New Birth Control Pill Lybrel Gets Mixed Reception

May 4th, 2007

While some women embrace the concept of eliminating their periods entirely, others are reluctant to take the new pill Lybrel that would in essence eliminate monthly menstrual bleeding entirely. Newer birth control pills already on the market (such as Seasonale) can enable women to have periods just once every three or every four months. Lybrel is expected to be FDA approved in May 2007.

Doctors generally express no concern about extra risks with the complete elimination of the menses. About two-thirds of women surveyed showed interest in taking Lybrel, as they believe they are “too busy” to bother with monthly bleeding. At this point, however, there have been no long-term studies. It is yet unknown whether adverse unintended consequences might occur after having no periods for 30 or 40 years of a woman’s life.

Some women express concerns that menstrual cycles may involve complex interactions with the brain, bones and skin. Others are emotionally attached to their symbol of fertility when monthly bleeding does occur, or they may feel relief to have evidence that they are not pregnant.

Women on any type of birth control pill are not having real periods, as the hormones they are taking stop the monthly release of an egg and the buildup of the uterine lining. For that reason, the new pill is not offering a drastically different option, just more convenience for women.

Women who have difficult, painful periods that cause them to miss work and keep a low profile for several days may welcome the addition of Lybrel to choices they can make for contraception.

Source:  New York Times

Entry Filed under: BIRTH CONTROL,Birth Control,FERTILITY,PRESCRIPTION DRUGS,WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE