Jim Shelton's Pearls

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April 08, 2005

OCs and anemia

Oral contraceptives as supplied by USAID alleviate anemia in 3 different ways.  Can you name the 3 ways?

1. By preventing pregnancy (since pregnancy and lactation take iron from the woman’s iron stores.)

2. By reducing blood loss during menstruation.

3. By providing a small amount of iron in the 7 "placebo" pills.  (Not all OCs have the iron, but the one’s USAID supplies do.)


Score yourself:

0/3  – At least you tried. And now you know.

1/3 –  Good basic understanding. On your way to enlightenment.

2/3 – Very well informed, impressive.  Almost there.

3/3 – True cognoscente. Start your own information service.

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The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

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