Archives for February 2010 | Your #1 Source for Birth Control Tips and Advice

February 27, 2010

Your Guide to Spring Break

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,sex education,sexually transmitted diseases,Uncategorized,unprotected sex — Candace @ 8:58 am

A study done by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy states that under fifty percent of young people use contraception when having sex. Unfortunately many young girls fail to understand the importance of contraceptive methods. Here are a few tips girls may find useful during spring break.

Bring Condoms - Always keep a few condoms in your purse, just in case. Condoms are the only option in preventing STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections), so always use one. If you are using birth control pills, make sure you pack enough and always take them at the same time each day.
What If? – If the condom slips off you can rely on the Plan B® One Step. This pill is used up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex as a contraceptive method. If you are 17 or older you are able to get it from any pharmacy without a prescription.
Take Your Pill – If you are on the pill, make sure you take the pack with you on your trip. Forgetting to take the pill will increase the risk of pregnancy.
ICE - If you end up in the hospital due to some injury or illness, you may find yourself unable to phone somebody to inform them of your situation. Program your mom’s – or anyone else’s – phone number into your phone under “ICE” (“In Case of Emergency”) so that you will be prepared no matter what happens. Also make sure you get the phone number of a local cab service, and the hotel you are staying in.
Designate Someone Sober - Just to keep everyone straight and make sure nobody makes any bad decisions when they are drunk, have one person designated to not drink each night. Make a rule where nobody should leave with any people they met before the Spring Break trip.
Be Wary - Watch where your drink originates from. Make sure you accept drinks you have seen being made. Do not leave your drink unattended. It is very easy for someone to slip something into your drink, so be careful.

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February 9, 2010

Women May Be Using Unsafe Oral Contraceptives

Filed under: Alesse birth control,birth control,birth control methods,Birth Control Pill,blood clot,oral contraceptive,Uncategorized,venous trombosis — Candace @ 5:44 pm

Various brands of oral contraceptives have been linked to a heightened risk of contracting venous thrombosis. Venous thrombosis – a blood clot forming inside a vein – may cause soreness, but the infection in itself has no serious effects. Venous thrombosis can easily lead to a pulmonary embolus. This is where a piece of a blood clot formed in a vein breaks off and eventually ends up in the lungs. This disease is very serious and may be deadly if left untreated.

A study conducted in the Netherlands compared 1524 patients diagnosed with either venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and 1760 healthy patients who were not using oral contraceptives. The women using oral contraceptives had 5 times more of a risk of contracting venous thrombosis than the women not using oral contraceptives.

A follow up study was conducted in Denmark. Healthy women between 15 and 49 years old were studied. A total of 4213 cases of venous thrombosis were found; 2045 of these causes were from women using oral contraceptives.

The type of progestogens in the contraceptives affected the risk of contracting venous thrombosis. When you 1st begin using oral contraceptive your risk of getting venous thrombosis will be high, regardless of what brand you use. Levonorgestrel, a type of progestogen, has the lowest risk of contracting venous thrombosis. The progestogens providing the highest risk of contracting venous thrombosis are gestodene, desogestrel, drospirenone, and cyproterone acetate.

The best oral contraceptives that can be used are those with a low level of oestrogen. Levonorgestrel or norethisterone are fine to have in oral contraceptives. The most recent progestogens are more likely to cause venous thrombosis. The risk of getting venous thrombosis is low (only 5 in 100,000 people), but when using oral contraceptive the risk increases up to 25 in 100,000 people.

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February 1, 2010

When You Should Switch Your Birth Control Pill

Filed under: Alesse birth control,Birth Control Side Effects,birth control types,contraceptive,Menstrual Cramps,switching pils,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 3:45 pm

The pill is a common contraception option among women. It is an easy way to prevent pregnancy if taken properly and can be up to 99% effective. However some specific types of birth control pills may not be the best option for you. Your body may react differently to the medicine, and many women choose to switch to a different pill if the side effects are unbearable.

Side effects - There are usually side effects with most birth control pills. If you experience minor side effects its not a sign to switch pills. Side effects are common in most people, and the side effects are listed in the booklet that comes with a pack of pills. Common side effects can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, and changes in blood pressure. If you notice any unusual symptoms mention them to your doctor on your next visit – they may suggest switching pills.

Menstruation Changes - If there has been any change in your regular menstrual cycle after going on the pill, consider the changes. While on the pill your periods should be lighter and shorter, not heavier and longer. If you experience increased menstrual bleeding after going on the pill, tell your doctor and see if they recommend the use of a different pill. If you feel increased discomfort during your period (painful cramps or other symptoms starting a week before your period) inform your doctor. The pill should not make period symptoms worse. If birth control improves the comfort of your menstrual period, it is not necessary to switch pills.

Weight Gain - Before you assume that the pill is causing you to gain wait, think about any lifestyle changes that you’ve made after going on the pill. People often blame weight gain on birth control, but there is very little evidence that the pill causes weight gain. Pills that are higher in estrogen levels can lead to an increased appetite and water retention, making you bloated. Tell your doctor if you feel that your pill caused you to gain weight. They may switch you to a pill with lower hormone levels such as Yasmin or Alesse.

Mood Swings - You may experience mood swings that started with taking the pill. The hormone levels in birth control pills cause mood swings in most women. If you notice that you are starting to feel depressed or moody for no apparent reason, it could be because of the birth control pill that you are on. You may want to talk to your doctor about your options, but in most cases switching pills will not solve this problem.

Cost- The birth control you are on may be too expensive for your lifestyle. If you are having trouble paying for your birth control every month, try switching to a generic brand. These pills are more affordable than the brand name pills you pay for.

Usually, different types of birth control pills can improve your symptoms and side effects. However, if you feel that birth control pills aren’t right for you, there are many other contraceptive options available such as patches, rings, and IUDs.

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