Pregnancy Information Digest » Birth Control

Why birth control causes depression

Editor — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:30:10 +0000

According to the study and research, more than 19 million people in the world experience depression each year. Women are double as likely as men to experience depression. In fact, more than 6 million women experience depression each year. Doctors keep on learning about how women are affected by depression but there are some common symptoms. If the lady is depressed, one might have some of these symptoms nearly every day, all day for 2 weeks or longer.

1. Feeling sad or weeping a lot

2. Losing attention or pleasure in things one used to enjoy

3. Feeling guilty, bad or worthless

4. Thinking regarding death or suicide

5. Sleeping too much or not being able to go to sleep or stay asleep

6. Losing the appetite and losing weight

7. Feeling very exhausted or slowed down

8. Having problem paying attention and making decisions

9. Having aches and pains that do not get better with treatment

What causes depression?

Women with premenstrual syndrome are more likely to become depressed. Depression is more ordinary a week before a woman's period and in the weeks after a woman gives birth. In some women, taking birth control pills may source symptoms of depression. Depression can be treated with therapy, medicine or both. It is also significant to take good care of self, to exercise regularly and to eat healthy foods. Antidepressant medicines are very useful in treating depression. There are many special kinds of antidepressants. The doctor will decide which one is right

Some dos and don'ts:

1. Do not get isolated. Stay in touch with the loved ones and friends, the religious advisor, and the family doctor.

2. Do not make major life decisions.

3. Do not blame self for the depression.

4. Do not be disheartened about not feeling well right away. Be patient.

5. Do exercise every day to make self feel better and to get more energy.

6. Do eat balanced meals and healthy food and get enough sleep.

7. Do set small goals for self, because one might have less energy.

8. Do encourage self.

9. Do get as much information as one can about depression and its treatment.

10. Do call the doctor or the local suicide crisis center right away if one starts thinking about suicide

When can Abortion be done successfully?

Editor — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:30:07 +0000

One of the most complex health issues are related to the human reproductive system and the process of child birth. Often due to some health disorders or complication during pregnancies, the fetus dies inside or has to aborted to save the mother. Abortions are also carried out to curb undesirable pregnancies and remove the developing fetus inside the womb. However, carrying out an abortion is not an easy task and getting its timing right is of crucial importance. If not perfectly executed then the abortion may cause severe threat to the mother.

When to execute an Abortion?

According to gynecologists and medical experts, an abortion can be carried out if the pregnancy is about seven weeks or less. The weeks are counted by taking into consideration the date of the first day of the last menstrual cycle of the woman. Considering this time period, if the age of the pregnancy is less than seven weeks then the woman can consider an abortion. The abortion can be carried out with the help of a medication called methotrexate. Apart from the methotrexate, there is yet another way of carrying out an abortion, which is a surgical way of removing the fetus. When a woman makes a first visit to the clinic at that time the age of the pregnancy must not be more than 7 weeks.

Once the methotrexate is administered, the growth of the embryo is restricted and hence the pregnancy is curbed. After methotrexate, the next form of medication administered is misoprostol. Once the misoprostol is administered it leads to uterine contractions due to prostaglandin. It also leads to removing the already weakened embryo and the placental tissue. Most of the abortions are minor operations and the women recover from it almost within a few hours. After the embryo is removed there is yet another examination conducted, which is known as the transvaginal ultrasound examination. Experts recommend medical abortion as it is a safer and less-risky as compared to the surgical abortion method. Surgical abortion is the concluding step in the process of abortion and if all other methods fail then the woman must undergo a surgical abortion.

Timing the abortion successfully is extremely significant and would determine whether the abortion would be successful or not.

Upanishads and birth control

Editor — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:00:17 +0000

Birth Control and concerned issues

The history of birth control dates back to 3000 B.C. and since then has grown as a complete science field that has developed by leaps and bounds over the years. The birth control methods include oral contraceptives, physical contraceptive devices and surgical techniques for both males and females. There are many natural methods like the rhythm therapy, Standard Day method and Ovulation charting that one can use to prevent pregnancy. The world's boosting population has made family planning a major concern and hence people seek newer efficiencies to control birth. Birth control has been closely related to mythology and has intricate connections with the various epics.

Upanishads and birth control methods

The various religions since times immemorial have preached procreation but in Hinduism, child birth was always permitted and was never considered as a sin. The Upanishads are considered to be an ocean of information that even includes the most intricate topics like birth control etc. The Upanishads have holistically explained the concept of child birth and hence it stands to be an encouraging factor that motivates people to plan a happy family. The birth control method that has been described in the Upanishads is known as the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The temporary methods have been suggested in the other Shastras and merciless killing of the child or abortion is proclaimed to be a crime. Even great men like Gandhi promoted natural way of birth control. The concept of universal self and mind control have been taught in the Upanishad so that people adhere to certain principles to avoid pregnancy. The chapter of birth control claims that a regulated sex life and non-violence will help attain a higher state of spiritualism. It strictly prohibits the usage of artificial contraceptives as one will hence lose the power to self-restrain oneself. It preaches that the use of other contraceptive methods drains out your energy and makes one a parasitic creature. It even includes the latest questions of population control and encapsulates the factors that can assist to build a good family.

Conclusion

This part of the Upanishad has been penned down by Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and has been beautifully collaborated to explain the concept of birth control in a natural and a simple way. Hence this is exactly how birth control and Upanishad and birth control are related.

Side effects of birth control pills

Editor — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 05:15:12 +0000

Birth control refers to the activity, medication, or any kind of equipment used to prevent the sperms from fertilizing the egg. There are many types of birth control available for men and women who do not wish to have a baby. The decision on which method is right for you should be made with the help of ones own physician, as well as with his or her partner. There are many types of birth control methods. But these rather also have very adverse side effects.

Major side effects:

The major side effects caused by birth control pills are that they cause heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. These problems occur only in women who smoke a lot or who have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease or blood cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities. Other serious side effects are worsening of migraine headaches, gall bladder disease, increase in blood pressure and an extremely rare liver tumor. Some birth-control pills may cause changes in the levels of fatty substances in the blood. The long-term consequences of these changes are not known. The vast majority of women have only minor, transient side effects. Some of these side effects are light bleeding between menstrual periods, skipped periods, nausea, weight change, bloating, and increase in vaginal infections. Although it is difficult to predict whether a woman will develop one of these minor problems, a problem can often be eliminated by changing to a different birth-control pill. A spot darkening of the skin on the face may appear and can also be permanent.

A good acronym for remembering danger signs is ACHES:

A -for severe abdominal pain

C -for severe chest pain or shortness of breath

H -for severe throbbing headache

E -for eye problems, such as flashing lights or vision disturbance

S -for severe leg pains

The final result:

The birth control pills cause less menstrual flow and cramping, lower risk of infection of the uterus and ovaries, a decreased chance of developing ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast cysts and tumors, less ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, less rheumatoid arthritis, and it may improve acne. At the same time they also increase the chances of increasing blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.

Seasonal birth control

Editor — Sun, 01 May 2011 16:00:11 +0000

Birth Control: An important issue

The act or the ability of controlling the fusion of gametes by using various methods is known as birth control. It acts as a major tool of family planning and the family can avoid a pregnancy in a happy and a healthy way. There have been many methods devised to control birth and these include techniques like medical surgeries, contraceptive devices or the hormonal pills. Majority of people even adopt the natural way of contraception as it avoids the side-effects that are caused by the other ways of birth control. Many people are still blank about the concept of fertility awareness and hence fail to manipulate the proper cause and plan a good and healthy family. One can take on any method and approach towards birth control as per one's requirements and ability. The other methods are temporary and the surgical methods are permanent.

