Birth Control Buzz Blog: June 2006

What is an STD and how can you protect yourself?

An STD (sexually transmitted disease) is a disease caused by a pathogen (e.g. virus, bacterium, parasite, fungus) that is transferred from person to person largely through sexual contact. Many STDs can be painful, aggravating, crippling, and life threatening.

Occurring most commonly in sexually active teenagers and young adults, especially those with numerous sexual partners, STDs affect an estimated 200 to 400 million people worldwide - men and women of all economic classes. In the United States more than 13 million people are infected each year and more than 65 million have an incurable STD.

Most STDs cause relatively harmless disease, with no or few symptoms. Nevertheless, there are some STDs that produce persistent asymptomatic (neither causing nor showing symptoms of disease) or minimally symptomatic disease. Some people can carry the disease for days or weeks, while other people will carry for longer periods, even life. An infected person, or a carrier can spread the disease through sexual contact during this time.

In persistant infection, the pathogen escapes detection by the immune system and stays fairly inactive (called latency), causing no apparent disease. However, certain triggers like stress, immune suppression or injury can reactivate latent pathogens. In some cases, reactivated disease will not exhibit symptoms ( chlamydia). In others the symptoms are overt (genital herpes) or severe and even fatal (HIV / AIDS).

STD infection can cause complications that include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (women)
Inflammation of the cervix (women)
Inflammation of the urethra (men)
Inflammation of the prostate (men)
Fertility and reproductive system problems (men and women)

Infants that are infected while in the womb or during birth can possibly be stillborn, blind or have permanent neurological damage.

While viral STDs, such as genital herpes and HIV, can't be cured their symptoms can be regulated with medication. Bacterial STDs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be cured with antibiotics. Respectively, fungal and parasitic diseases can be cured with antifungal and antihelminthic agents. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment will increase your chances for a cure.

Monogamy with an uninfected partner is the only surefire way to avoid infection with an STD yourself. It is important for you and your partner to talk about eachother's sexual and STD history before having sex. Prevention is possible through understanding STDs and how they spread.

The use of condoms will greatly reduce your risk for transmission. Some of the behaviors and conditions that can increase your risk for STDs are:

Engaging in sex when either partner has unhealed lesions (genital herpes sores, genital warts)
Enema or rectal douching before rectal intercourse
Rectal or vaginal irritation or infection
Sexual activity that may damage the mucosal lining of the vagina or rectum
Tampon use (tampons can cause vaginal dryness and cellular abnormalities)
Vaginal dryness (use a water-based lubricant)

If you suspect you have an STD, go see your doctor immediately.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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Thursday, June 22, 2006

Smoking while using birth control. Is it dangerous?

There are several health risks that go along specifically with smoking while on combined hormone methods like birth control pills or the Patch. Combined hormone methods contain both synthetic estrogen and progestin. They mimic the hormones produced by a woman's ovaries. Usually, these hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They can also thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from joining with an egg.

Smoking while using birth control pills, the Patch, or NuvaRing can be dangerous.

Women who use combined hormone birth control types and smoke cigarettes can have very serious health risks. The older the woman is and the more she smokes, the greater the danger. Risk of death is much higher for women 35 and older who smoke and use combined hormone methods than it is for nonsmokers. Women 35 and over who smoke and use a combined hormone birth control type are nearly 10 times more likely to have a heart attack than women who don't smoke or use one of these methods.

If you want to use the Pill, the Patch or NuvaRing and are 35 or older and smoke, be prepared to give up one or the other.

This is especially true if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol, because these conditions further heighten the risk of heart attack or stroke.

If you cannot quit smoking, you must choose another birth control type. Trying to stop smoking is not easy. The physical withdrawal could last only two weeks, but the psychological addiction is a longer and more difficult path to follow. But take heart, within one year of quitting, a smoker's risk of heart disease is cut by half. Five years after quitting, an ex-smoker's chance of heart attack and stroke drops to about the same as the risk of someone who never smoked at all.

Ten years after quitting, an ex-smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is reduced to about the same as a nonsmoker's risk.

