Birth control and its side effects

December 18, 2008

Filed under: Birth Control Side Effects, Uncategorized, androgen, birth control, estrogen, progestin, side effects — Janine @ 3:30 pm

If you are experiencing side effects from a birth control pill that you are not comfortable with, learning about the effects of estrogen and progestin in birth control pills can help you choose which is the best birth control pill for you. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin.

What is Progestin?

Progestin is a man made substance with similar properties as the natural progesterone developed in woman’s body. It stimulates progesterone receptors, preventing ovulation and lessens menstrual bleeding.

What is Androgen?

Androgen refers to the likelihood of progestin causing unpleasant side effects. When Progestins have high androgenic activity, chances of androgenic related side effects (such as acne and hirsutism-unwanted female hair growth) may increase. Progestins with low androgenic activity may have minor or no effect on carbohydrate metabolism (breaking down and creating sugars in small quantities for the body to produce energy).

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is the main sex hormone in women, essential to the menstrual cycle. It consists of estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrogen works in two ways; it regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by enriching and thickening the endometrium. The more estrogen there is in a woman body, the least amount of side effects your body will experience from progestin.

What are the birth control side effects and their Progestin/Estrogen levels?

Below is a general guideline of Birth Control side effects; it may not apply to every woman.

Absent period or too light menstrual flow-High estrogen,Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon

Acne-High estrogen,low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Brevicon, Mircette, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yasmin

Breast Soreness-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse

Depression-Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Endometriosis or Endometriosis Prevention (Growth outside the uterus)-Low estrogen, higher progestin potency, higher androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Levora, Loestrin 1.5/30, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Nordette.

Headaches (not menstrual migraines)-Low estrogen, low prgestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Brevicon, Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Moodiness or Irritability-Low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Severe Menstrual Cramps-High progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Mircette, Loestrin 1.5/30, Yasmin

Spotting (Break through bleeding)-High estrogen, high porgestin potency, low androgen potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Yasmin

Weight Gain-Low estrogen, low progestin potency

Types of birth control brands that will minimize the side effect: Alesse, Loestrin 1/20 Fe, Yasmin

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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/.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(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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December 17, 2008

Female Condom 2.0

Filed under: Uncategorized, fc1, female condom, new female condom — Paul @ 4:39 pm

In 1993, the FDA approved a female condom known as FC1, however due to a handful of disadvantages it never caught on in North America. Recently, the FDA has announced the advent of an improved female condom which has corrected most of its predecessor’s issues.

The new female condom has numerous improvements over the original. Some of the issues that women had with the original female condom were its high price, its difficulty to insert, its ability to be overly slippery, and the noise it generates during intercourse.

First off, the new female condom is made from a synthetic rubber and uses a simpler manufacturing process that is similar to male condoms, these manufacturing changes will help reduce the cost. Price has always been a concern; male condoms can be purchased for as little as fifty cents a condom while the current female condoms are anywhere between three and four dollars a condom. However, the new condoms will be 30% less than the existing female condoms.

Secondly, the new material will be softer, will be less slippery, and allow it to be quieter during intercourse.

Researchers are hoping that these improvements will lead to the increased popularity in female condoms which can also help to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Hopefully this will allow women to further protect themselves and offer more birth control options.

If all goes well, this new female condom could be available for purchase by the middle of 2009 in North America.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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December 15, 2008

Birth Control and Bleeding

Filed under: Uncategorized, birth control, birth control pills, bleeding, breakthrough bleeding, spotting — Janine @ 11:18 am

Are you still bleeding or experiencing spotting while on the pill? If this is the first time you started using birth control pills, it is normal for new users to bleed during the first three months while on the pill. If you continue to bleed while on the pill, speak with your doctor to see if you should come off the pill for a week or a month for withdrawal bleeding. Once you get back on the pill, there should not be anymore bleeding or spotting.

Bleeding or spotting while you are currently using birth control pills is known is breakthrough bleeding. If you are still bleeding or spotting, try switching to a different pill. Let your doctor know that you are still bleeding and he/she will recommend you a higher strength birth control pill. Bleeding or spotting usually indicates that your pills are not as effective as they should be (additional methods of birth control when you are bleeding or spotting are recommended). Spotting is also a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease known as Chlamydia. Contact your doctor if you think you are at risk for an STD.

Can I be pregnant if I missed more than one or two pills a month?

If you have no bleeding in between pills, you may be pregnant and should see your doctor for a pregnancy test (or use a home pregnancy test). If you have a light period, you are most likely not pregnant. Just to be sure, you can take a home pregnancy test for reassurance.

What does it mean if I am bleeding after sex and am on the pill?

If you are bleeding after sex, check with your doctor immediately. Vaginal bleeding after sex can indicate the following:

Cervical Dysplasia (precancerous changes of the epithelial cells that line the cervix)
Chlamydia (bacterial infection transmitted through sexual activity or contact with semen, vaginal fluid, or blood)
Gonorrhea (an STD caused by bacteria. Pharmaceutical treatments available)
Vaginitis/Cervicitis (inflammation, swelling, and/or infection of the vagina or cervix)
Cervical Polyps (smooth, red or purple, finger-like growths grown from mucus layer of the cervix or the cervical canal)
Trichomoniasis (STD caused by protozoan)
Vaginal Yeast Infection (overgrowth of the normal fungi in the vaginal area)
Endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium)
Adenomyosis (when an endometrial tissue attaches itself to the uterus, or another organ, and grows outside of the uterus)
Uterine Polyps (overgrowth of the endometrium causing protrusions into the uterus)
Fibroid Tumors (a benign tumor)

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

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December 12, 2008

Male Birth Control

Filed under: Uncategorized, male birth control, male contraceptive — Paul @ 11:11 am

In 1997, a survey commissioned by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, an American health research and education organization, found that sixty-six percent of those surveyed felt that men should have a larger role and more choice when it comes to the use of contraception. However, after forty years of research, it appears as though men will finally be able to have more options and more control over their contraception.
Since the debut of the female oral contraceptive pill in the 1960’s, women have had the option o f a reversible, effective, and safe form of birth control, and now researchers say that men will soon be able to have that same option. Much like female birth control where hormones, progestins, and estrogen are used to cease egg production, male birth control will work in a similar fashion where progestins and testosterone are used to stop sperm production.