Concept of Seasonal contraception

The concept of seasonal birth control is related to a pill called Seasonale that comes as a mixture the hormonal combination of both estrogen and progestin and is effective seasonally. This pill's effect stays for almost 84 days and it inhibits the thickening of uterine wall and hence it cannot support a foetus. This practice even reduces the approximately 13 yearly menstrual cycles to only 4. The risk involvement is exactly the same as any other oral contraceptive pill. These increase the chances of heart disorders and blood clotting in the various organs. The risk multiplies if you're a compulsive smoker and a drinker. The age factor also adds onto the chance of facing complications. 99% success can be achieved with this pill if used as per the exact dosage. If even a single pill is missed during the year, the chance of getting pregnant almost doubles. This pill like any other hormonal preparation doesn't protect a woman from any sort of sexually transmitted disease.

The final verdict

The pubic uses this pill in order to suppress their menstrual cycle more than for the purpose of birth control. Seasonal birth control is an effective way to avoid pregnancy but the consultation with a doctor is any day advised. This pill is for those who do not plan a pregnancy at all and when commenced one cannot get back and should continue the process for the complete year in order to avoid any complications.

Pros and cons of birth control

Editor — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:15:07 +0000

Birth Control: The way to go

With a boost in population all over the world, it's fast becoming imperative for the people to consider population control in a serious nerve. Birth control has developed by leaps and bounds in the past few years and Science has skillfully managed to device a number of ways that can assist people to control birth. The various methods by which one can avoid contraception have been segregated into various categories and one can avail the facilities as per one's own requirement. Previously, only the female birth control methods were prevalent but today the contraception devices and forms are available for both the genders. The basis of birth control is to avoid the fusion of gametes and avoid the period of gestation.

Pros and cons of birth controls

Contraceptive methods are a proposition that come with equal number of advantages and disadvantages. The benefits anyhow outweigh the negatives as it is a major step towards population control and helps a fortune in family planning. First and foremost, the barrier methods of contraception cut down the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) drastically and extremely cost-effective. The success-rate of these devices is approximately over 90%. The withdrawal method is totally free of cost and is totally natural and hence there is no chance of any side-effect. The various birth control pills which are expected to be consumed by the females reduce the menstrual cramps and the acne caused due to hormones. These pills are even instrumental in shunning off the risk of ovarian cysts, uterine cancer and pelvic inflammatory diseases. The hormonal injections prevent the menstrual irregularities. The hormonal implants are the most long-lasting methods of birth control. These are the various plus-points of using contraceptive methods.

The cons of birth control encompass many aspects like side-effects, disorders and dysfunctions. Some of the sterilization methods are extraordinarily costly. The methods which claim to be permanent can be temporary and fail to be 100% effective. Many of the methods do not control the spreading of STD's and hence fail to meet the requisite purpose. The intra-uterine devices can cause menstrual infections and other problems. Many females have problems when it comes to the latex or the spermicide applied on the condoms and hence may harm the vaginal tract. Many such physical methods hinder the process of the intercourse and can hence create a problem.

The Final Word

The idea of undergoing any surgery or using any contraceptive devices should be an informed decision as the various facets should be studied well and the complete process should be executed only under the supervision of the health specialists in order to avoid any further complications.

Pregnancy after birth control

Editor — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:15:09 +0000

Women tend to fritter half their lives trying not to get pregnant and then when they decide they are prepared, they find out it is not always that easy to conceive. In efforts to prevent pregnancy, women nowadays use oral contraceptives, hormonal patches, condoms and numerous other birth control methods.When it comes to hormonal contraceptives, the best bet is to complete the current cycle and then attempt to get pregnant. After the cycle, attempts can be made to start getting pregnant even though it may be advisable to wait for the first normal menstrual period after stop taking the pills. But this precaution is not necessary. Some women conceive in a week or two after stopping birth control pills. It is recommended to complete the cycle so they do not have irregular bleeding. In general, the center of the month is when ovulation and potentially conception are most probable to take place, so the best fertile window is a couple of weeks after stopping contraception.An important point to think is that if there has been a previous pregnancy or miscarriage, wait about three months to provide the body a chance to recover. This is where a waiting period makes sense.

Preparation before pregnancy:

Other types of contraception, the intrauterine device must be removed before a woman starts attempting to conceive. Couples can just stop using condoms when they are ready to conceive. If the person is planning to become pregnant, it is ideal to have a full menstrual cycle before trying to conceive. One can more accurately calculate the fetus's age by counting from the first day of the last menstrual period before became pregnant. The total time it takes for a woman's full fertility to return after stopping birth control varies for all women and depends on the birth control method she is using. The ability to get pregnant gradually decreases as per age, starting at age 25. Poor health and irregular periods may also decrease the fertility. After stopping any form of birth control, one may have a more difficult time getting pregnant simply because of older age than when started using birth control.

Plan it wise:

If the person is planning to become pregnant, it is a good idea to start taking a multivitamin that contains folic acid. Taking this vitamin in early pregnancy can reduce the chances of having a baby with certain birth defects. After stopping birth control pills, one might expect to get pregnant as soon as the next cycle or not for another 3-6 months.

Negative effects of birth control

Editor — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:45:07 +0000

Side effects are any marginal reactions caused by a particular therapy, not the therapeutic reaction a medicine or behavior was intended to create. In the case of birth control pills, the side effects can be both encouraging and negative too. Some of the profit includes predictable periods, lighter menstrual flow and less cramping. These can give a pleasant change for some women and life-enhancing release from disabling periods for others. In fact, several women and girls actually take the pill for these benefits, even when they do not need birth control. However, birth control pills also present some common and irritating side effects that are not so welcome. Several are most obvious within the first few months of use, while others may only expand after many years.

Few noticeable side effects:

1. Nausea – Many women feel nauseated in the first few days of pill use. If queasiness hits when first start taking the pill or when any new pack started, try to wait it out. In general, most women feel better pretty quickly. Be sure to take the pills at a usual time every day, not only for better protection but also as having to double the dose can make the nausea worse. Another idea that might help is to take the pill in the evening, so that the nausea occurs while sleeping and so goes by unnoticed.

2. Abnormal bleeding – For many women, it takes a few months of being on the pill before their menstrual cycle regulates itself. One may have a small amount of bleeding in between cycles or a full-blown period that comes early. This is not a sign that the pill is failing. If someone is still experiencing irregular periods after four months, talk to the practitioner about the options.

3. Absent periods – It is fairly common for women to lose their periods after a few years of pill use. Many women happen to concern that they are not getting properly cleaned out when they do not shed the uterine lining each month. While lack of periods can have health risks for women who are not on the pill, it usually does not cause any medical problems in pill users.

Few more irritating problems:

If someone is getting headaches since starting on the pill, try to pay notice to when in the pill pack the headaches are worst. Estrogen gives some women headaches, requiring them to take a pill that has a lower estrogen dose or is progestin only. Some get headaches as the hormone levels drop at the end of the pack.

Natural Birth Control

Editor — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:15:09 +0000

Sensing the need and importance of birth control, several means of birth control have come to be designed. The most popular means of birth control include female contraceptive pills, condoms and surgical methods like sterilization and vasectonomy. However, according to the medical experts the best form of birth control method is natural measures. Natural birth control measures are the oldest and the healthiest form of birth control that can be practiced by people.

