Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is birth control?Birth control is any method used to prevent pregnancy. Another word for birth control is contraception. If you have sex without birth control, there is a chance that you could get pregnant. This is true if you have not started having periods yet or you are getting close to menopause. Each year about 85 out of 100 women who do not use birth control have an unplanned pregnancy. The only sure way to prevent pregnancy is to not have sex. But finding a good method of birth control you can use every time can help you avoid an unplanned pregnancy.
2. I just started a new birth control and my cycles have become very irregular. Should I be concerned?When starting a new birth control method, it is common to have irregular or abnormal bleeding. You may have minor bleeding between periods during the first few months. You also may have bleeding if you do not take your pills at the same time each day. With birth control you should take it daily, at the same time each day, and give your body time to adjust to the hormone. It may take up to 6 months before your cycles regulate.
3. Is it normal for me to have irregular bleeding after having the Mirena IUD inserted?Yes, in the first 3 to 6 months you may spot or bleed between periods because the uterine lining is thinning out. In addition, you may have nausea, breast tenderness, cramps and headaches for the first few weeks.
4. What is Menorrhagia?Menorrhagia (meh-nuh-RAH-jah) is defined as unusually heavy and/or long-lasting menstrual periods. If your period lasts a long time, or is so heavy that you need to change pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, then you may have menorrhagia. If you are experiencing these symptoms then the Novasure procedure can put an end to your heavy periods. Ask your physician if the Novasure procedure is right for you.
