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New Findings about Latino Family Planning Practices Reveal Need for Better Communication


--(HISPANIC PR WIRE – CONTEXTO LATINO)--Did you know that 54 percent, or about one in two, Latino pregnancies is unplanned? This rate is higher than for white/non-Hispanic pregnancies. The difference can be attributed to social, cultural and economic factors affecting the family-planning decisions and reproductive health of Latino couples. New research conducted by the National Council of La Raza, with support from Berlex, Inc., sheds light on the sexual and reproductive health among Latino couples in the United States, including a lack of knowledge about contraceptive options.

Barriers to Reproductive Health and Family Planning

The research marks NCLR's first-ever evaluation of reproductive health knowledge, perceptions and practices among U.S. Latinos. The research identifies factors such as cultural upbringing and lack of education as barriers to Latino couples communicating about family planning and reproductive health issues. Machismo, lack of insurance, limited access to health care, lack of immigrant status, and the pressures of daily life are identified by the research as other obstacles to maintaining good reproductive health.

Additional findings of the research include:

-- Latinas who seek reproductive healthcare feel disregarded by healthcare professionals, particularly if the woman has limited English fluency.

-- The lack of Spanish-speaking healthcare professionals and materials may impede routine sexual and reproductive health maintenance.

-- Perceptions between men and women vary regarding the amount and quality of their communication about sexual and reproductive health.

-- Latinos living in the United States report ordering contraceptive products from their country of origin or asking others to bring them from these countries.

The research also finds that Latino men and women hold misperceptions about hormonal methods of birth control and lack critical information about long-term contraception. Some incorrectly believe that an intrauterine device (IUD) could move and get lost in a woman's body and that IUDs make it difficult for a woman to return to fertility if she chooses to have another child, which is not true.

A Hassle-Free Family Planning Option

"This new research shows that myths and misperceptions surround the use of IUDs. However, for many couples who want to delay having children or want to space their children, IUDs provide a safe and effective option," says Dr. Diana Ramos, a practicing physician and clinical assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) that provides up to five years of birth control (or less if a woman chooses). Mirena may also provide shorter, lighter periods. It is 99.9% effective, is reversible and is as, or more, effective than surgical tubal ligation. The device is safe, estrogen-free and, upon removal, allows for a rapid return to fertility. Studies show that a woman's chances of getting pregnant after Mirena is removed are similar to women who had not been using any form of birth control.

Additionally, Mirena is cost-effective. Women can choose to pay upfront and not worry about monthly pharmacy costs, or they can choose a plan that allows them to pay over time

The full research report, "Entre Parejas: An Exploration of Latino Perspectives Regarding Family Planning and Contraception," can be found at http://www.nclr.org. More information on Mirena can be accessed at http://www.simplementemirena.com.

While only a woman and her doctor can determine whether Mirena is right for her, most women who have a child are typically good candidates for Mirena. Women at risk for or have a history of ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease should not use Mirena. Common side effects may include missed menstrual periods or irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 3-6 months. Thereafter, most women will experience shorter, lighter periods. Some women may develop a cyst on their ovaries. These cysts usually disappear on their own in a month or two. Mirena does not protect against HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.