Natural Ways

The natural birth control methods are very safe and provide guaranteed results to couples that are practicing birth control. Some of the important methods are as follows:

Refraining from Sexual Intercourse: Avoiding sex is the most certain way of practicing birth control. It is a difficult method as not everyone can display the resolve or self-control and refrain from having sex. However, if practiced, this method is the most effective way of practicing birth control.

Outercourse: Outercourse refers to non-penetrative sex or sexual activity that does not include vaginal penetration. Outercourse is the exact opposite of intercourse and does not include the exchange of any body fluids, which is the most essential in practicing birth control.

Masturbation: Masturbation includes sexual stimulation to the point of orgasm by rubbing the genital areas with fingers or by other tools. Masturbating does not include actual sexual intercourse and hence reduces the chances of conceiving.

Fertility Awareness: Women play a crucial role in birth control and can avoid pregnancy by indulging in sexual activities when they are least fertile. Women often refrain from having sexual intercourse during the fertile period or resort to other forms of sexual activities with their partners during their most fertile phases.

Coitus Interrupts: Coitus interrupts refers to a sexual intercourse in which the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation. This is an extremely important method of contraception as the withdrawal does not allow the semen to enter the vagina. Thus the chances of conceiving reduce drastically. This is an important method of birth control, especially for those who cannot get any other contraceptive measures. Also, this method does not have any adverse side-effects on the individuals and can be practiced without the use of any artificial devices.

These are some of the important forms of natural birth control methods, which are extensively practiced by couples.

Natural birth control methods

Editor — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:00:45 +0000

Natural birth control

People today have understood the importance family planning and hence are trying out various birth control measures in order to avoid pregnancy. This in turn is lending a helping hand in population control. The natural methods of birth control include the concept of avoiding conception without using any external agency. Females since times immemorial have been adopting the natural birth control methods through fertility awareness. The concept of natural birth control encapsulates a lot many issues that include rhythm method, ovulation method, Standard Days methods and even the symptom-thermal technique. The basis of these natural techniques is that a female is expected to be the most fertile around about the period of natural contraception.

Fertility Awareness and natural Contraception

Fertility awareness forms a major part of building up a family. The females understand the functionality of their own body in a better way. These methods are 100% risk-free and do not involve any sort of side-effects. This process requires low investment and is free from the problems caused by the external agencies like the pills and hormonal injections. It is a cohesive trial of both partners and promotes the family spirit to a very great extent. The various methods in the category of natural birth control involve the fact that copulation should not happen in the fertile days that are the days of ovulation. The Standard Days Method actually provokes the partners to undergo intercourse in the period of 10 days after the menstrual cycle in order to avoid the fusion of gametes. The Rhythm/Calendar method chalks out a plan which the partners are expected to follow as per the woman's menstrual cycle. The other methods like the ovulation technique and basal body temperature charting are other methods that can naturally avoid pregnancy. All these methods can be learnt through fertility awareness and be carried out under the vigil of specialists. These methods are comparatively ineffective as the success percentage of controlling pregnancy is very low as compared to the other tried and tested methods.

Naturally Safe

One can surely take utmost care and only the perfect practice of these techniques results in birth control else there lies a greater chance of becoming pregnant. It is time consuming but nothing is yielded without patience hence if the natural contraceptive ways are a good idea if one is loyal to the regimen prescribed.

Most effective birth control

Editor — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:15:13 +0000

Today in the world market there are many types of birth control product available. There are pills and injections but to go further there are also surgeries that can be done to prevent it totally from happening. But no form of method of birth control is 100 percent successful. Birth control is of 2 types namely reversible and irreversible.

The most effective form of birth control:

Abstinence is the most effective form of birth control. The other very much effective form of birth control is an intra-uterine device (IUD), closely followed by hormonal birth control, which can come in the form of a pill, patch, implant, or insertable ring. The IDU have the best success rate amongst all other measures. In order for any form of birth control to be effective, it must be used exactly as directed; if one fails to follow directions, it will result in a higher risk of pregnancy. Surgical methods of birth control are actually more effective than hormonal birth control or IUDs, although they are only reversed with extreme difficulty, and most of the times not at all.

For women and men looking for a permanent form of highly effective birth control, a surgical method is the best choice. The failure rates for tubal ligations and vasectomies are extremely low, usually less than one percent if the surgery is performed correctly. When it comes to hormonal birth control, the birth control shot is the most effective form of birth control. However, the shot is currently not recommended for long term use, as it may lead to calcium deficiencies. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on improved, long-term forms of the shot, but for patients seeking healthier long-term hormonal options, the birth control patch and insertable ring are both good choices, with failure rates of between one and two percent, assuming that they are used correctly. Studies on the patch have also suggested that it should not be used by women over 198 pounds (86 kilograms). The pill, a common form of hormonal birth control, has a two percent failure rate, assuming that the pills are taken daily, and at the same time every day.

Other effective methods:

The failure rates of birth control methods vary from method to method, but are usually around 17%. The failure rate declines if a diaphragm is used with spermicide, although spermicide alone is not a reliable method. Some spermicides have a failure rate as high as 50%, while others range around 20%. Condoms have an 11% failure rate, mostly related to improper use and breakage rather than poor manufacture, although they are the only form of birth control which also prevents sexually transmitted infections.

Male condoms for birth control

Editor — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:30:09 +0000

In today's world, birth control has become a major issue due to the ever growing population. As also the increase of STD is become very rapid the need for protected sex has become very necessary. There are many measures to control birth and are used moat widely through out the world. A male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis during intercourse and is made of one of the following materials such as Rubber (latex), Plastic (polyurethane); the best alternative for people allergic to latex or Lambskin.

Details about condoms:

The male condom is rolled over the erect or hardened penis and prevents against direct contact between the penis and vagina thus not letting the seamen from entering the vagina. The latex condoms can also protect against STIs including HIV. Testing of the plastic, polyurethane condoms suggests that they also protect against infections; however, this is not verified. However lambskin condoms do not protect against STDs and HIV's it is thus purely used only for birth control. Also using spermicide in addition to the condom improves pregnancy prevention. After using Latex condoms the chances of getting pregnant when used typically is 14% and when used perfectly is 3%. There are advantages of using a condom like it is the best method for reducing the risk of STIs for those who choose to have intercourse. It allows men to share responsibility for pregnancy prevention and protection against STDs. It can be easily obtained and does not require a prescription. As every thing has disadvantages the condom also has some disadvantages like some people are allergic to latex. Some individuals argue that condoms reduce sensitivity and pleasure during intercourse. It is absolutely true that condoms may break if they are put on incorrectly.

Summary:

Male condoms can vary greatly in color, size, amount of lubrication and amount of spermicide. The male condom protects against infection and pregnancy by covering the penis and preventing direct contact between the penis and vagina, as well as collecting the semen and preventing it from entering the vagina. Also using spermicide in addition to the condom improves pregnancy prevention.

Male birth control

Editor — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:37:21 +0000

As the days are passing by the population is going on increasing. The death rate is decreasing due to new experiments and advanced medicines but the birth rate is growing every second. Every second there are 50 new babies that are taking birth. Due to the growing population the world is meeting crisis of the basic needs that is food, clothing and shelter. Therefore it is very necessary to do birth control. In today's world there are many ways to control the increasing population. Its not only that, that the female can only take steps for birth control but now the male can also do their bit.

