New Survey Shows Young Women Turn to Traditional Values In Life, Relationships and Health

Raritan, NJ . – When it comes to what young women are looking for in their lives, relationships, and health, a new survey finds that most are putting an emphasis on a traditional core value: reliability.

A national online survey of more than 1,000 women, ages 18 to 34 years old, found that 9 out of 10 believe it is very important that they, as well as the people in their lives, are reliable. More than 80 percent of women said their friends and family would say they can always be counted on to be reliable, and just as many reciprocate that trust by seeking their advice about health-related decisions.

“Modern Girls are taking charge of their lives by returning to fundamental values like reliability. They also are more proactive about their health care and seek out accurate information about the health issues that are important to their personal and sexual health,” said Jane Buckingham*, noted author and television host of The Modern Girl’s Guide series.

“It is encouraging to see that most women, contrary to their independent-minded image, indicated that they rely on both family and friends for advice on a variety of topics, including relationships, health, and even their birth control,” said Buckingham.

In fact, more than 85 percent said they have talked with friends about the birth control pill, and more than 3 in 10 said they involve their partner in making birth control decisions. Today, that decision hinges on more than just effective contraception, and many women agreed that using a reliable pill should result in predictable monthly periods with minimal breakthrough bleeding – a problem affecting half of those surveyed.

To help young women improve their relationships and health, Buckingham has joined with Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the maker of ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® LO (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol), who commissioned the survey, to launch an online educational program called Count on Me. The program, featuring Jane’s Top 10 Count on Me Tips, educational information, and sweepstakes, is now available at www.thepill.com.

Relying on Others, Even When It’s Personal

More than half of women surveyed said that they count on friends and family for one or more of the following: general emotional support, care taking, and relationship and health advice. However, where they turn for health advice varies, depending on the sensitivity of the topic.

For general health information and advice, about two thirds of women surveyed said they rely on their mothers (68 percent) and their healthcare professionals (67 percent), followed by their partners or spouses (50 percent), the Internet (46 percent), or a friend (37 percent).

When the health topic is more personal, like sexual health, birth control, and their periods, more women said they rely on their healthcare professional (76 percent), or even the Internet (28 percent), before their mother (26 percent), friend (25 percent), or their partner or spouse (19 percent).

Relying on the Pill

They also overwhelmingly agreed (99 percent) that it is important to know their birth control pill is reliable, and not just for pregnancy prevention. In fact, more than two thirds of those surveyed said they look for a reliable birth control pill to provide predictable monthly periods. Half of women surveyed acknowledged that they had experienced irregular or unexpected bleeding between periods (also known as breakthrough bleeding) while taking the pill, while nearly a third added that they had stopped taking the pill, or switched to another pill, because of this side effect.

“In addition to reliable birth control, many Modern Girls today want a pill that may provide more predictable periods, as well as a low rate of breakthrough or unexpected bleeding,” explained women’s health expert Dr. Susan Kellogg-Spadt*, CRNP, PhD. “Most of the women surveyed said they would find it stressful.”

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of taking the pill, especially low-dose and extended regimen oral contraceptives. According to Dr. Kellogg-Spadt, the incidence of breakthrough bleeding may vary. For example, data from a clinical study has shown fewer women had breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, with ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® LO. It’s important for women to talk with their healthcare professional about the best option for them.

Available at www.thepill.com, the Count on Me program also offers women an opportunity to see how they measure up on a reliability scale and compare their responses to those of women surveyed. By filling out an easy questionnaire, women can enter to win a “timely” prize – one of three designer watches and “Self Indulgence” consumer products. In addition to Jane’s Top 10 Count on Me Tips, women can access The Modern Girl’s Guide to the Pill, an interactive guide designed to help Modern Girls navigate the basics about the birth control pill.

No purchase necessary to enter the Count on Me sweepstakes. Open to legal female residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. For Official Rules visit, www.thepill.com and click on the Sweepstakes link. Sweepstakes begins January 28, 2008, and ends June 17, 2008.

ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® LO is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as their method of contraception. It is a low-dose, triphasic hormonal birth control pill that provides high efficacy in pregnancy prevention with a low incidence of common side effects.

Important Safety Information

Serious as well as minor side effects have been reported with the use of oral contraceptives. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant.The Pill does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

Click here to visit www.thepill.com for full Product Information.

About the Survey

The Count on Me survey was conducted online from November 16 – 21, 2007, by KRC Research on behalf of Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and involved 1,003 women, ages 18 to 34 years old (currently taking the pill).

About Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™

Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a leader in the fields of women’s health and urology, celebrating more than 75 years of partnering with women. Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™ is committed to helping people live healthier lives and to meeting the needs of health care professionals and patients with products such as ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® LO (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol), ORTHO EVRA® (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) and ELMIRON® (pentosan polysulfate sodium). For more information on these products, birth control, bladder health or general women’s health issues, please visit www.orthowomenshealth.com.

* Ms. Buckingham and Dr. Kellogg-Spadt are paid consultants for Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™.