Physicians for Reproductive Health Holds New Virtual Event

An assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UMass Memorial Medical Center and University of Massachusetts Medical School, Luu D. Ireland draws on over a decade of medical and teaching experience. Luu D. Ireland has also been involved with several professional groups, including Physicians for Reproductive Health (PRH), which looks to continually improve patient care in the reproductive health field.

The organization recently held an online fundraising event titled “Advocates on the Frontlines,” which aimed to raise funds for reproductive health care professionals across the country. Hosted by activist Olivia Wilde, best known for her acting roles, the event featured discussions from three abortion providers who highlighted how restrictions on access to the medical procedure have impacted their work.

The proceeds generated from the event went to support PRH’s efforts to educate and train doctors using medical data rather than political ideology. The PRH event also featured discussions from Leadership Training Academy graduates, alongside music provided by the Resistance Revival Chorus.

Taking Progestin-Only Birth Control Pills Postpartum

An obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Luu D. Ireland helps women navigate pregnancy and labor. Additionally, Dr. Luu D. Ireland oversees patients’ postpartum care, and often advises on postpartum contraception.

Women who have recently given birth have a number of hormonal and nonhormonal options for contraception, and the best choice will vary according to their unique situations and preferences. One form of birth control commonly used postpartum is the mini-pill.

Unlike combination birth control pills, which contain both progestin and estrogen, the mini-pill contains only progestin. Doctors have long recommended the mini-pill for nursing mothers, since estrogen-containing pills were thought to interfere with milk production. While newer research has found that this might not be the case, the mini-pill is still a popular post-partum contraceptive. Women with certain health conditions, such as a tendency to develop blood clots, should not take pills containing estrogen, making the mini-pill the safer of the two pill types.

Women taking the mini-pill should keep in mind that they must take the pill at the same time each day to have the best protection against pregnancy. If they take the pill a few hours later than usual or miss a pill, they should use a backup method of birth control in accordance with doctor’s guidelines. In contrast, a woman taking a combination birth control pill has greater wriggle room for late or missed pills. A medical professional can provide additional information about the pros, cons, and safety of birth control pills postpartum, as well as other methods of contraception.

Candidates for Intrauterine Devices

Pregnant woman

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Dr. Luu D. Ireland obtained her medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a masters in population and family health from Columbia University. Dr. Luu D. Ireland has worked in the obstetrics and gynecology unit at UMASS Medical Center since 2015. In this role, she advises women on their contraceptive options.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a long-term form of birth control with a 99 percent effectiveness rate. IUDs provide low-maintenance birth control that remains effective between three and 12 years without impacting fertility. While the device has few side effects, IUDs are more appropriate for certain types of patients. For example, since some forms of IUDs do not use hormones, they are ideal for breastfeeding mothers.

On the other hand, since IUDs can slightly increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, they are not recommended for women with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or who may already be pregnant. IUDs are also not advised for women who are at risk of developing genital cancers.

ACOG’s Three Pillars of Advocacy

An award-winning medical instructor, Dr. Luu D. Ireland serves as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, where she educates medical students and residents. Dr. Luu D. Ireland has a history as a health care advocate, and is an active member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

The nonprofit ACOG engages in practice management, education, and advocacy in its role as the specialty's principal organization committed to advancing the health of women. The association has three pillars working in unison so that lawmakers support its practices and patients, and prevent political initiatives that could imperil women or the profession. These are:

1. Federal - Whether the action comes from Congress or the Executive Branch, ACOG is aware it can affect the very heart of the profession and is watchful of the initiatives coming from both branches of government, and it provides member guidance on how to help and act. 

2. State - Legislature at the state level can have the most impact on patients and practices. The organization has networks at the state level and encourages members to participate. 

3. Political - Members should choose lawmakers who support ACOG's views, as they are the ones creating the laws. Ob-GynPAC is the group's organization that effectively helps elect the right candidates, and members can learn how to support these efforts. 

ACOG emphasizes the importance of all three pillars and how each engages in effective ways to do more for the profession and those within its care.