Methods of birth control:

The best method to control birth is that one can avoid sexual intercourse. Abstinence is the best way to avoid pregnancy because if one does not have a sexual intercourse then the chances of the sperm reaching the egg is null. The other advantages of abstinence are that a person is not at a risk of accruing a sexually transmitted disease and it is free of cost. The other method is outer course. Outer course is the exact opposite of intercourse; outer course involves sex play from the external parts of the body which will help the vaginal penetration from not taking place. There also other kinds of barrier methods like male condom. A condom is a kind of protective glove like thing that fits over the erect male penis; the male condom prevents the sperms from spilling into the vagina. Condoms are generally made up of thin latex, plastic or animal tissue. The range of effectiveness for condoms depends on how well one uses them. The condom also prevents a male from getting infected with AIDS. There are also surgical methods that can prevent pregnancy. Vasectomy is a surgery that involves sealing, tying or cutting a man's vas deferens. Performed on an outpatient basis, vasectomy does not require general anesthesia. After the surgery that sperm can be extracted from the testes and used to induce pregnancy.

Draw back of birth control methods:

Most of the time, it is difficult for people to sustain from sexual intercourse. The condom is only effective from 86 to 98 percent. A vasectomy can be reversed 75 percent of the time within the first two years after that it is impossible to reverse it.

Long term birth control

Editor — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:15:10 +0000

The life of women can be downright hectic. Managing a career, family and relationships is often a very difficult balancing act. The last thing women want to think about everyday is their birth control. The major priority is now a day given to their career. Birth control is the measure now many people opt for. Long term birth control can be done form both sides. There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control available today offers 100 percent protection against sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs), except abstinence.

Permanent birth control:

Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. Reversible birth control means that the method can be stopped at essentially any time without long-term effects on fertility (the ability to become pregnant). Permanent birth control usually means that the method cannot be undone or reversed, most likely because it involves surgery. Examples of permanent methods include vasectomy for the man or tubal Ligation for the woman. The permanent birth control methods offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases like AIDs and HIV. Abstinence is 100% effective and costs nothing, but may not always be a popular choice. "Natural" methods cost essentially nothing because one does not use any kinds of test kits or electronic monitors but they only require considerable discipline and control over themselves to be effective. The male and female birth control surgeries are also available for every one. It is not a very cheap affair although getting the surgery done but it is very highly effective. For permanent birth control, surgery is the best method.

Drawbacks of permanent birth control:

After going through the permanent birth control surgery one cannot get pregnant as it is 97 percent effective. The surgery is reversible but after two years of the surgery it cannot be reversed. The surgery cannot be done after a certain age. If one plans to change his mind and have a new born child it might not be possible.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles while on Birth Control

Editor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:30:06 +0000

The human physiology is one of the most complex systems and has innumerable facets to it. Of the several parts involved in this system, the human sexual process is difficult to understand and may even change according to the health of the individuals. Birth control is an extremely significant part of human sexual process and is practiced by almost all the couples. The physiology of women undergoes greater changes and these changes have different effects on birth control. It has been observed that irregular menstrual cycles can affect birth control in different ways.

Irregular Periods and Birth Control

According to the medical experts, irregular periods are primarily a result of hormonal changes that take place within the body. Missing periods or frequent periods, very heavy bleeding, clotting or spotting are all forms of irregular periods. Usually, irregular periods imply either missing more that two periods or getting them twice a month very frequently. This is a result of a disturbance in the natural chain of hormonal events that causes menstruation. Irregular periods may be caused due to reasons like lack of nutrition, excessive smoking, drug abuse, caffeine, heavy medications, recent childbirth or abortions. Irregular periods are also associated with birth control and women practicing birth control often experience variations in their menstrual cycles.

The birth control pills often cause a reduction in the menstrual cycle of women and even lead to the complete suppression of their periods. Several oral contraceptives are responsible for eliminating the menstrual cycles completely. The birth control pills are responsible for causing regular monthly bleeding but do not cause ovulation. He bleeding caused due to the birth control pills is just mimicry of actual menstrual cycle. While practicing birth control, women are usually advised to consume hormone pills for 21 days followed by 7 days of non-functional placebo pills in order to resume the normal menstrual cycle. Women also suffer from irregular periods due to hormonal birth control measures like vaginal Nuvaring, the transdermal patch as well as the injections. The transdermal patch leads to a break in bleeding for one week while the injection leads to halting the bleeding for a period of three months.

Thus, there is a strong link between birth control measures and irregular menstrual cycles among women.

How Soon Can I get Pregnant after stopping Birth Control?

Editor — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:45:05 +0000

Although almost everyone practices birth control, its effects and its methods differ for everyone. The effects of birth control measures differ according to the physiology of the individuals, their medical history and their sexual health. Likewise, sometimes couples who wish to expand their family stop using birth control measures to enhance their chances of conceiving. Women may stop using birth control pills and other contraceptives in order to get pregnant. However, after stopping birth control, the time required to get pregnant may differ for every woman.

Getting Pregnant

Getting pregnant after stopping birth control depends upon the health of the woman and the method of birth control that she was using. The time required for a woman to attain her peak fertility varies according to her age and health. According to medical experts, the ability of a woman to get pregnant starts declining after the age of 25. Also some women may require a longer time to get pregnant due to unhealthy practices and irregular periods. Older women may also find it difficult or longer to gain their fertility levels and take more time to get pregnant. Age can act as a barrier in the process of gaining fertility and becoming pregnant again.

The main function of the birth control pill is to prevent ovulation. Thus, when women stop birth control measures then it results in the emission of hormones from the body immediately. Once these hormones have been removed, the body regains its original health and fertility. The removal of the hormones would lead to the production of follicles, which in turn lead to ovulation. This period required for ovulation differs for every woman. In normal circumstances, the woman takes about two weeks to ovulate while some might even take months to ovulate. Once the process of ovulation begins, it implies that the body has regained its normal health.

According to the experts, almost 85% of the couples take about one year to conceive after stopping birth control measures. After stopping the birth control pills, it requires about four to five months for a woman to get pregnant. This time period is independent and does not depend upon the number of years the woman has been practicing birth control measures.

Thus, once the couples decide to stop birth control, they just need to wait for a year to conceive and expand their family.

History of birth control pills

Editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:08 +0000

Birth control pills

The birth control pill stands to be the most famous and effective way of reversible birth control. These pills are scientifically called oral contraceptives. The latest pills in the market do not ape the past and hence instead of those numerous side effects provide the user with lot of benefits. The birth control pills prevent pregnancy but do not protect the body from any kind of sexually transmitted diseases. Today science has found out newer efficiencies and the birth control pills contain fewer doses of hormones and that is why the side effects of these pills have decreased considerably. These pills are of three types namely Progestin-only pills, combination pills and emergency contraceptive pills.

History of birth control pills

The history of birth control dates back to 3000 B.C. when in Egypt the concept of condoms arose. Though the cause is not very clear, there are proofs of men wearing it. Then was the pessary in 1850 B.C. that acted as a female contraceptive device. Around 600 B.C., the Greeks found out about Silphion that is the most premier oral contraceptive. During the period of 1844-1873, the U.S. birth control business boosted and many other intrauterine devices, cervical caps, vaginal sponges and diaphragms came into picture. Margaret Sanger and Mrs. Cyrus Mc Cormick in coalition plan to fund and aid the birth control and this concern grew out of their own personal experiences. The money went into Gregory Pincus's study and research towards inventing an oral contraceptive. The then famous drug companies Syntex and Searle emerged successful in creating artificial synthetic progesterone. The first pill released in 1960. Searle Company convinced FDA to grant Envoid, the first pill rights to be marketed. The dosage was anyway too high and hence the tablet was accompanied by major side-effects. The mass usage of pills started only after the year 1980. It was recently in 1992 that FDA allowed the first hormone shot Depo Provera to be used as a birth control method that is effective for several months.

