[To bleed or not--a new dogma or a real choice in contraception?].
Let's talk about it Suppression of menstruation, by extending the duration of contraceptives containing estro-progestins (oral contraception, patch or vaginal ring) to long cycles, is a new approach in the field of contraception. These extended cycles aim at obtaining prolonged amenorrhea, interrupted periodically by a free interval of 7 days without hormone intake and thus causing breakthrough bleeding. Pathologies, which are supposed to get some benefit from the suppression of menstruation and of hormone level variations related to ovarian activity, are widely recognized as an indication. Some interest is also coming up for so called life style indications. Treatment issues, advantages and disadvantages are examined in the light of women's expectations and right to access to informed consent and independent choice.
Renteria
Saira-Christine
SC
Unité psycho-sociale et familial, Département de gynécologie-obstétrique et génétique médicale CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. Saira-Christine.Renteria@chuv.ch
D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016387:Women's Health; D014933:Women's Rights
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female