Birth control after treatment?
Meet the Experts
Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as those at risk for cancer.
Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon with a focus in breast cancer care and the CEO and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, PA.
Question from Dena: My breast cancer was diagnosed when I was 46. I was taking Lo/Ovral 28-day for birth control. What are the best options for me now that hormone therapy is over?
- Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: The best option for birth control at 46 if you have not gone through menopause would potentially be either an IUD (intrauterine device) or possibly a combination of a diaphragm with spermicide cream or spermicidal cream condoms. If the birth control pills were being used as an estrogen replacement therapy, then a careful look at your tumor to be sure of its estrogen receptor status would be required prior to adding any hormonal therapy, including estrogen suppositories or cream.
On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Open for Your Questions. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions covering a wide variety of issues relating to breast cancer.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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