Hispanic Women Need More Information

Long-Term Family Planning

By Rosio Corza from DURAZO Communications

Montville, NJ, July 12, 2005 - A new national survey of 274 Hispanic women between the ages of 25 - 49, conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) in February and March 2005, reveals gaps in knowledge about female sterilization.

The survey reveals that a high percentage of Hispanic women ages 35 - 44 and among married and formerly married women in the U.S. select female sterilization for long-term birth control without being informed of other long-term, reversible options.

According to the survey, 42 percent of women believe that female sterilization is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, but it is not, failure rate approximately five pregnancies per 1000 users. Nearly half of the women surveyed did not know that there is a form of birth control that is as effective or more effective than female sterilization, and is reversible.

"Family is the heart and soul of the Latina community. That is why it is important for women to understand all their family planning options so they can make the choice that is best for them. This survey clearly shows that more education is needed about highly effective and removable long-term contraceptives now available," said Diana Ramos, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. "For instance, nearly 65 percent of Hispanic women surveyed are unaware of a contraceptive option that is as effective as sterilization, yet is easily removed if she wants to have another baby. That alternative is Mirena, which is as effective as sterilization in preventing pregnancy for up to five years- without the permanence or risks of surgery."

"To reduce the risk of regret, women who are considering sterilization should speak with a healthcare provider for counseling and to learn about alternative long-term contraceptive options," said Dr. Ramos.

Only a woman and her doctor can determine if intrauterine contraception is right for her, but women with a history of or at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease or ectopic pregnancy should not use Mirena. Otherwise, most women who have had a child are typically good candidates for Mirena. Side effects are uncommon and may include missed menstrual periods, irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 3-6 months, and most women will experience lighter, shorter periods thereafter. Rarely, some women experience a cyst on their ovaries. Mirena does not protect against HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. For further details and full prescribing information, please visit www.longtermbirthcontrol.com.