Birth Control Buzz Blog: September 2006

BirthControlBuzz Blog

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Implanon

Relatively new to the world of birth control technology, the Implanon rod is injected underneath the skin of the upper arm by your doctor. Slowly releasing a progestogenic hormone called etonogestrel, Implanon provides highly reliable protection from pregnancy for the course of three years. Most doctors will want to see you every 6 months for a check-up while using the rod.

How is Implanon inserted?

The rod is inserted relatively pain free into the underside of the upper arm after a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. A special applicator is used to insert the rod underneath the skin, taking about one minute. You won't be able to see the rod, but you can feel it with your fingers. After insertion, tissue forms around Implanon to make sure it doesn't move. You may experience minute swelling, but other problems are rare.

The rod itself is 40 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter (about 1.5 inches by 0.08 inches), and is made of a biodegradable synthetic material that is commonly used in artificial joints.

When is the best time to have Implanon inserted?

The great thing about Implanon is that it can be inserted at any time, but your doctor may recommend that you have it inserted between the first and fifth day of your period. If Implanon is inserted at another time, you should use a back-up contraceptive for the first 7 days.

How does Implanon work?

Implanon contains 68 milligrams of etonogestrel that is released over a three-year period. About 60 - 70 micrograms per day are released in the first year and the amount decreases over time until only about 25 - 0 micrograms per day are released in the third year. After the third year, Implanon will continue to release some hormone, but it will be at ineffective low levels. The etonogestrel thickens cervical mucus, which in turn prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg and from allowing any egg that does happen to get fertilized from implanting itself in the uterine wall. Implanon also completely inhibits the release of eggs from the ovaries during the first two years, and continues to do so during the third year, but less effectively.

How is the rod removed?

Taking about two minutes, removal of Implanon takes slightly longer than the insertion, but with the use of local anesthetic, most women describe "mild discomfort." After a tiny incision is made in the skin near the tip of the rod, your doctor then pulls it out from underneath the skin. Once removed etonogestrel will no longer be in the bloodstream, and fertility returns to normal within one month. You may have a small scar where the rod was removed.

Are there any side effects?

About 5 percent of women who use Implanon have experieced irregular (or missed) periods, weight gain, acne, headaches, or breast tenderness. Another 2.5 percent have reported hair loss, changes in mood and/or libido, abdominal pain, or painful periods. Increase in blood pressure is also another known side effect, which is why going for your regular check-ups is very important.

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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Saturday, September 09, 2006

Could I Be Pregnant? The Early Signs and Symptoms.

Whether it's your first, second or third pregnancy , the signs and symptoms are the same - and easy to recognize. However not every pregnancy may be the same. During one pregnancy, you may experience incredible breast tenderness or morning sickness, while during another you might not experience these symptoms at all.

What are the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy?

One of the first physical signs of pregnancy is swollen, tender or sore breasts and/or nipples. The reason your breasts and/or nipples are often sore, swollen or tender during early pregnancy is because the breasts are undergoing changes to prepare for breastfeeding.
Keeping up with all the changes in your body when in the first stages of pregnancy can be exhausting. So it's not surprising that fatigue or unusual tiredness is a sign of early pregnancy. Feeling tired is due to the increased production of hormones, as well as the fact that the heart is pumping harder and faster due to the escalation of blood flow necessary to bring nutrients to the growing fetus. Another reason for fatigue and unusual tiredness during early pregnancy are the emotional ups and downs. It's not unheard of for a pregnant woman to burst into tears at the drop of a hat (and no apparent reason) due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur. This symptom is also a good indicator for you to get lots of sleep before your bundle of joy arrives - you'll need all the energy you can get!
Another first sign of early pregnancy is a late period. If your period is late and you suspect you may be pregnant see your doctor for a pregnancy test and pelvic exam - this will positively tell you whether you are pregnant or not.
Light bleeding and/or cramping during early pregnancy most commonly occurs during implantation. Implantation bleeding is when the fertilized egg implants itself in the uterine lining and usually occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception. The bleeding is very light, often the only sign you might notice that indicates implantion has taken place is a small spot (size of a pinhead) of blood left on your underwear. Cramping, similiar to menstrual cramps, occurs very early during pregnancy and happens when the uterus begins to expand to make room for the embryo to develop into a fetus.
Nausea during pregnancy can happen with or without vomiting. While morning sickness is most common during weeks four and eight, many women experience this symptom beginning about two weeks from their date of conception. The term "morning sickness" is a misnomer since it can, and often does, occur at anytime of the day and night. The common cause of morning sickness seems to be the rapid rise in estrogen, produced by the placenta and fetus.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, you may find yourself constantly running to the bathroom as the growing uterus causes frequent urination.
Headaches that occur are often intense and caused by increased hormone levels.
Don't be alarmed if you suddenly develop atypical mood swings or if you find yourself highly emotional during pregnancy, these are very normal reactions and are caused by increased hormone levels.
Feeling weak, faint or dizzy is caused by the circulatory system as dilation of the blood vessels occur.
Your basal body temperature is your temp immediately upon rising in the morning. Basal body temperature normally increases during ovulation and decreases when menstruation occurs. However, when pregnancy takes place increased basal body temperature continues after your period is late. It is usually a good indicator of pregnancy for women who have used it.
Food digests slower than usual during pregnancy due to increased progesterone production. This can lead to constipation.

Now that we've reviewed the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy there is one thing to know. These don't necessarily mean you are pregnant, you may just be sick or about to get your period. And to confuse you even more, while these symptoms are common during pregnancy, sometimes none of them occur. Your best bet, if you think you may be pregnant, is to buy a home pregnancy test and see your doctor. Your doctor will help you confirm the pregnancy or determine the cause of your symptoms if you're not pregnant.

For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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