Apr 9, 2007 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Device Promises To Eliminate A Woman's Period
by Dr. Mallika Marshall
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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The IUD is a small piece of plastic slightly larger than a quarter that gives off small doses of progesterone.
CBS
The birth control method gaining high praise with women because of the choice it offers -- not with respect to pregnancy, but with their period -- and how it can eliminate it altogether.
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 Arianna 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 P.M.S. symptoms. "I had a lot of emotional components with my periods and I don't have to deal with that anymore," said Arianna. "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 Arianna, it's just one less thing to worry about. He only way it's affected my life is making it easier."
Music to the ears of any busy mom.
If you are on birth control pills and you want to try the method of skipping the placebo pills, Dr. Marshall says you should check with your doctor first.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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