Attention Men: This article is for you, too!

by Pat Reinhardt, NP, RNC

One of the many challenges of a loving sexual relationship is whether or not to have children and if so, when. In these hard economic times, planning your family by spacing the children or limiting family size is a means of survival and both parents should share in the decision. In that way each and every pregnancy will be a celebrated event.

Twenty years ago I was passing out birth control pills to women and saying, "I'm sure they'll have a pill for men any day now." Well, it's 1996 and guess what? There's nothing yet!!!!!

But there are a few new choices for women.

What's New

Norplant is a five-year method of birth control where six plastic capsules filled with hormones are implanted into the inside of your arm just above the elbow. The implants are inserted through a tiny incision. It is not painful.

Depo-Provera is an injection that is given every 12 weeks.

IUD, the intrauterine device, has become popular again. During the 1970's the safety of the IUD was questioned because of serious infections. Studies determined that only one IUD was responsible for these infections and it was taken off the market. IUD provides a good alternative for the woman who has already had her children and does not want to use hormones.

Permanent Methods

Tubal ligation and vasectomy are surgical procedures that disrupt the pathway of the egg and sperm. These choices are for the family that is finished with childbearing and they should be considered permanent decisions. In some cases they can be reversed but it is not guaranteed and no insurance will pay for reversal.

Here are some of the questions asked of me in the clinic.

"Are birth control pills really safe?" YES! Birth control pills have now been around long enough to be studied to death. The dose of the medication has dramatically decreased since they were first introduced and as a result they have become safer

and have fewer side effects. Birth control pills have also been shown to protect women against ovarian and endometrial cancer.

"I can't take the pill; they give me acne." Many times I hear women saying that they tried the pill and had side effects that they could not live with. But there are many more pills on the market today. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. If you are willing to work with your care provider, you can find a pill that works for you.

"Can I smoke and take the pill?" DEFINITELY NOT. Nicotine and the estrogen hormone in the pill have been known to cause blood clots which can travel in your body and cause a stroke or a heart attack. The best course of action is to STOP SMOKING. If you cannot stop smoking consider the Depo-Provera shots. They do not contain estrogen.

"What if I can't remember to take the pill." The alternatives to the pill are the Depo-Provera injections. These shots are given every 12 weeks. You must return to the clinic for the shot, but it is a quick visit.

Each of the hormonal methods may have side effects and so men cannot use them. As with all health concerns, the most important thing is that you have a relationship with a health provider who you trust. If you have any questions about these or other health issues feel free to call the clinic at 259-7948.

OR stop by on May 25 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Waimanalo Health Center is sponsoring a health fair where these birth control methods will be displayed. We will have entertainment, food, games, and health screening, including blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Hope to see you there.

Pat Reinhardt is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in women's health at the Waimanalo Health Center.