Conclusion

The birth control pills are sold only on the doctor's prescription. Anyhow the pharmaceutical houses do grant emergency contraceptive pills if required. Today the birth control pills are famous with majority of the public and hence have gained a lot of impetus.

Birth Control Pills And Weight Gain, Setting The Scales Correct

Editor — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:44:25 +0000

I cannot say that with this article, the discussion about birth control pills and weight gain will stop. This discussion is pretty much like the epic battle between light and darkness, good and evil, ordinary milk and non-fat milk, it goes on and on and on and on.

Scientifically speaking, there have been no indications in studies and experiments on any direct relationship between birth control pills and weight gain. Given that situation, it is really hard to fathom why most people still think the opposite.

Well we can think of some reasons why this urban legend continues to proliferate. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which go straight to the pituitary glands. Once there, the synthetic hormones block the production of LH and FSH hormones. This prevents the body the natural growth of the egg and ovulation.

According to some doctors and medical practitioners, birth control pills can also cause an increase of appetite, at least to some women. But studies have shown that this situation is more of an exception rather than the rule. It has also been found out the said increase in appetite is more coincidental and is no different from what happens in the general populace.

This also brings us to the next point. Some doctors and medical practitioners continue issuing statements that weight gain has been observed or that weight gain is a possible side effect to their patients, adding to the confusion. Oftentimes these statements from doctors are accepted as statements of facts. Instead of clarifying already false information to begin with, they contribute to the continued spread of this myth.

Another perception of feeling bloated or fat when one is taking the pill is that the body is said to hold more water when it is on pill compared to when it is not. This is another fallacy in a string of rumors, gossips, and misinformation.

Women are very conscious of their weight. Ask any man who made the wrong move of commenting on a women's weight. I'm sure it got messy. This consciousness or even subconscious wariness of gaining pounds might contribute to false admittance or observations that birth control pills cause weight gain. Women often fear the added pounds. Because of this fear women don't take or totally avoid taking birth control pills.

This is detrimental to any birth control program. That's why it is important to squash the myth of weight gain once and for all. The pill is quite an effective method of birth control after all, when used correctly of course.

Because of the weight gain issue, women will tend to go for other means of contraception. Although some other methods are quite effective, the pill is still a batter option with 99.7% chance of preventing pregnancies. Women should stop worrying about something that isn't real or they will really begin to worry about weight gain when they get pregnant and after giving birth. These two situations pack more weight related issues than what they have now with birth control pills.

Weight gain and weight control is all about balance. A balance diet combined with a balanced body work-out. That's the ideal way of living. You prevent any significant weight gain by eating healthy and exercising.

If you gain pounds while you're in the pill, don't lash it all out on the little guy for it is all you. Birth control pills and weight gain are not correlated, and that's that.

Male Birth Control, Simple Enough

Editor — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:33:25 +0000

Yes, male birth control methods are simple enough and yet men still don't get it. There are only three male contraception methods, although there's news of creating a hormonal contraceptive pill for male but the development of the drug is still underway. So we are down to three male birth control methods for now.

Condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal. These are the only three contraceptives that men have to worry about. But that number we can still narrow down. Vasectomy is often not an option taken by males since they often believe that the procedure is irreversible. For your information, the procedure is reversible. But still this method needs the man to be lying on his back on the operating table and going under the knife, and such an idea is usually not that appealing. Not that I blame the man, though, nobody wants to be lying in an operating table for whatever purpose.

The second method is withdrawal. You have a higher chance of getting your partner pregnant with this method. This can be effective when combined with the calendar method of birth control. The calendar method if in case you don't know means tracking the menstrual cycle of your partner and having intercourse only during the first eight days of the cycle. This is quite effective when you have only one partner but can be highly risky if you engage in social sex.

With everything said about the other two methods, our last method seems to be the most suited in all occasions and situations. The use of condoms as a birth control method has a high enough success rate. It is not 100% effective since no birth control method really is perfect. And yet, men oftentimes fail in birth control even if there are only three methods that they have to choose from, or rather have a single method at their disposal if you follow our argument.

However, there are studies being done which gives men other options aside from those three. I really don't know if these new contraceptive methods will help especially if men are in general not paying much that attention to contraceptives anyways.

But still, this development in male birth control is a welcome one. Research have been looking at developing medications, much like the female birth control pills, targeting the hormones inside the male body. This hormonal contraception can be administered as injections or as implants, although, like I said research is still being conducted and experiments are being performed to show if such contraceptives are possible.

This hormonal contraception for males will function as a limiting catalyst to the production of the male sperm. The tricky aspect of the research is finding a way of bringing back the sperm count level to the amount that men will be considered as fertile.

Other method that they are looking for includes implanting tiny plugs called IVD (Intra Vas Device) to block the sperm; applying heat to the testes to induce infertility; and even the use of ultrasound waves as a means to control the production of the sperm. The ultrasound waves will heat the testes which will result to reducing the production of sperms. Again, the issue of whether the sperm count will normalize after a few months or even years.

Well, regardless of the methods under study the present male birth control is quite simple enough so men should learn how to use them or else it's off to the operating with you.

Types Of Birth Control Pills

Editor — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:34:25 +0000

Birth controls pills have been in use since 1960 when the US Food and Drug Administration approved it. Today, there are more than 40 different types to choose from which you can get from your local health rep.

Another name for the pill is called oral contraception. There are two types namely combination and progestin pills. Both are made of hormones and before you can buy it, you need to get prescription from your doctor.

Progestin pills were first introduced in the 1970's. This pill does not contain estrogen so it does not always prevent ovulation. For this to work, the female must take this at a certain time during the day and this must be taken regularly because one missed pill could greatly reduce its effectiveness.

There are advantages using progestin pills. Since it does not contain estrogen, it can be used by nursing mothers as well as those who are suffering from certain health conditions such as migraine headaches, cardiovascular disease or thromboembolism.

The combination pill contains estrogen and progestin and there three types available.

The first is called Monophasic pills and this contains the same amount of estrogen and progestin because the hormone levels are the same. So, users are less likely to experience mood changes that are a direct result from fluctuating hormone levels in the body.

Some examples of these are Alesse, Brevicon, Desogen, Levlite, Loestrin, Modicon, Nelova and Yasmin. The newest among them is Seasonale that was introduced into the market in 2003. Each pack contains 91 tablets and is designed to prevent menstruation for the entire time period. Tests have shown those who take it will experience only 4 periods in one year.

You also have multiphasic pills that were introduced 10 years after progestin was made available to the public. Just like the others, the person has to take them at a specific time. Some say this is an improvement than those which came out in the past because of reduced number of incidents of side effects associated with birth control pills such as amenorrhea, breakthrough bleeding and spotting.

Biphasic pills can change the level of hormones once during the menstrual cycle. Some examples of these include Jenest, Mircette, Necon 10/11, Nelova 10/11 and Ortho-Novum 10/11.

The third type is called triphasic since it contains three different doses of hormones. Taking them will gradually increase the dose of estrogen and progesterone into your body. Examples of these includes Cyclessa, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Trivora, and Tri-Norinyl.

There are emergency contraceptive pills or ECP but these are not supposed to be used as a contraceptive. It is designed to protect the woman after unprotected sex and so far, only one pill has been approved by the FDA and this is called plan B that contains the progestin called levonorgestrel. The difference between the other birth controls pills to this is one is that you can purchase this over the counter.