Some smoking facts.

Women who smoke die nearly seven years earlier than nonsmokers.
Women who smoke are 13 times as likely as nonsmokers to develop lung cancer - the number one cause of cancer death for North American women.
Smokers are nearly four times as likely as nonsmokers to develop cervical cancer.
Smokers have twice as much heart disease as nonsmokers - those who smoke two packs or more a day have three times as much heart disease.
Smoking is also associated with cancers of the bladder, colon, esophagus, kidney, liver, mouth, pancreas, rectum, stomach, and throat.
Smoking seems to stimulate the recurrence of genital warts.
Smoking is associated with early menopause.
Smoking is associated with decreased fertility. Women who smoke take longer to get pregnant than nonsmokers. Smokers also have much higher rates of miscarriage.

Smoking during pregnancy:

Causes premature birth
Leads to low birth weight, which causes other health problems
Increases the risk of infant death just after birth by 25 percent

Helpful tips to stop smoking:

There is no "safe" level of smoking. But the less you smoke, the fewer risks you run.

Don't smoke down to the end of the cigarette.
Take fewer puffs on a cigarette.
Cut down the amount you inhale.
Cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke each day.
Try using a nicotine substitute - skin patch or chewing gum.
Talk to your doctor about prescription medication that can help you.
Chew sugarless gum.
Keep a list of reasons you want to quit and refer to it often.
Enlist the support of family and friends.

BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Ortho Evra Patch

What is the Patch?

Ortho Evra is a small, thin patch that adheres to your skin. It releases small amounts of estrogen and progesterone which are absorbed through the skin. By releasing these hormones Ortho Evra suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining, which combined can prevent pregnancy. It is 99% effective and very convenient to use.

How do I apply Ortho Evra?

Open the foil pouch by tearing it along the top edge and one side edge. Peel the foil pouch apart and open it flat.
Ortho Evra is covered by a layer of clear plastic. Remove the Patch and the plastic together from the foil pouch.
Using your fingernail, lift one corner of Ortho Evra and peel it and the plastic off the foil liner. Sometimes patches can stick to the inside of the pouch - be careful not to accidentally remove the clear liner as you remove the Patch. Peel away half of the clear plastic. (Avoid touching the sticky surface of Ortho Evra.)
Apply the sticky side of Ortho Evra to clean and dry skin, then remove the other half of the clear plastic.
Firmly press on the Patch with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds, making sure the edges stick well. Run your fingers around the edge of Ortho Evra to make sure it is sticking properly.
Check your patch every day to make sure all edges are sticking.
Do not cut, damage or alter Ortho Evra in anyway.

What are some advantages of Ortho Evra?

Ortho Evra sticks well to the skin, allowing you to go about your daily activities such as bathing, showering, swimming, and exercising without interruption. If the tacky surface of the Patch becomes wet, discard it and apply a new patch. The length and size of your period may decrease and you may experience less cramping.

What are some disadvantages of Ortho Evra?

The Patch may cause nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain or loss, water retention, increased blood pressure, mood changes, headaches and skin irritation (near the Patch). Antiobiotics or barbituates may reduce effectiveness. Ortho Evra may increase risk of breast cancer. There is no protection from HIV/STIs (sexuallly transmitted infections).

Can I smoke and use Ortho Evra?

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use Ortho Evra are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use Ortho Evra, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant.

Where do I place Ortho Evra?

You can place the patch on 1 of 4 areas of the body:

Upper outer arm
Upper torso (front and back, do not adhere to your breasts)
Abdomen
Buttock

Ortho Evra should not be worn on any other areas of the body.

For complete effectiveness of Ortho Evra, do not place the birth control patch on areas of your skin where makeup, lotions, creams, powders, or other products are or will be applied. Do not place Ortho Evra on skin that is red, irritated, or cut.

What if my Patch falls off?

If partial or complete detachment has occurred for less than 24 hours, you should try to re-attach the Ortho Evra patch. DO NOT try to use any kind of tape or alternate adhesive! If you have difficulty re-attaching, apply a new patch in the same place. Keep your patch changing schedule the same as you had it before. In this case there is no need for a backup contraceptive.

