Pelvic Complaints Overview The pelvic complaints discussed in this section concern devices placed (or misplaced) in the vaginal area, such as pessaries or tampons, and vaginal discharge and lesions. Often…

Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness) Overview Natural family planning (NFP) typically refers to methods that seek to either prevent or achieve a pregnancy. It is often called fertility awareness. Modern…

Menopausal Concerns and Hormone Therapy Overview Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT or still referred to as hormone replacement therapy [HRT] by some) is an issue where standards have changed as additional…

Intrauterine Contraception Overview The inclusion of progestins in intrauterine devices (IUDs) has given rise to the terms “intrauterine system” (IUS) and “intrauterine contraception” (IUC). Currently, both progestin- and copper-containing IUS…

Injectable Contraceptives Overview Depo-Provera is the only injectable contraceptive available in the United States. It comes in two forms: intramuscular (IM, Depo-Provera) and subcutaneous (SC, Depo-Sub Q 104). Currently, the…

Nexplanon Overview Currently, there is one implantable transdermal contraceptive device available in the United States: Nexplanon. This system releases a progestin (synthetic progesterone, etonogestrel) into the body at a constant…

Emergency Contraception Emergency contraception (EC) is a term that encompasses more than the name implies. Rather than being simply a postcoital form of birth control, this method can be used,…

Breast Complaints Overview Breast complaints are highly charged issues. The increasing incidence of breast cancer with age, coupled with the high profile of this disease, creates anxiety in any woman…

Barrier Contraceptives Overview Technically speaking, barrier methods comprise several categories of contraceptive options. They include the common male barrier, the male condom. They also include a variety of female vaginal…

Amenorrhea Overview Amenorrhea is classified as primary or secondary. It is important to remember that it actually is a symptom and not a diagnosis. Primary amenorrhea refers to absence of…