What type of birth control pill should you use will depend on what your doctor will recommend after you have undergone your medical evaluation. One thing that you may have to deal with regardless of what you take is the side effects. Until such time that doctors have developed a better pill, this is something you will have to deal with to prevent getting pregnant.

Generic Birth Control Pills

Editor — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:45:05 +0000

The innovation of birth control pills made birth control an easy process and allowed couples to practice family planning without any problems. With further research, scientific development and advancement of medical science different types and forms of birth control pills were devised. Also, with the passage of time different forms of production of birth control pills came to be used. Currently the trend that continues to dominate is the generic birth control pills production.

What are Generic Birth Control Pills?

When a company develops a new form of drug it receives a patent from the Food and Drug Administration for a maximum of 20 years. Till the patent is given, no other company can copy the patent or produce the particular drug. After the patent expires and the time period of 20 years is over then the other companies can also copy the drug, which is identified as the generic version of the drug. It is essential that the generic drugs match the standards of the original drug. Likewise when a company manufactures a birth control pill, which is patented by a company before is known as a generic birth control pill. The generic pill is an exact replica of the original birth control pill in terms of its appearances and effects.

There is very little or almost no difference between the original birth control pills and the generic birth control pills. The generic pills are exactly the same chemically and have the same colors, shapes and effects with the only difference being the name of the brand. It is important for the generic brands to ensure that the generic pills are equally and do not have any side effects. Also the dosage of the generic pills must be exactly the same as the original birth control pills. Apart from the dosage, the generic pills must also be similar to the original pills with respect to the amount of time required to absorb the drug. The only way in which the generic pills may differ from the original pills is with respect to inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients do not have any effect on the results of the pills and hence may differ.

The generic pills do not cause any serious problems to the women and are effective birth control measures.

A Brief History Of Birth Control

Editor — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:11:25 +0000

Here's a brief look at the history of birth control. Although pills are very much in demand to avoid getting pregnant for women, these are also causing quite a stir.

The reason for this is because birth control pills are known for one side effect. More and more women are complaining that the pills cause them to gain weight. For the ladies who use the pill just to avoid the risk of pregnancy, this is definitely not a good news.

When a woman gains weight because of the pills, it causes her to look at the other options. But not everybody is affected of this kind of side effect. Some women don't have weight issues regarding the use of birth control pills.

But for the women who are prone to such effect, there are other forms of birth control that they can choose to use. They can go the natural way or the rhythm method. This is where the partners will become involved in a sexual act only when the female is not fertile.

There are methods that are being injected and inserted to the women's genitals to obtain same effect as the pills. And among the popular ones is through the use of condoms. Nowadays, both men and women have condoms suited for their private parts.

The History

The oldest form of birth control can be the sexual abstinence. But aside from it, the withdrawal effect can also be considered as one.

Coined as the coitus interruptus, this means that the penis of a man will withdraw from the woman's genitals before the ejaculation. This prevents him from transmitting into the lady or his partner any vital sperm that may cause pregnancy. But this requires a lot of self control on the part of men.

It was also believed that Egyptian women have used suppository for their vaginas on old ages. The term for this type is pessary. This contains oil and other lubricants that will kill the sperm once the woman becomes involved in a sexual act.

The equivalent of today's female condoms at the time is a cervical cap for Asian women. This is like oiled paper. And for the same goal, Europeans have used beeswax. It was not until the 17th century that a condom was invented. When it was first introduced, it wasn't as popular as today. And it was intended not only to avoid the risk of pregnancy but also to avoid acquiring sexually transmitted disease like syphilis.

Throughout human history,there are various abortifacients that have been used. But the effects vary and those that were proven effective caused a lot of side effects. In the developing years, the herbal medium was used to act as a contraceptive.

The 20th century introduced the rhythm method or the natural way. It is still being applied today and can be as effective as the birth control pills but will also require a lot of control from both concerning partners.

In 1960, the FDA approved the pill that is now known as birth control. It was in 1972 that the pill became available for married ladies and singles ones who are over the age of 21. This was part of the 26th Amendment.

This brief history of birth control shows you its popularity through time. Although, it is also known to cause added weight, people rely on one or two types in hopes of not risking getting their partners pregnant at the time that they are still not ready for it.

Birth Control And Migraine

Editor — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:22:25 +0000

A migraine is a severe headache usually accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This can disable you for a few hours or even days. The level at which this happens or even its frequency varies.

A recent study shows that women suffer from migraines more than men. Although its exact cause is unknown, birth control devices happen to be one of the culprits.

An example of such a birth control device is the oral contraceptives. This is because its ingredients alter the woman's hormonal level and causes the migraine. The cause of course is too much estrogen which is added to what is already naturally produced by the body.

Aside from migraine, oral contraceptives may cause medical abnormalities from uterine fibroids to breast cancer.

Sometimes, the migraine attack may occur before or after taking the oral contraceptive. If this happens regularly, you are advised to try another method of birth control. This can be avoided though if you take it with food or milk. You must take this at the same time daily and stick with the prescribed dosage that was given to you.

Women over the age of 35 and experience migraines as a result of using birth control pills and other devices are at risk of getting a stroke. This is another reason why some institutions strongly advice females to use something else if they don't want to get pregnant.

Those who are diabetic, have high cholesterol levels and blood pressure are advised not to take oral contraceptives.

But there is hope. One of the newest oral contraceptives to date is Seasonal. This pill was introduced into the market in 2003 and since it makes females only experience a period four times in one year, this means fewer headaches for migraine sufferers.

But this oral contraceptive may not work for everyone. If you suffer migraines due to neurological problems, this won't do any good and you will have to find another birth control device.

Women may still choose to use oral contraceptives. This is only after they are examined by the doctor and if everything looks good, he or she will prescribe a lower dose of oral contraceptives. Talking to your physician may even prevent a full blown migraine from happening since there is really no permanent solution to stop this from happening.

But there are some women who experience migraines even before they start using oral contraceptives. In fact, the frequency did not increase or decrease once they were on the pill but complained that the severity of the migraine got worse.

The severity of the migraine will also not go away overnight after you quit using oral contraceptives. Studies show that it will take a few months for your hormonal levels to normalize and only then will you be able to see an improvement.

Despite that, migraines will still happen and you will not blame it only on the pill but due to other factors such as the food you eat, stress at home or in the office, other medications that you may be taking, physical factors and changes in the environment.

So although there is a direct link between oral contraceptives and migraine, you cannot say that it is the only reason why women suffer from it more than men.

Forms of birth control

Editor — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:45:08 +0000

What exactly does birth control mean?

In today's fast paced life, people don't have the time and energy to nurture a new life and hence the concept of birth control is growing everyday. Looking at the complete scenario optimistically, it acts as a comprehensive approach to even control the boosting population and keep a check on the healthy society. Birth control is an assortment of actions that include many physical methods, medications and surgeries. The odds of becoming pregnant are reduced to a very great extent and it acts as a major element of the family planning. The basic concept is to prevent fertilization and avoid gestation.

Forms of birth control

Today in the world, there are a number of methods and ways one can control birth and do their bit to control population. One of the most basic and the most obvious method is to avoid intercourse so that the fusion of gametes will not take place. Under the physical forms, one can either try out the barrier methods, the hormonal treatment, Ormeloxifene and the uterine method. The birth control pills are encompassed in the hormonal treatment in which alterations are made in the hormones in order to avoid production of the reproductive gametes. Both the sexes can undergo operations like the tubectomy in females and vasectomy in males in which the fallopian tube and vasa deferntia is provided with a constriction and sealed in order to avoid the sperms to reach the semen in mails and the ovum to reach the fallopian tube in females.

