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.