through the skin and into the blood stream. Besides hormones, the patch contains adhesive, which allows the user to bathe and exercise without it becoming loose or detached. Users may experience redness where the patch is placed on the skin.

Available by prescription at UHS, Planned Parenthood and most physicians.

99% effective protection against pregnancy
0% effective protection against SDIs
$30 -$35 per month

The Nuva Ring

The ring is a contraceptive device inserted into the vagina and left in place for three weeks. It is taken out for the duration of the fourth week of the month. The ring has similar health risks as other hormonal treatments and contains both progesterone and estrogen.

"The ring is the most localized and the chemicals do not travel throughout the body as with other hormonal treatments," said Shriver.

An advantage to the ring as with the shot is the women does not have to worry about taking an oral contraceptive each day. However the effectiveness of the ring can decrease if it is not inserted properly each month.

Available by prescription at UHS, Planned Parenthood and most physicians.

99% effective protection against pregnancy
$30-$35 a month

Condom

The condom is an effective, easily accessible and low cost method of birth control. It has no side effects and provides protection against most STIs, which most other birth control methods do not. It is available in many sizes, colors and textures at most convenience and grocery stores. From time to time around campus, student groups sell condoms for an extremely low cost. So be on the look out.

"Condoms are available on the weekdays at Pollock from 5-8 on weekdays not including Friday," said Sarah Snyder, former condom co-op chair for Pollock Nittany Residence Association. "They are also available at all the different area government offices in each hall. In West Halls Friday is condom day in Waring Commons all day from 11am-5pm. West also has an interesting program for west hall residents. They can order condoms online and have them delivered to their mailbox."

Some people may have an allergic reaction to latex, which is the most common type of condom. In those situations it is best top use another brand. If a condom feels sticky or stiff, throw it away and get a new one.

"We don't promote sex but safe sex. We just feel it is a good opportunity to have protection available since college students are sexually active," said Synder. "Cost is not an excuse not to use protection since we offer condoms at five for a dollar or 25 cents a piece."

Available at most convenience and grocery stores. Also at Planned Parenthood and UHS

98% effective protection against pregnancy and most STIs
$0.25 - $2.50 per condom

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

"When the condom breaks or another method fails or if you've had unprotected sex the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is available," Nossek said. "It is safe to use more than once, but if you are using it more than once, then you are a good candidate for hormonal treatment."

ECPs are available with a combination of progestin and estrogen (Preven) or with progestin only (Plan B). It is two pills taken 12 hours apart.

At Planned Parenthood the ECP plan B is available. It is strictly one component, progestin, which is a hormone produced in the body. It tells your body the body it is already pregnant. It does not harm a woman, it is simply a preventative measure Nossek said.

Planned Parenthood is not open on the weekends, but ECP pills can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after intercourse. The earlier ECP is taken the more effective it becomes. When taken within the first 72 hours after incident, the risk of pregnancy is reduced to 89%.

Side effects can include headaches, fatigue, nausea and a change in menstrual cycle. Nausea is not as common in progestin-only pills.

Available by prescription at UHS, Planned Parenthood and most physicians, also by calling 1-888-NOT 2 LATE for a list of local providers.

89% effective to reduce pregnancy
$8-$20 per package of ECPs

There are other birth control methods besides the more popular treatments listed above. Check with UHS or Planned Parenthood of the Susquehanna Valley for information on other methods available.