The various contraceptive devices like the vaginal rings, condoms, copper-T and intrauterine birth control devices are almost a foolproof way to control contraception. The spermicides aid and protect people from many STD's and are 79-94% effective. There exist many natural methods that can be used to avoid pregnancy and control birth. The rhythm method and many other natural methods prohibit the couple from having an intercourse in the period of ovulation in order to avoid the meeting of the sperm and the ovum. These methods are appropriate, safe and cost-effective and hence are a good step in the field of birth control

Birth Control: A must

One must stay in a happy, healthy and a small family. The various forms of birth control provide a wide array to the user to select from as one can select a method based on their own requisite details and obstructions. One must practice all these methods and forms under the strict vigil of the health specialists in order to avoid the side-effects and complications that can be caused.

Side Effects Of Birth Control

Editor — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:52:25 +0000

Some people are not ready to have kids. Perhaps because they are still in high school and just want to have sex while others are more career-oriented and want to focus on that first before starting a family. Whatever the reason, you should know that there are potential side effects depending on the type you decide to use.

The simplest way to prevent unwanted pregnancies is not to do it at all. This is known as abstaining. But if you two lovebirds want to get physical, you just have to find another way to express your love and if you decide to do it without intercourse, you can do so by playing with each other until you reach orgasm.

Another method which is quite popular is the condom. There are different types out there in the market that cater to both men and women. After intercourse, this should be removed and thrown away. There are also no side effects in using a condom. This should only be opened prior to intercourse and placed in properly to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Spermicides are often used with other birth control devices. Some examples of these include the vaginal ring and the diaphragm. They come in creams, films, gels, suppositories and tablets. The danger or side effect of improperly using them includes a burning or itching sensation and TSS or toxic shock syndrome. The user may also be at risk of bladder and urinary tract infections.

Birth control pills have the most number of side effects. These are namely, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, nausea, spotting and weight gain. Some women claim that their migraines have increased in severity as a result of taking them. Aside from those mentioned, you may also experience blood clots, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, breast and liver cancer.

There are however newer birth control pills. The latest is called Seasonale that was released in 2003. Studies have shown women who take this have had fewer incidents of blood clots in the legs or lungs, stoppage or rupture of a blood vessel in the heart and other organs, liver tumors and high blood pressure. You may also experience similar symptoms such as breast tenderness, weight gain, vomiting and difficulty wearing contact lenses just like conventional birth control pills.

The birth control patch is another option for women and you apply this onto your skin. One patch is good for seven days and you have to replace it during the same day each week for the next three weeks in the same area so choose whether to stick this in your abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or torso. On the fourth week, the female is patch free.

The side effects of using birth control patches include abdominal pain, breast tenderness, fluid retention or raised blood pressure, irregular bleeding, headaches, menstrual cramps and nausea.

Some people also use injectables and you can go to the doctor monthly for this or every three months. The sides effects of using injectables are irregular periods, weight gain and vomiting. The same side effects may also be experienced if you choose to use implants.

Birth control is the answer for those who don't want to take on the responsibility of raising a baby. Just so you know, be ready for the side effects which are often experienced by those who have tried it.

Birth Control Options

Editor — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:04:25 +0000

Family planning is a must in today's modern society. People are slowly becoming more and more aware of the implications both good and bad of planning the family. Most importantly people are becoming more and more aware of the different options that they have for planning their family. Different kinds of birth control options are now widely accepted as normal and part of everyday life.

Family planning has made enormous waves when it comes to controversy, different anti-family planning groups call it artificial control of what God has given and since most family planning methods involve products that have been manufactured by man and their companies people say that it is also like playing God since we have control over the number of members we want in our family.

Birth control options have been subject to a lot of debate and argument in the past and in the present, but even with all the opposition it gets from different sectors it still remains as the number one option of people who want to take care of how their family. What are the advantages of having birth control options?

There are a lot of different pros and cons to it but to have a good idea of some of the things that we can benefit from birth control let's go ahead and take a look into birth control a little more.

Birth control also helps prevent STD's or sexually transmitted diseases. Yes it's true, most birth control options if not some of it can help prevent Sexually transmitted diseases. We all know that STD's infect people through transferring the infection during sexual activities. Since the main function of birth control devices is to prevent contact between two different cells, the damage and the scope of the damage can be minimized in terms of getting the infection. One of the most reliable if not most used form of contraception that helps prevent transmission of STD is the condom.

It is a type of rolled up barrier protection.

Condoms can either be male or female types. Most commonly used are the male type condoms. There are a lot of it available at check out counters in various stores, it is easy to use and requires no expert tip or help whatsoever, to use it simply roll it out from the tip of the penis to the base. Make sure that you pinch the air out once it has made contact with the base of your penis.

The condom is one of the most effective and simple ways that we can use to first prevent Sexually transmitted diseases and second avoid unplanned and unscheduled pregnancies.

Because of it's simplicity and effectivity of the condom later on the female condom would be invented. The principle of the female condom is the same with the male condom, and basically has the same effectivity for birth control and protection. The only major difference if the relative difference in sizes.

For those who do not like artificial forms birth control, there are alternatives. One of the alternatives of artificial contraception would be natural family planning or birth control. Natural methods involve a lot of effort and hard work because of the nature of the many methods used for it.

Birth control options like these help us in planning ahead. We need to be a better country for the future generations.

Effectiveness Of Birth Control

Editor — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:38:25 +0000

Family planning is a necessity in our society today because of the fact that the earth's resources are becoming less and less every year and in a study it is estimated that there would be 12 million infant births in 2025 alone. From 8 million in 2019 every year there is an increase of 1.004 million births.

Looking into these statistics the effectiveness of birth control as it relates the number of infant births per year is still pretty high. The campaign of different sectors of government has become more and more aggressive in the past few years targeting larger urban areas in big cities.

Even with the heightened awareness about the importance of family planning and birth control methods the effectiveness of the campaign still remains underwhelming in terms of results.

Some of the factors that may contribute to the lack of positive results of the campaign on birth control is the fact some people still are not aware of the different methods that are available to them. In the past it has been the problem for some government agencies to make people accept contraception because of the massive disagreement that Catholics showed saying that it is only God that can give and take people's lives.

Of course these people are talking about abortion which in fact is not a form of contraception nor is it a form of family planning or birth control.

Abortion is in fact a crime in a lot of countries and most of the states of the US.

If people protests against birth control because they believe it is a form of abortion then that means they are under informed and that they are ignorant to the concept of Natural birth control. Because of the opposition that contraception received from moralists and religious orders, the concept of Natural birth control was introduced.

Though the confusion of the idea caused people not to believe in it at first, it has been regarded as more favorable by the anti-contraception groups.

Contraception methods are what we call artificial birth control. These methods include condoms (both male and female), hormonal method, birth control pills, Intrauterine device, ligation, spermicide (chemical only), spermicide with sponge, injections (Depo-Provera) and Vasectomy.

These are just some of the most common methods that include the use of different devices or chemicals to prevent sperms and egg cells from meeting.

Recently it was known that not only is birth control effective in planning the family but it also effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and other infection in people.

Because some of the devices used in birth control prevent contact of skin in the reproductive organs, the chances of catching the infection are minimized if not totally eliminated. So aside for the health department campaigning for married couples to plan their family for the future, young couples are also requested to use protection to prevent the spread of Sexually transmitted diseases and/or early pregnancy(that is also a big issue not only in the United States but all over the world).

