Trenton, N.J. – For young women with a world of choices, even that monthly curse, the menstrual period, is optional.
Thanks to birth control pills and other hormonal contraceptives, a growing number of women are taking the path chosen by Stephanie Sardinha, 22.
She hasn’t had a period since she was 17.
“It’s really one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.
A college student and retail worker in Lisbon Falls, Maine, Sardinha uses Nuvaring, a vaginal contraceptive ring. After the hormones run out in three weeks, she replaces the ring right away instead of following instructions to leave it out for a week to allow bleeding. She said it has helped prevent monthly crankiness and improved her sex life.
Using contraceptives to block periods is becoming more popular, particularly among young women and those entering menopause, doctors say.
“I have a ton of young girls in college who are doing this,” said Dr. Mindy Wiser-Estin, a gynecologist in Little Silver. “There’s no reason you need a period.”
Most doctors say they don’t think suppressing menstruation is riskier than regular long-term birth control use, and one survey found a majority have prescribed contraception to prevent periods.
Women have been using the pill for nearly half a century without significant problems, but some doctors want more research on long-term use.
A nonscientific Web survey for the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals found at least two-thirds of respondents are bothered by fatigue, heavy bleeding, “really bad cramps” and anger. Nearly half said they would like to have no period or decide when to have one. For some women, periods can cause debilitating pain and more serious problems.
“If you’re choosing contraception, then there’s not a lot of point to having periods,” said Les lie Miller, a University of Washington-Seattle associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology whose website, www.noperiod.com, explains the option.