If partial or complete detachment has occurred for more than 24 hours or you are unsure as to how long detachment has been, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You should remove the old patch and apply a new one. Your Ortho Evra changing schedule is now switched to the day that you applied the new one. In this case, you will need a backup contraceptive for 4 weeks.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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Thursday, June 15, 2006

Birth Control Pills

How do birth control pills work?

Birth control pills contain artificial estrogen and/or progestin that copy the hormones your body produces. Your body then reacts to these heightened levels of hormones in different ways, all of which can prevent pregnancy. The primary way the artificial hormones in the pill work is by supressing ovulation. They also work to thicken your cervical mucus thereby creating a hostile environment for sperm. Both of these methods help to prevent fertilization. Birth control pills are 92-99.7% effective. They do not protect against HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

What is a good way to start the Pill?

There are several ways to start taking the Pill. An easy way to start is on the first day of your period or the first day after an abortion. Some women prefer to start on the first Sunday after they begin their period or the first Sunday after an abortion.
To continue, take one pill every day until you finish an entire pack. Try taking your birth control pills with a regular activity that you do at the same time every day, like eating a meal or brushing your teeth - it will be easier to remember to take them. If you have a 28-day pack, start a new pack as soon as you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day pack, take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days, then start the new pack right away.

Should I know anything before I start taking birth control pills?

Some women may not be able to take birth control pills because of the risk of serious health problems. Women who are over 35 and smoke or who have any of the following conditions should not take the Pill:

history of heart attack or stroke
blood clots
unexplained vaginal bleeding
if you know or suspect you have cancer
if you know or suspect you are pregnant
liver disease

Women who use birth control pills have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The effects of the Pill on breast cancer are still unknown. However, birth control pills have been shown to lower a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

How long after stopping the pill should I wait to become pregnant?

When you stop taking your birth control pills, your body may take a while to adjust back to your normal menstrual cycle. While some women find they return to a normal cycle right away, others can take up to a year. It may be a good idea to wait two to three normal menstrual cycles before trying to conceive. This allows your body the time it needs to adjust to life without the extra hormones, making it able to deal with a pregnancy better.

What are some birth control pills on the market today?

There is a wide assortment of combination pills and low-dose pills. Consult with your doctor as to which one is best for your needs:

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Tuesday, June 13, 2006

ALESSE - used for perimenopausal women.

What is Alesse?

Alesse is a type of low-dose birth control pill. These pills have 20 micrograms of estrogen, compared with 30 to 50 micrograms in regular birth control pills. The lower dose of estrogen in Alesse is believed to be safer for women who are perimenopausal.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause means "around the time of menopause". The perimenopausal years are the 3 to 5 years before your final period. The timing of menopause is different for each woman. Eventhough some women stop having periods in their 30s, the average age is the early 50s. Perimenopausal women are usually in their 40s or early 50s.

Why should I use Alesse during perimenopause?

If you're still having periods, pregnancy could still happen. Low-dose birth control pills, like Alesse or Loestrin, prevent pregnancy and may also have some health benefits. They can help regulate your periods if they are heavy or irregular. Alesse may also prevent bone loss, which helps protect you from osteoporosis. Another potential benefit is protection from ovarian and uterine cancer.

Who should not use Alesse?

Perimenopausal women with a history of deep blood clots, heart disease or breast cancer should not take low-dose birth control pills. Women who smoke should probably not take them and consult your doctor for other birth control types best suited for you.

How will I know when menopause occurs while taking Alesse?

You and your doctor can decide together how long you should take Alesse. You can stop taking low-dose birth control pills at any time. The decision to change from low-dose birth control pills to estrogen replacement therapy is usually made around the age of 49 to 52.

Are there any side effects to using Alesse?

Seeing that the hormone dose in Alesse is so low most women don't have side effects. But some women might have breast tenderness, nausea, higher blood pressure or headaches. It's also possible that these low-dose birth control pills may not help regulate your periods. Any abnormal bleeding that occurs, might get worse.

