Is youth the key to fertility?
This blog is generally about birth control, but I found an interesting article in Canadian Health magazine written by Margaret Bream that writes about the irony of women spending years trying not to get pregnant, only to find that when they're ready, they can't conceive.
The key perpetrator? Your age. The fertility that we all take so lightly may no longer be around the older we get and I'm not talking about women in their 50s; it can affect women as young as 30.
Dr. Peter McComb, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver states, "Youth is definitely the key to fertility. Place your need for fertility early and high in your life options."
According to statistics, fertility is best during the early 20s. But at age 35, 20% of women will be involuntarily sterile with the percentages rising to 80% when they reach their 40s. The message is not that we start having babies in our 20s just because that's the optimal time, but, that individually we have a resposibility to our bodies and our (possible) future fertility. Wondering what you can do to increase your chances of having a baby when the time is right? Read on for some helpful tips.
- Deal with menstrual irregularities Periods that are infrequent, too light, too heavy or intensely painful and unusual growth of facial or body hair or the receding hairling of male-pattern baldness - Watch for these signs as they may be signals of conditions that can interfere with fertility.
- Always practice safe sex Use a condom even if you are taking the Pill. Condoms prevent the transmission of sexual infections, some of which have few visible symptoms that can go undetected. This can lead to infection and scarring of the pelvic organs and, ultimately, to infertility.
- Don't light up Smoking causes your future fertility harm because the toxicants found in cigarettes are stored in the follicular fluid, which surrounds the egg. Research also suggests that smoking adversely affects the uterus and cervix, but the damage is not limited to women. It can also reduce sperm viability and function by 50%.
- Keep a healthy body weight Both overweight and underweight women may have irregular menstrual cycles in which ovulation doesn't occur, or doesn't occur properly. Keeping a normal body weight can help ovulation get back on track.
- See your gynecologist Getting a regular Pap smear will help protect your health and fertility.
- Protect yourself from radiation If you need repeated X-rays to your pelvic area, tell the radiologist that you want to protect your fertility. The occasional dental X-ray is ok as long as you wear a lead apron.
Birth Control Buzz 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 birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Will a yeast infection clear up if left untreated?
A yeast infection is a fungal infection, and can be a very uncomfortable time for any woman. If you have suffered from a yeast infection or are suffering at the moment I can tell you that a yeast infection will not clear if it's left untreated. A yeast infection is caused by a mutation of the Candida yeast that is usually harmless, but is now aggressive, and will need to be treated for the infection to clear.
One of the main reasons why any women would be hoping that their yeast infection will clear by itself is due to the embarrassment of seeing their doctor and/or purchasing an over the counter anti fungal cream or suppositories. They may feel good about not having to deal with any embarrassing situations, but they could be putting their own health in danger.
If the infection that they want to leave untreated is not a yeast infection then they risk the unknown infection causing damage to their reproductive organs. Other vaginal, bacterial infections can travel past the cervix, and then infect the fallopian tubes. It's possible this can leave them without the ability to have anymore children.
If you are suffering from any symptoms that resemble a yeast infection then you should go to see your doctor as soon as possible. You should see your doctor even if you have suffered from a yeast infection before. Only your doctor can test you properly, and see if the infection is caused by the Candida yeast.
You should see your doctor when you start suffering from any of these symptoms:
- Itching in and around your genital area
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Vaginal discharge
Once you have established that you have a yeast infection you can then see what the cause is. Your doctor can also run tests to make sure you have no major health issues, but this will probably only happen if your yeast infection returns.
If a yeast infection is left untreated it will only get worse, which will lead to your symptoms getting more severe. It can also spread to other parts of your body if the cause of the infection isn't identified. A yeast infection can be a sign something isn't right, and your health could deteriorate if the cause isn't found.
Birth Control Buzz 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 birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Labels: yeast infection
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007
NuvaRing Side Effects
NuvaRing side effects including blood clots, stroke and heart attack have been reported by women using this relatively new form of birth control. Side effects of NuvaRing are associated with the hormone desogestrel which can cause changes in the blood clotting system allowing blood clots to form more easily. NuvaRing birth control was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on October 3, 2001 and first marketed in the United States in July 2002. Nuva Ring is used by approximately 1.5 million women worldwide.
