If you don't want to get pregnant, don't have intercourse! J/K, birth control is almost always thought of as a pill that controls pregnancies, when in fact there are many forms of birth control that can offer a woman more than that. Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, spermacides, rings, patches and pills are also forms of birth control many people can experiment with.
The most common form of BC are pills. There are different types of them but most women choose the one that consists of a synthetic estrogen and synthetic progestin and is taken daily for three weeks, skipping the week of menstruation. There is also what is called the Morning After Pill, which contains a high dosage of progestin. If taken within 72 hours of intercourse the drug transfers with ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred the drug will eventually block or stop implantation from happening.
Either partner can be sterilized by simple medical procedures such as vasectomy, tubal ligation or QS (Quinacrine Sterilization). Sterilization procedures can be reversed in most cases. Spermacides are chemicals such as nonoxynol 9 that inactivate sperm. They're inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse.
Cervical caps are fitted over the cervix and can be removed if desired or left in place until menstruation occurs. Skin patches can be applied and left on skin for up to one week. They are designed to release hormones through the skin to divert pregnancy from happening. Vaginal rings are small plastic rings that are inserted into the vagina. They release estrogen and progestin that lasts for 3 weeks. Other vaginal rings that only contain progestin block the menstrual cycle for up to 3 months. Implanon is a tiny flexible rod that releases progestin and is inserted under the skin that prevents pregnancy for 3 years.
Condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and also protect against most STD's. Everyone should know where they go and how they get there, and if you don't know how to use this basic birth control method then maybe you shouldn't be having sex. Diaphragms are a rubber dome placed at the upper end of the vagina and may be used along with spermicidal chemicals. Always talk with your doctor to make sure steps you take with controlling birth doesn't interfere with each other.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Looking For an Excellent Birth Control Method?
Birth control is very important in the modern society. This is because more and more people are choosing to take charge of their lives and determine the number of children they wish to have if at all. Birth control has helped many people and couples in society bring up healthy families reducing the load of having too many children who would otherwise be neglected.
However, choosing a birth control method can prove to be a very daunting task. Every person wants to choose a method that will be suitable for them. For this reason, it is vital for you to know what to consider when you are choosing a method of birth control. The following factors should be considered and when you have evaluated different outcomes and considered side factors, you will be in a position to make a good decision that you will not regret.
• Health risks As you well know, there are many birth control methods that might do you more harm than good; especially if you have a medical condition. For example, hormonal birth control methods like the combined estrogen and progestin is not recommended for women who are over the age of 35. Habits like smoking will further compromise the effect of certain methods with regard to birth control. Women who smoke should not use the combined hormonal methods due to health risks. Also, women who have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots and even migraines should seek medical help when it comes to choosing the right method.
• Your return to fertility is also a very important factor to consider. This is because there are methods of birth control which will take away fertility for a longer time than you anticipated. Such methods include a shot of Depo-Provera. This progestin-only method has been reported to cause a lot of heartache to women who may end up loosing their fertility altogether. It is vital for you to consider a method that will enable you conceive at the time you wish to conceive.
• Effectiveness is the other great factor to consider. Every individual or couple wants to use a method that will guarantee good results. It is not always possible to have full guarantees with various birth control methods but, there are those that are more effective than others. Hormonal implants and injections top the list when it comes to effectiveness. Birth control pills, patches, rings and others follow. Methods like use of condoms, spermicides and diaphragms are moderately effective compared to the other methods. Your choice should be effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.
• Protection from sexually transmitted diseases is also very important. It might even be more important than the risk of getting pregnant because your life is at stake. There are effective methods of birth control that will not do you justice when it comes to protecting you from diseases transmitted sexually. The use of condoms is the leading method when it comes to this form of protection. Therefore, it is wise to use a combination of various methods to protect yourself effectively from pregnancy and from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
• Permanence is another key point to consider. You want a method that will serve you in a duration that is most suitable. For those who do not want any children or do not want more children, a permanent method like female tubal ligation or male vasectomy will be just right. However, if you do not want to do away with your fertility, it is advisable to stick to the more temporary methods of birth control.
• Finally, it is vital to consider other benefits that a birth control method can bring. For example, there are hormonal methods that have been seen to be effective against acne. Others have been seen to reduce menstrual cramping and pain. Let your health care provider guide you into making the best decisions with this regard.
Keep in mind that you want the methods to work for you. If you have a method that is doing the opposite, it is time to re-evaluate and consider the above factors. Chances are that there will be a method or methods that will work great to help you avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
However, choosing a birth control method can prove to be a very daunting task. Every person wants to choose a method that will be suitable for them. For this reason, it is vital for you to know what to consider when you are choosing a method of birth control. The following factors should be considered and when you have evaluated different outcomes and considered side factors, you will be in a position to make a good decision that you will not regret.
• Health risks As you well know, there are many birth control methods that might do you more harm than good; especially if you have a medical condition. For example, hormonal birth control methods like the combined estrogen and progestin is not recommended for women who are over the age of 35. Habits like smoking will further compromise the effect of certain methods with regard to birth control. Women who smoke should not use the combined hormonal methods due to health risks. Also, women who have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots and even migraines should seek medical help when it comes to choosing the right method.
• Your return to fertility is also a very important factor to consider. This is because there are methods of birth control which will take away fertility for a longer time than you anticipated. Such methods include a shot of Depo-Provera. This progestin-only method has been reported to cause a lot of heartache to women who may end up loosing their fertility altogether. It is vital for you to consider a method that will enable you conceive at the time you wish to conceive.
• Effectiveness is the other great factor to consider. Every individual or couple wants to use a method that will guarantee good results. It is not always possible to have full guarantees with various birth control methods but, there are those that are more effective than others. Hormonal implants and injections top the list when it comes to effectiveness. Birth control pills, patches, rings and others follow. Methods like use of condoms, spermicides and diaphragms are moderately effective compared to the other methods. Your choice should be effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.
• Protection from sexually transmitted diseases is also very important. It might even be more important than the risk of getting pregnant because your life is at stake. There are effective methods of birth control that will not do you justice when it comes to protecting you from diseases transmitted sexually. The use of condoms is the leading method when it comes to this form of protection. Therefore, it is wise to use a combination of various methods to protect yourself effectively from pregnancy and from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
• Permanence is another key point to consider. You want a method that will serve you in a duration that is most suitable. For those who do not want any children or do not want more children, a permanent method like female tubal ligation or male vasectomy will be just right. However, if you do not want to do away with your fertility, it is advisable to stick to the more temporary methods of birth control.
• Finally, it is vital to consider other benefits that a birth control method can bring. For example, there are hormonal methods that have been seen to be effective against acne. Others have been seen to reduce menstrual cramping and pain. Let your health care provider guide you into making the best decisions with this regard.
Keep in mind that you want the methods to work for you. If you have a method that is doing the opposite, it is time to re-evaluate and consider the above factors. Chances are that there will be a method or methods that will work great to help you avoid unwanted pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
Is Low Dose Birth Control OK For Disabled Women?
Are disabled women getting the best deal when it comes to enjoying sex without risking pregnancy if they don't want to or are unable to parent a child? According to Dr. Maida Taylor of the University of California, low dose birth control is manageable for lots of disabled women, as are many other types of birth control including the IUD so long as regular monitoring is carried out with adjustments made as necessary.
It DOES depend on the type of impairment a woman experiences, including a mental disability, as to which type of low dose birth control is suitable but the Depo injection or implants are not the only method of birth control that can be considered. Even the low dose birth control pill, in some circumstances, is quite OK.
The Depo-Provera shot [medroxyprogesterone acetate] is popular because it lasts for 3 months, it does not contain estrogen and is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. The injection is given into the woman's buttocks or the arm muscle. The 'shot' does not suit all women as it can cause headaches, bloating/weight gain and irregular bleeding which is tough enough for anyone to manage and I would imagine, the last thing you need if you're disabled.
Dr. Taylor reviewed several disabilities and diseases and below are her recommendations for which contraceptives are suitable for affected women:
Visual impairment and blindness. - if caused by a form of thrombosis, any birth control containing estrogen may be unsuitable. Dr. Taylor explains "but there is no evidence that hormonal contraception accelerates microvascular disease in diabetics. Since pregnancy has a high probability of accelerating retinal disease, effective contraception is essential for susceptible insulin-requiring diabetics"
Stroke, cerebrovascular accident and head injury - male and female condoms, caps, diaphragms and pessaries are fine. IUDs are good also. Again, Dr. Taylor warns that if cause of the disorder is thrombotic, then a contraceptive that does NOT contain estrogen should be used. As with any form of visual impairment, if a woman has suffered a head injury she should be very cautious about using oral contraceptives (OCs) so as not to cause further damage, even though the risk is small. "Contraceptive implant and progestin injectable might be considered with consultation," Dr. Taylor said.
Cerebral palsy, polio, and muscular dystrophy -low dose birth control pills and other methods of birth control containing estrogen need to be used with care and preferably only if a woman is fairly active. If a woman is immobile she is at greater risk from blood clots/thrombosis. Diaphragms are good but may not be suitable if a woman's bladder is not working properly as they can contribute to urine being held back and a subsequent urinary tract infection developing.
Mental retardation - condoms, caps, diaphragms and other barrier methods are not suitable for women who are severely retarded so for maximum effectiveness and convenience of use, Depo injections and implants are provided for these women. Dr. Taylor emphasises "With any and all contraception in this population, consent issues with parents, conservators, or courts may be raised. And there is a need to work with patients so they can comprehend, as much as possible, pregnancy, sexuality, and childbearing."
Loss of an arm, hand - this disability allows for several types of low dose birth control to be used if desired and barrier methods may be especially convenient and hassle free for the disabled woman but all this needs to be worked out with a partner, who must be willing to assist with a method of birth control that suits them both - so honest chats beforehand are the go here.
Partial loss of movement or impaired movement, paralysis or amputation of a leg - this often means that a woman is confined to a chair or bed and is not active in moving around so her risk of thrombosis is increased. Low dose birth control methods WITHOUT estrogen would not be suitable.
A woman's 'contraception career' lasts decades but does not need to be a burden for disabled women - if low dose birth control pills are used, constant monitoring of the combination with other medications taken and changing levels of hormones should be carried out. The type of low dose birth control that served you well at 29 may not be satisfactory when you're 35. If debilitation occurs or the progression of a disease brings on immobility or affects the immune system, the method of birth control should be reviewed.
A disabled woman has the right to have a variety of birth control methods 'designed' for her throughout her 'contraception career'. If she is unable to make a choice for herself, surely we have a duty of care to honour and acknowledge her sexuality by making that decision for her so that she can celebrate her womanhood with safety?
Carole Pemberton keeps you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your 'contraception career'.
It DOES depend on the type of impairment a woman experiences, including a mental disability, as to which type of low dose birth control is suitable but the Depo injection or implants are not the only method of birth control that can be considered. Even the low dose birth control pill, in some circumstances, is quite OK.
The Depo-Provera shot [medroxyprogesterone acetate] is popular because it lasts for 3 months, it does not contain estrogen and is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. The injection is given into the woman's buttocks or the arm muscle. The 'shot' does not suit all women as it can cause headaches, bloating/weight gain and irregular bleeding which is tough enough for anyone to manage and I would imagine, the last thing you need if you're disabled.
