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Apr 10, 2007 8:59 am US/Eastern
New IUD May Eliminate Women's Periods
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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The Mirena IUD is a small piece of plastic that gives off small doses of progesterone.
CBS
A new birth control device is gaining high praise with women because of the choice it offers - not with respect to pregnancy, but with their periods, reports CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston.
Arianna Stein is the typical young mother, trying to balance family and a busy career. "With my jobs, I don't know which way I'm going."
But Stein was able to simplify her life with one quick trip to her gynecologist. Her doctor inserted a Mirena IUD - a birth control device that virtually eliminated her period. "It's the perfect convenience. You don't have to do anything ... don't have to remember anything."
The IUD is a small piece of plastic slightly larger than a quarter that gives off small doses of progesterone.
"The progesterone in the IUD will actually thin the lining of the uterus so that the menstrual tissue isn't being created," said Dr. Ed Huang of Massachusetts General Hospital.
Some women do have some light bleeding, but most see significant relief from typical PMS symptoms. "I had a lot of emotional components with my periods and I don't have to deal with that anymore," said Stein. "Which is nice. My family thanks me."
The FDA is considering a 365 day birth control pill that would also eliminate the menstrual cycle for a year. But some women aren't waiting for the government go-ahead. They simply skip the placebo pills and jump right to the next pack of active pills.
"Medically speaking, there's no reason why a woman has to have a menstrual period," said Huang.
Some women are uneasy about messing around with Mother Nature, but research shows reducing the number of periods may actually be good for you. "Women have less risk for having uterine cancer or ovarian cancer by taking prolonged contraception," said Huang.
For Stein, it's one less thing to worry about. "The only way it's affected my life is making it easier."
Music to the ears of any busy mom.
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