NuvaRing is a flexible polyethylene vinyl acetate ring around 2 inches in diameter. Nuva Ring is considered a third generation combination hormonal contraceptive. It contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and etonogestrel which is a synthetic form of the progestin desogestrel. NuvaRing uses a different form of progestin compared to older contraceptives. Third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel have recently come under fire due to the increased risk of blood clots (venous thrombosis). The newer progestins (desogestrel) in third generation contraceptives were intended to lessen the adverse effects caused by older contraceptives such as hirsutism, weight gain, and acne.
Combination hormonal contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestins. NuvaRing contains the progestin desogestrel which, according to studies going back to 1995, doubles the risk of blood clots compared to second generation oral contraceptives. Organon, the manufacturer of NuvaRing is aware of the increased risk of blood clots associated with third generation oral contraceptives. The NuvaRing warning label states:
The hormones in NuvaRing® may cause changes in your bloodclotting system which may allow your blood to clot more easily. If blood clots form in your legs, they can travel to the lungs and cause a sudden blockage of a vessel carrying blood to the lungs. Rarely, clots occur in the blood vessels of the eye and may cause blindness, double vision, or other vision problems. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing® than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing® use than with the use of certain birth control pills.
The side effects of Nuva Ring can increase depending on several risk factors. Increased risk factors include: women over age 35, smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day, diabetes, and high levels of blood cholesterol or fat. Warning signs of potentially more serious NuvaRing side effects include:
- sharp chest pain, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath (possible clot in the lung)
- pain in the calf (back of lower leg - possible clot in the leg)
- crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack)
- sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, or fainting, problems with vision or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke)
- sudden partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye)
Currently there are no non-industry sponsored studies showing that third generation contraceptives such as NuvaRing are more effective when compared to second generation contraceptives especially given the increased risk of blood clots associated with desogestrel.
Birth Control Buzz 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 birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Labels: birth control, Nuva Ring, NuvaRing, side effects
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Friday, August 24, 2007
Questions from a reader
Q. What happens if you take the Pill while you're pregnant?
A. First off don't be alarmed! There is no conclusive evidence that exposure to the artificial hormones found in birth control pills will hurt an unborn child. However, it is advised that you stop using your birth control pills if you suspect that you are pregnant. Purchase a pregnacy test at your local drugstore or see your doctor right away to confirm your suspicions.
Q. Will the results from a pregnancy test be correct if you're taking the Pill?
A. The results will be correct. Pregnancy tests work by measuring the pregnancy-related hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood or urine. The active ingredients found in birth control pills won't affect the level of HCG in your system.
******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 birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Labels: birth control pills, pregnancy
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
5 ways to help relieve menstrual cramps.
Painful menstruation involves menstrual periods that are accompanied by either sharp, intermittent pain or dull, aching pain, usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. During your menstrual period, the uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation, trigger the uterine muscle contractions. While no one knows for sure, many experts believe that prostaglandins are the direct cause of primary dysmenorrhea.
1. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen used continually at the start of your period may help reduce the severity of cramps by stopping the release of prostaglandins.
2. Get your butt in gear. For some women regular exercise such as walking can help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.
3. Birth control pills may effectively reduce or eliminate menstrual cramps for some women; however you should know the side effects before using them.
4. Eat more foods containing zinc, calcium, and vitamin B, these have been known to reduce cramps, bloating and other symptoms.
5. Add an aromatherapy oil (like soothing Lavender) to a warm bath or use a heating pad on your lower abdomen and back to help ease menstrual cramping.
Menstrual cramps that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of endometriosis or other health problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe sudden cramps, vomiting, or fever, this may be a sign of a medical emergency.
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 birth control on-line.