Dr. Taylor reviewed several disabilities and diseases and below are her recommendations for which contraceptives are suitable for affected women:
Visual impairment and blindness. - if caused by a form of thrombosis, any birth control containing estrogen may be unsuitable. Dr. Taylor explains "but there is no evidence that hormonal contraception accelerates microvascular disease in diabetics. Since pregnancy has a high probability of accelerating retinal disease, effective contraception is essential for susceptible insulin-requiring diabetics"
Stroke, cerebrovascular accident and head injury - male and female condoms, caps, diaphragms and pessaries are fine. IUDs are good also. Again, Dr. Taylor warns that if cause of the disorder is thrombotic, then a contraceptive that does NOT contain estrogen should be used. As with any form of visual impairment, if a woman has suffered a head injury she should be very cautious about using oral contraceptives (OCs) so as not to cause further damage, even though the risk is small. "Contraceptive implant and progestin injectable might be considered with consultation," Dr. Taylor said.
Cerebral palsy, polio, and muscular dystrophy -low dose birth control pills and other methods of birth control containing estrogen need to be used with care and preferably only if a woman is fairly active. If a woman is immobile she is at greater risk from blood clots/thrombosis. Diaphragms are good but may not be suitable if a woman's bladder is not working properly as they can contribute to urine being held back and a subsequent urinary tract infection developing.
Mental retardation - condoms, caps, diaphragms and other barrier methods are not suitable for women who are severely retarded so for maximum effectiveness and convenience of use, Depo injections and implants are provided for these women. Dr. Taylor emphasises "With any and all contraception in this population, consent issues with parents, conservators, or courts may be raised. And there is a need to work with patients so they can comprehend, as much as possible, pregnancy, sexuality, and childbearing."
Loss of an arm, hand - this disability allows for several types of low dose birth control to be used if desired and barrier methods may be especially convenient and hassle free for the disabled woman but all this needs to be worked out with a partner, who must be willing to assist with a method of birth control that suits them both - so honest chats beforehand are the go here.
Partial loss of movement or impaired movement, paralysis or amputation of a leg - this often means that a woman is confined to a chair or bed and is not active in moving around so her risk of thrombosis is increased. Low dose birth control methods WITHOUT estrogen would not be suitable.
A woman's 'contraception career' lasts decades but does not need to be a burden for disabled women - if low dose birth control pills are used, constant monitoring of the combination with other medications taken and changing levels of hormones should be carried out. The type of low dose birth control that served you well at 29 may not be satisfactory when you're 35. If debilitation occurs or the progression of a disease brings on immobility or affects the immune system, the method of birth control should be reviewed.
A disabled woman has the right to have a variety of birth control methods 'designed' for her throughout her 'contraception career'. If she is unable to make a choice for herself, surely we have a duty of care to honour and acknowledge her sexuality by making that decision for her so that she can celebrate her womanhood with safety?
Carole Pemberton keeps you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your 'contraception career'.
Birth Control Pills and HIV
Will birth control pills protect us from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?
Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).
It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.
If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don't be embarrassed.
Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.
Nowadays, there are many birth control methods available that a woman can use. Talk with your doctor or nurse to help your spouse figure out what method is best for her. She can always try one method and if she does not like it, she can try another one.
Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).
It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.
If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.
It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don't be embarrassed.
Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.
Nowadays, there are many birth control methods available that a woman can use. Talk with your doctor or nurse to help your spouse figure out what method is best for her. She can always try one method and if she does not like it, she can try another one.
Can Birth Control Pills Cause Infertility?
Millions of women, in the U.S. and worldwide, use some sort of pharmaceutical birth control method or oral contraceptive such as the pill to prevent pregnancy while engaging in sex. For many years now, oral contraception has been the most popular of birth control methods, currently used by over 12 million women in the United States alone.
In this new century, longer term methods of birth control have become available. Among these are the hormonal contraceptive ring which provides approximately 3 continuous months of contraceptive control. Another birth control method is progestin implants, which release a continuous dose of progestin that acts to prevent ovulation. These implants can work from 3 to 6 years.