The effectiveness of birth control methods greatly rely on the cooperation of people who are directly or indirectly affected by the issue. It may not be enough to just talk about it but more on acting upon it and getting the results that are badly needed by the country and the people of this planet.

The Different Forms Of Birth Control

Editor — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:37:25 +0000

Although there are many different forms of birth control, some women are afraid to take any of each because they are scared of the side effects. The most common that these pills have as an effect relates with the issue of gaining weight.

Ask a woman who is not afraid of getting fat. You will not find so many. But if indeed there is a case wherein a woman chooses to gain more weight for health related issues, they will resort to other means. This is especially true if the person involved is not sexually active and don't have a dependence on birth control pills.

But if the person who wants to gain weight and has also used the pills, she may just continue doing so for the purpose of adding up more pounds. There is nothing wrong with that especially if she is only doing what she thinks is right.

A woman knows her body better than anybody else. But to get a scientific truth to the claims, she may also opt to see a doctor to ask for advice on what pills to take for the purpose of adding more weight. If that is not what she wants to happen, she may also ask for a suitable birth control that will match her body type.

Other Forms of Birth Control

If you don't want to depend on the pills to avoid getting pregnant, there are other types of contraception that you can choose from. For whatever reasons, may it be because you don't want to add on to your weight or whatever else, here are some of the other types that you can choose to avail.

Implant Contraception

Through this method, a rod will be inserted under a woman's skin. This rod will release small amounts of progestin, a type of hormone, into the bloodstream. This is not so popular because it causes heavy bleeding.

Injected Ones

You can also opt to inject that contraception. This method can be done just once in every three months. Most of this type contains only progestin. This will stop a woman from ovulating and will halt the eggs that have been fertilized to be implanted on the uterine lining.

Condom for Women

This can also be called Fermidom or female condom. This can be likened to a loose pouch that is used to line the vagina. This has flexible rings at its two ends. This can be bought without prescription, but isn't really that popular that is why it is hard to find it in stores.

Condom for Men

This is being used by men during the sexual act itself to avoid his discharges from being transferred into his partner that may later cause pregnancy. This will also help prevent transmission of the diseases caused by sex.

The Natural Family Method

This can be done by religiously looking at your calendars. Women must take note when they last had their menstrual period so that they could avoid making love with their partners on those days when they are fertile.

The abovementioned are some of the different forms of birth control. Choose the one that fit you best if you don't want to opt for the pills. That way, you will avoid getting pregnant and you will also not be subjected to the pills' main side effect, that is gaining weight.

Birth Control And Heavy Period

Editor — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:01:25 +0000

Menorrhagia better known as heavy period is a common problem for women. This is because the person may suffer from severe anemia and the only way to save her life is through blood transfusions. There are several causes such as hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, polyps, dysfunction of the ovaries, adenomyosis, IUD's, medications, pregnancy complications and cancer. Of those mentioned, two are directly linked to birth control.

Hormonal imbalance happens may occur when you get too much estrogen and progesterone in your system. You have to remember that these two hormones are produced by the body and when you take pills that also carry this ingredient, a hormonal balance occurs. This is prevalent among adolescent girls and women who are nearing menopause.

Another is by using intrauterine devices or IUD's. Just like pills, this T-shaped plastic device is either wrapped in copper or contains hormones. Both are effective in preventing pregnancy but if ever you experience heavy bleeding, you need to remove it.

If you experience heavy bleeding as a result of either of the birth control methods, it is best to see a doctor immediately and tell that person when this happened.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history before a physical exam will be done. These include blood tests, an endometrial biopsy, Pap test and ultrasound scan.

Should there be additional tests needed, you may undergo a sonohysterogram, a hysteroscopy or dilation and curettage otherwise known as D&C. This is done of course to rule out other menstrual disorders.

Treatment for heavy period is based on your current health and medical history. If it has been found that birth control devices are the culprit, you may have to switch to another device so this will never happen again.

Often recommended by doctors are oral contraceptives because it has been proven to help regulate ovulation and reduce episodes of heavy periods. Since this may not go away right away, the doctor may also prescribe NSAID's or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the heavy period. They are also known to relive painful menstrual cramps.

There are two types namely combination birth control pills and progestin only pills. You should keep in mind that there are certain side effects in using them and if this is a problem, you should ask your doctor to reduce the dosage or recommend something else.

If birth control is not the reason and you are anemic, the answer will be to take iron supplements as part of your daily diet.

Should heavy periods still occur, this is the time that surgery may be the final solution. Some examples of these include Dilation and curettage or D&C, operative hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, endometrial resection and hysterectomy.

Except for the last one mentioned, the others can be done on an outpatient basis. You can check in the hospital or clinic in the morning and be out by lunch or in the early afternoon.

The different birth control methods are effective in preventing pregnancy but not all of them can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases or STD's. Two of those mentioned above are directly linked to heavy periods or menorrhagia so if you don't want this to happen, you should be examined regularly by a doctor and consider other conventional birth control methods.

The Birth Control Patch

Editor — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:48:25 +0000

If you don't like wearing a contraceptive or taking it orally, you can slap it to your skin because there are birth control patches available in the market.

The birth control patch is a thin, beige colored, four and a half centimeter square patch that is applied to the skin. Each patch contains hormones that release chemicals into your bloodstream.

The chemicals found in the patch are progesterone and estrogen that are designed to prevent ovulation which is the release of an egg from the ovaries during a female's monthly cycle. When this happens, a girl can have intercourse without the risk of getting pregnant.

The birth control patch also does something else and it thickens the mucus that is produced in the cervix making it difficult for the sperm to ever reach the eggs. Sometimes, the hormones themselves may affect the lining of the uterus so if ever the egg is fertilized, it will have a difficult time attaching itself to the walls of the uterus.

Proper usage of the birth control patch is done based on her monthly menstrual cycle. This will be applied to the skin for 3 weeks in a row and then on the fourth week, she remains patch free so she can have her monthly period.

The patch should be applied to one in four areas of the body namely the abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or torso. The trick is making sure that the patch is placed on the same day each week because this is the only way to make sure that it is effective.

So, if you decide to put on a patch on a Tuesday, this should be replaced on Tuesday the following week. Once you remove the old one, put the new one close to the previous area as this avoids skin irritation. Do not apply the new patch if the skin has a cut, is color red or irritated.

First time users of birth control patches are advised to use an additional form of contraception during the first 7 days of use. This is a failsafe in the event that the birth control patch falls off.

Birth control patches are waterproof and sweat proof so you can continue doing your daily routine. You must never apply soap and other skin products because this may affect its ability to stick on your skin.

Because the birth control patch releases chemicals into the bloodstream, you may experience some side effects. This includes abdominal pain, breast tenderness, fluid retention or raised blood pressure, irregular bleeding, headaches, menstrual cramps and nausea.

Not all women may also use birth control patches. If you are 35 years of age, suffer from blood clots, chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, headaches, known or suspected tumor, hepatitis, heart diseases and allergic to patches, it is advised that you find another birth control method.

Some drugs may also complicate the effectiveness of the birth control patch. These include certain antibiotics that are used to treat seizures, migraines and tuberculosis. When you speak to your doctor about birth control methods, it is best to undergo a physical examination and reveal to him or her any other relevant information about your medical condition.

Birth control patches are easy to use. You just have to put it in the same area each week and best of all, it doesn't cause any interruptions when you are having sex.