Women can now use several methods of hormonal birth control–not only pills but also the new vaginal ring and skin patch–without taking a break every fourth week to have a period, doctors say.
Experts speaking at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, held recently in Los Angeles, said there is no harm in using the contraceptives for several months before allowing the shedding of the uterine lining. Many doctors, however, may resist endorsing continuous-use birth control until the FDA formally approves a product labeled for such use. Seasonale, a birth control pill marketed for 91 days of continued use, is currently in clinical testing and may reach the market in 2003.
Women’s birth control options are increasing rapidly: Newer methods include Lunelle, a monthly birth control shot, and Mirena, a progesterone-releasing intrauterine device that is approved for five years’ use.