What Forms of Male Birth Control Will There Be?

Within the next few years, men should have the option to take male birth control via a variety of methods including:

taking a pill orally
using a patch
applying a skin gel
having an injection
having an implant inserted

Will Men Accept It?

Many wonder how successful these male contraceptive options will be; not just in terms of terminating sperm production, but also in how men will receive them once they are widely available. As testing would indicate, side effects have been minimal when using the male birth control pills and injections, so it would come down to whether men are willing to accept more responsibility when it comes to birth control.
At this point, only time will tell how men will receive these new contraceptives designed specifically for them. Whether they are accepted or not, within the next few years, at least they will have the option.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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December 11, 2008

What is a Yeast Infection?

Filed under: Candida, Uncategorized, Yeast, yeast infection — Janine @ 9:58 am

A yeast infection is the overgrowth of a fungus in the vaginal area. A small amount of yeast is usually grown naturally in a woman’s vagina. Sometimes, the yeast can multiply changing the regular balance of bacteria growth. When excess fungi are grown, it becomes a Candida.

Vaginal yeast infections can happen for many reasons. It occurs if the inner vagina is injured (for example during chemotherapy). Women with bad immune systems are more likely to have a yeast infection. Also, yeast infections are common amongst women diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, currently taking oral contraceptives, or are pregnant. Women who use douches, or perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays also have a higher chance of having a vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STD).

What are the symptoms to yeast infection?

Severe itching, burning, and soreness
Pain during intercourse and/or urination
Irritation of the vagina and/or vulva
Whitish or whitish-gray discharge (often in curd-like appearance)

How can a yeast infection be treated?

Do not treat yeast infections with antibiotics. Yeast infections can be treated with vaginal suppositories or medicated douches. There are also antifungal drugs that can be taken by mouth or applied to the area, such as clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, and topical ketoconazole. Amphotericin B, caspofungin, or voriconazole is used for more serious cases when patients are hospitalized.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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December 9, 2008

Contact lenses and birth control pills

Filed under: Uncategorized, birth control pills, contact lenses — Janine @ 10:44 am

Birth control pills can cause dry eyes making contact lenses very uncomfortable, increasing the risk of an eye infection.

In the past, wearing contact lens and taking birth control pills used to be a problem because contact lens used to be made of hard plastic and birth control pills had higher hormone dosages. The eye tissue may become dry causing higher sensitivity and decreasing wearing time. The cornea may retain fluid and change shape, which may cause fitting, feeling and visual problems. Today, we have soft contact lens and smaller dosages of hormones in birth control.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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December 5, 2008

Alesse

Filed under: Alesse, Alesse birth control, Uncategorized, birth control — Janine @ 9:14 am

Alesse is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. The ingredients in this medication prevents the release of an egg from an ovary (ovulation), causing changes in the mucus of the cervix to decrease the chances of the sperm entering and for an egg to be planted. This medication can also regulate the menstrual cycle and it may be used to treat acne in women 14 years of age or older.

Do not use Alesse if you are pregnant, allergic to the ingredients of Alesse, and has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. Ask your doctor for more information before you start using Alesse.

What are the side effects?

More common:

abdominal cramping or bloating
acne
breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
dizziness
nausea
swelling of the ankles and feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Less common:

brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin
gain or loss of body or facial hair
increased or decreased interest in sexual activity
increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
weight gain or loss

When should I take Alesse?

Take one tablet daily, approximately the same time every day. It is preferred to take the pill after the evening meal or before you sleep. Continue to take the pill as advised, even if you start feeling sick because it usually goes away. If not, consult your doctor.

If you are vomiting, having diarrhea, or are taking medication (for example antibiotics), the pills will reduce its effectiveness. Be sure to ask your doctor if the medication you are currently taking or will be taking will decrease the effectiveness of the pill.

What happens if I miss a pill?

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as possible, and then take the next pill at the usual time. Missing pills at any time increases the risk of becoming pregnant.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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December 4, 2008

Will you gain weight from taking birth control pills?

Filed under: Loestrin 24, Uncategorized, birth control, birth control pills, insulin resistance, weight gain — Janine @ 1:51 pm

Weight gain is a common side effect for all hormonal methods of birth control. Women under the pill usually have an increase in appetite and have easier fat depositions. This is due to the increase in hormones. How much a woman will gain tends to vary. On average, women using the birth control pill gain approximately 10 lbs during the first year of use. Some women may gain more while others may not gain any weight at all. A lot of women who stopped using any hormonal birth control find that the weight comes off easily.

What can I do to prevent unwanted weight gain?

Try other types of birth control. If you want to stay with the birth control pill you are currently using, being more aware of your diet and exercising lifestyle can also help prevent unwanted weight gain.

If both methods were unsuccessful, ask your healthcare provider if insulin resistance is a factor to your problem. This condition can be confirmed in a blood test. If you are diagnosed with insulin resistance, stabilize your weight with a low carbohydrate diet.

Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control (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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