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Alesse always contact your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/

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Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Mirena IUD

Mirena IUD is a type of birth control that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is estrogen-free, 99.9% effective and can be used for up to 5 years (completely your choice). Once in place, the IUD (intrauterine device) works entirely on its own. Mirena is also reversible when you want it to be. Please note that Mirena offers no protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

How does Mirena IUD work?

T-shaped and plastic, Mirena IUD slowly releases small doses of the hormone levonorgestrol into the lining of your uterus. It is inserted into your uterus by a healthcare professional.

There is no single explanation of how Mirena IUD works to prevent pregnancy. The IUD may keep sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs, thin the lining of your uterus, and stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. It is believed that the combination of these 3 actions help to prevent pregnancy.

What are some benefits of Mirena IUD?

No birth control to take every day or worry about forgetting
No fumbling with diaphragms, condoms or creams
Only requires an office visit with your doctor for insertion or removal
Pregnancy prevention for (up to) five years
No routine to follow once the Mirena IUD is accurately inserted and the threads on the bottom of the Mirena have not changed in length
May also provide menstruation benefits, such as 90% reduction in menstrual bleeding after one year (About 20% of users have no bleeding at all)
Lesser menstrual cramping in most users
You can decide when you want to try to become pregnant again
Unlike sterilization (tubal ligation or vasectomy), Mirena IUD lets you keep your birth control options open

Are there any side effects or serious complications?

Side effects with Mirena IUD are most common during the first 3 months after insertion and decrease over time. Some may include:

Menstrual changes
Cramps
Acne or other skin problems
Back pain
Breast tenderness
Headache
Mood changes
Nausea

Serious complications are uncommon but may include:

Mirena penetrating the uterus, which may require surgery
Mirena may come out by itself, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy. Should this happen, use back-up birth control, such as a condom, and call your doctor.

Who should not use Mirena IUD?

Women should not use the IUD if they:

Think they may be pregnant
Have ever had pelvic inflammatory disease
Have had a serious pelvic infection in the past 3 months following pregnancy
Currently have an untreated pelvic infection
Have more than 1 sexual partner, or a sexual partner who has more than 1 sexual partner
Get infections easily, including women with immune-system problems, leukemia, AIDs, or who abuse intravenous drugs
Might have cancer of the uterus or cervix
Have unexplained bleeding from the uterus
Have liver disease or a liver tumor
Have or have ever had breast cancer
Have had, or are at risk of having, an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring in the fallopian tubes)
Are already using an intrauterine device
Have a condition that changes the shape of the uterus, such as large fibroid tumors
Are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, or polyethylene

If side effects persist or worsen while using Mirena IUD, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/

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BirthControlBuzz Blog

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

What is an STD and how can you protect yourself?

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Smoking while using birth control. Is it dangerous?

Smoking while using birth control pills, the Patch, or NuvaRing can be dangerous.

If you want to use the Pill, the Patch or NuvaRing and are 35 or older and smoke, be prepared to give up one or the other.

Some smoking facts.

Smoking during pregnancy:

Helpful tips to stop smoking:

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Ortho Evra Patch

What is the Patch?

How do I apply Ortho Evra?

What are some advantages of Ortho Evra?

What are some disadvantages of Ortho Evra?

Can I smoke and use Ortho Evra?

Where do I place Ortho Evra?

What if my Patch falls off?

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Birth Control Pills

How do birth control pills work?

What is a good way to start the Pill?

Should I know anything before I start taking birth control pills?

How long after stopping the pill should I wait to become pregnant?

What are some birth control pills on the market today?

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

ALESSE - used for perimenopausal women.

What is Alesse?

What is perimenopause?

Why should I use Alesse during perimenopause?

Who should not use Alesse?

How will I know when menopause occurs while taking Alesse?

Are there any side effects to using Alesse?

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Mirena IUD

How does Mirena IUD work?

What are some benefits of Mirena IUD?

Are there any side effects or serious complications?

Who should not use Mirena IUD?