For more information on birth control, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Endometriosis and Birth Control: The Facts
To be able to explain more about the nature and prevention of endometriosis, it would be helpful to know more about the relationship of endometriosis and birth control pills. To be able to find solutions and relief for the painful symptoms of the disease, knowledge and understanding is necessary.
It is estimated that there are about 5 million women who are affected by endometriosis in the United States alone. The figure sits at around 70 million worldwide.
Endometriosis is the name of a medical condition where endometrial tissues, similar to those found in the uterus, are located in different areas in the body. In the same way as the endometrium in the uterus undergoes the process of growing, shedding and bleeding each month inline with the menstrual cycle, these tissues do so too.
It is still unknown why these tissues sometimes grow in other parts of the body like the intestines, the back, the neck, the head and the abdomen.
But when menstruation occurs these tissues breakdown and bleed too, resulting in pain caused by the inflammation and scarring associated with this process.
Endometriosis is a progressive chronic condition, which means that it worsens over time. As the scarring increases, adhesions can form. These are ropes of scar tissue that fan out from endometrial deposits and can attach themselves to other organs. Cysts are also common.
So, how can birth control pills help?
It is the level of the female hormones that make birth control pills effective in preventing pregnancy, which help with endometriosis symptoms. Because birth control pills lower estrogen levels and increase progesterone in the body, they are also deemed effective in alleviating the symptoms of endometriosis.
Of course, birth control pills are usually given as a prescription. However, for the purpose of controlling or eliminating the painful symptoms of endometriosis, you should always seek a prescription from your doctor for the pills.
That is because although you would be taking the same pills used in birth control, the dosage and use would have to be modified. To make it clear, for birth control purposes, there are placebo pills that the woman takes during several days of the month. In contrast, women who are trying to decrease the symptoms of endometriosis should not take placebo pills. Active pills are intended to be taken all year round by women who want to make endometriosis pains stop.
There are many treatments for endometriosis nowadays. There are the numerous modern medicines and alternatives to traditional medications available. While there are many women who try to use the two groups of medications, many consider using birth control pills to control endometriosis a good option.
Endometriosis and birth control are interrelated. But before using contraceptives as an endometriosis treatment, make sure you are properly advised by your own gynecologist or doctor.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, various types of birth control (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase birth control on-line. For more information on types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
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Labels: birth control pills, endometriosis, menstural cycle, pain
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Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Seasonale birth control pill
Seasonale is designed to extend the time between your periods so you get them once every 3 months instead of every month. It has a 91-day treatment cycle, resulting in 4 menstrual periods per year. You take 1 active pill every day for 3 months (84 days), followed by 1 week (7 days) of inactive pills.
During your first year on Seasonale bleeding or spotting between periods is more likely to occur than with traditional birth control pills. The total days of bleeding are similar to a traditional birth control pill. These side effects are common during early cycles and can happen as your body is adjusting to hormones. They should decrease over time.
How do I take Seasonale?
You should take the first pink active pill on the Sunday after your period begins, even if you still have your period. If your period begins on Sunday, start your pack that same day. For the first 7 days after you start Seasonale use another type of birth control (like a condom or spermicide) as a back-up to prevent pregnancy.
Take one birth control pill every day at the same time, no more than 24 hours after the last dose. Try to take Seasonale at a time that you will remember - just before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning. Taking the pill at night may help to reduce nausea or headache, which may be side effects.
Your period should occur during the 7 days you are taking the white pills (these are "reminder" pills and do not contain hormones). If you don't get your period, have a pregnancy test before beginning a new package of pills.
After taking the last white pill from a pack, start a new pack the very next day. Do not skip any days.
Does Seasonale have any side effects?
The side effects of Seasonale are the same as experienced with regular birth control pills and should decrease over time. They may include:
- bleeding between periods
- nausea
- breast tenderness
- weight gain
- dizziness
- increase or decrease in acne
- headaches
- high blood pressure
Serious, but less common, health risks can be:
- blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain
- stroke
- heart attacks
- possibly cervical cancer
Birth Control Buzz 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 birth control on-line. For more information on types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
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