Planned Parenthood Expands Contraceptive Options

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UHPP Clinician inserting Implanon contraceptive

• Close up of insertion of Implanon

ALBANY, NY (07/24/2009)(readMedia)-- Emergency Contraception (EC) is now available "over the counter" without a prescription to women ages 17 and older at local Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) health centers in Albany, Hudson and Troy, and a new EC product called Plan B One-Step will be available in August. UHPP health centers also recently began offering the implantable contraceptive called Implanon.

"We are constantly seeking ways to offer our patients the most effective methods of contraception," stated UHPP Vice President for Patient Services Christine Pluviose. "Offering a variety of methods enables a patient to choose an affordable product that fits her medical history and life choices, and thus increases the probability that she will use it consistently and correctly."

In March of this year, a federal district court judge ordered the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the Emergency Contraceptive product, Plan B, to be marketing as an over the counter (OTC) medication to women and men 17 years and older and as a prescription product for those younger than age 17. Last week, Duramed/Teva gained FDA approval for the distribution of "Plan B-One Step," a new, one tablet form of Emergency Contraception as an OTC product for women and men at the younger age threshold. The new One-Step product will replace Teva's original Plan B product. Until One-Step is available, providers are approved to provide Plan B OTC at the younger age.

Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy. The single-dose formulation of Plan B One-Step makes it simpler and more convenient for women to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect their health. Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken, which is why women need timely access without discrimination or delay.

UHPP also recently began offering patients an effective, discrete and long lasting method of birth control called Implanon. This implantable contraceptive is a thin, flexible matchstick-sized rod that is inserted into the arm to prevent pregnancy. Since it is a progestin-only method, it is especially attractive to women who cannot use contraceptives that contain estrogen. Progestin-only methods of birth control prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, and also thicken the mucus of the cervix. When the rod is inserted correctly, the chance of getting pregnant is less than one pregnancy per one hundred women using Implanon for a year.

Implanon is of special interest to those who have difficulty remembering to take a birth control pill every day. It is safe, convenient, and 99% effective for three years. Most women cannot see the implant after insertion. It is also reversible. After Implanon is removed, the woman's ability to become pregnant usually returns quickly.

"We are excited to be offering this new and long lasting birth control option to our patients," stated Beverly Krauss, Assistant Vice President for Patient Services. "A significant number of patients have asked for this particular product, because of its ease and effectiveness." During the first week of availability, 8 patients were scheduled for an insertion visit.

UHPP accepts most major health insurances. For those without health insurance, the cost of the appointment and method, as for all family planning services at UHPP, is determined using a sliding fee scale, based on the patients' income. Agency staff are able to assist qualifying patients in completing and filing applications for regular Medicaid, Healthy New York or the Family Planning Benefit Program, a program that covers the cost of family planning services for many women who are working but are either uninsured or underinsured.

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care since 1934. In 2008, over 11,000 patients made 22,257 visits to UHPP health centers located in Albany, Hudson and Troy. UHPP health educators present over 500 education programs reaching over 6,000 youth and young adults each year. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.