Some women use pharmaceutical contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Others, however, use it as a means of spacing the births of their children. For those in the latter category, many fear that continuing to use pharmaceutical birth control will increase their chances of infertility and possibly prevent them from having children in the future.
Other lesser used birth control methods include the Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device or IUD, condoms, spermicidal lotions, and, of course, abstinence.
The IUD is made of metal and plastic and is inserted into the woman's uterus. It prevents the fertilized female egg from being inserted into the uterine cavity, thus preventing pregnancy.
Of all methods of birth control, the ones at most risk for possibly causing future infertility are the IUD and the hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, hormonal contraceptive ring, and so on.
In normal cases, birth control pills aren't likely to impair your long-term fertility. The birth control pills produced today contain a fraction of estrogen and other chemicals compared to pills from the forty years ago or more. In fact, doctors will advise that most women can start tying to get pregnant immediately after stopping the pill without any problem. In the case of women using hormonal contraception or other long term birth control methods, the wait may be a bit longer as it takes time for the all of the chemicals to be purged from the body.
In some women, however, pharmaceutical birth control methods has been shown to adversely affect or destroy the cervical fluid needed for conception. Usually, but not always, this fluid is regenerated once the woman goes off the pill. If the fluid is damaged or not regenerated, there is a possibility that conception could be impacted.
However, the biggest danger of using pharmaceutical methods of birth control is that it makes the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases much easier which can absolutely increase the chances of infertility.
In the case of the IUD, the potential danger is less direct. The IUD has to be inserted into the uterus. While doing so, it is possible that bacteria will hitch a ride on the IUD device, enter the uterus causing it to become infected and damaged. If infected, the infection can, in some cases, lead to infertility.
Aside from abstinence, all methods of birth control carry some minimal risk. In most cases, however, the risk of them affecting your ability to have children is slight.
In this new century, longer term methods of birth control have become available. Among these are the hormonal contraceptive ring which provides approximately 3 continuous months of contraceptive control. Another birth control method is progestin implants, which release a continuous dose of progestin that acts to prevent ovulation. These implants can work from 3 to 6 years.
Some women use pharmaceutical contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Others, however, use it as a means of spacing the births of their children. For those in the latter category, many fear that continuing to use pharmaceutical birth control will increase their chances of infertility and possibly prevent them from having children in the future.
Other lesser used birth control methods include the Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device or IUD, condoms, spermicidal lotions, and, of course, abstinence.
The IUD is made of metal and plastic and is inserted into the woman's uterus. It prevents the fertilized female egg from being inserted into the uterine cavity, thus preventing pregnancy.
Of all methods of birth control, the ones at most risk for possibly causing future infertility are the IUD and the hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, hormonal contraceptive ring, and so on.
In normal cases, birth control pills aren't likely to impair your long-term fertility. The birth control pills produced today contain a fraction of estrogen and other chemicals compared to pills from the forty years ago or more. In fact, doctors will advise that most women can start tying to get pregnant immediately after stopping the pill without any problem. In the case of women using hormonal contraception or other long term birth control methods, the wait may be a bit longer as it takes time for the all of the chemicals to be purged from the body.
In some women, however, pharmaceutical birth control methods has been shown to adversely affect or destroy the cervical fluid needed for conception. Usually, but not always, this fluid is regenerated once the woman goes off the pill. If the fluid is damaged or not regenerated, there is a possibility that conception could be impacted.
However, the biggest danger of using pharmaceutical methods of birth control is that it makes the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases much easier which can absolutely increase the chances of infertility.
In the case of the IUD, the potential danger is less direct. The IUD has to be inserted into the uterus. While doing so, it is possible that bacteria will hitch a ride on the IUD device, enter the uterus causing it to become infected and damaged. If infected, the infection can, in some cases, lead to infertility.
Aside from abstinence, all methods of birth control carry some minimal risk. In most cases, however, the risk of them affecting your ability to have children is slight.
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