USA Today reports that the Food and Drug Administration has approved a few new types of birth control.
- Implanon. Approved in July, this matchstick-sized rod is implanted under the skin of the upper arm and continuously releases progestin. Should be made available nationwide by early 2007. This does require minor surgical procedure, and some women quit the clinical trial because of excessive bleeding.
- Seasonique. Approved in May, this new pill became available last month. It's an 84 day course of active pills. This pill cuts annual menstrual periods to four, but users report more vaginal bleeding or spotting in between periods.
Lybrel is another pill that has received an "approvable letter" from the FDA, which means the agency has postponed final approval until some issues are ironed out.
It's nice to know that women do have options, which I think we sometimes take for granted!
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