Birth Control Methods | Your #1 Source for Birth Control Tips and Advice

June 25, 2011

The Flawed and the Intuitive: Seven Ancient Methods of Birth Control

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,birth control myths,early birth control — Janine @ 4:36 pm

Prior to the development of modern contraceptives, how did women of the past prevent pregnancy? As you read further, you’ll see that women have been taking control of their bodies from the earliest of times by using alternate methods of birth control. As knowledge about the reproductive system was often limited, and the cause of pregnancy was unknown in some civilizations, the effectiveness and safety of some methods are definitely imperfect.

Sea Sponges
The use of physical barriers to block sperm was mainly spread throughout the ancient world. In ancient Jewish communities, the use of sea sponges was a preferred means of contraception. Women would soak sea sponges with acidic substances, usually lemon juice, and insert the sponge vaginally before intercourse. The sponge would be fastened with string for easy removal.
Breast Feeding
Prolonged breast feeding was encouraged in the past to eliminate the chances of conception. The practice of lactating for contraception is now known as lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). When a woman is breast feeding, the return of her menstrual cycle is delayed. However she eventually will start to ovulate, and thus she is still at risk for pregnancy.
Avoiding moonlight
In ancient Greece, moonlight was believed to fertilize crops and impregnate women as well. Women were taught to block moonlight when they slept lest they conceive. As we know this method of birth control is highly ineffective since the moon does not influence ovulation nor does it radiate fertilizing power.

true love waits abstinence sign

Coitus Interruptus
More commonly known as the withdrawal method, the prehistoric use of coitus interruptus was recorded in the Book of Genesis. This method was more effective than others in the ancient times due to the male ejaculating outside of the vagina.
Visiting the Local Cemetery
It was popular for the ladies of the past to visit their female ancestors in hopes of avoiding pregnancy. The only way that this method could have been effective is if it scared women into practicing abstinence!
Following the Advice of Soranus
Soranus was a gynecologist in ancient Greece who came up with several unsuccessful methods of birth control. Soranus advised women to jump backwards seven times after intercourse, in hopes of extricating the sperm. He was the original creator of the Rhythm method (a method in which women have intercourse when they are not fertile), however the method was flawed due to his hypothesis that women ovulated during menstruation (rather than prior). Furthermore, Soranus also recommended women to squat and then to squeeze to eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. As the ladies soon found out, these methods were highly ineffective.
Abstinence
Ultimately the most effective form birth control in history, this method has been effective in the past and also in modern times. In some communities, abstinence was practiced before and during certain religious days (i.e., Lent).

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November 5, 2010

Birth Control Gel in testing stages

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,birth control options,birth control types,contraception,contraceptive,contraceptives — Tags: birth control, birth control benefits, birth control effects, birth control methods, birth control options, birth control types, contraceptive, contraceptives, hormonal contraceptive, progesterone — Janine @ 12:07 pm

Birth Control comes in many forms including implant, injection, patch, ring, IUD, pills, and soon gel! The birth control gel is still in its early testing stages, but the results are looking optimal. The gel can be rubbed onto the arms, legs, shoulders or abdomen much like a moisturizer. Applying 3 milligrams of the gel daily will deliver the right dosage of progesterone and estrogen, much like the birth control patch, through the skin to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg every month.

The main ingredient to this gel is Nestorone, a newly developed type of synthetic progesterone very similar to the natural hormone that contains a chemically identical type of estrogen that is produced in a woman’s body. This birth control gel will not cause users to experience common side effects such as nausea and weight gain. Women who are breastfeeding are also able to use the birth control gel because the hormones in the gel will not interfere with the milk supply.

The New York Population Council research center’s director of clinical development of reproductive health, Dr. Ruth Merkatz is the researcher behind the latest study on this birth control gel. Over a seven month period, there were 18 women in the age range from 20 to 40 who had used the birth control gel. So far, none had become pregnant from using the gel. Dr. Ruth Merkatz finds that the birth control gel can improve the choice of methods and options of birth control for women.

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October 5, 2010

Women More Likely to Use Birth Control if Partner Supports It

Filed under: birth control benefits,birth control methods,birth control options,Birth Control Pill,birth control statistics,birth control types,condoms,contraception,contraceptive — Tags: birth control methods, birth control options, Birth Control Pill, contraceptives — Amanda @ 11:46 am

The “birth control” question can be confusing for partners, and birth control options are predominantly aimed towards women, putting the decision in their hands, however a new study suggests that women are twice as likely to use birth control if their partners are very much in favor of it.

The study was done in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City; lead by Marie Harvey – a professor of public health at Oregon state University. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study looked at 435 couples that were between the ages of 18 and 25. The women in the couples were not pregnant and were not trying to become pregnant.

The men and women in the study said they both participated in deciding whether or not to use birth control. However, agreement between partners on whether they had discussed birth control was low. Harvey claims that this contradiction is typical in male and female relationships. To a woman, a conversation about birth control might include weighing in all birth control options and having a long detailed conversation. To a man, it could be as easy as asking a woman if she is on birth control.

Both partners were interviewed on contraception use and pregnancy motivation. It was found that even among women not trying to get pregnant, less than 60% said avoiding pregnancy was extremely important. Regardless of what the women had said about avoiding pregnancy, a large number of surveyed women were engaging in unprotected sex. This reflects mainly on the education that health care providers are giving to young women. “Providers need to probe more to understand women’s’ motivations and help them clarify their desires about whether or not to use contraception” Harvey said.

“We are trying to better understand the influence of partners…Public health research in the past has largely focused on the woman alone, but we know that a woman’s partner can be very influential. Yet, research rarely addresses the influence of sexual partners on protective behaviors.”

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August 25, 2010

The Pill is the Most Used Contraceptive

Filed under: birth control methods — Tags: birth control effects, birth control methods, Birth Control Pill, birth control types — Candace @ 1:16 pm

The pill is one of the safest and most effective methods of birth control. At a success rate of nearly 100 percent the pill is the most commonly used contraceptive in the world. The oral contraceptive has always been the most popular contraceptive for females due to its easy and painless use. From an interview of conducted on 7, 3536 women it was discovered that 99 percent of women use at least one type of contraceptive for intercourse. Condoms are the most popularly used form of contraceptive for women having intercourse for the first time. In this interview it was also found that of those females with a male partner, 93 percent of the men used a condom, 82 percent of the women used birth control pills, and 53 percent of couples used the withdrawal method.

The pill works by stopping the hormones that activate ovulation by providing an extra dose of estrogen. This prevents the release of an egg. Not only this, but it also thickens the cervical mucus, making the strenuous trek for sperm even harder. The pill must be taken daily for optimum results.

Because many women forget to take the pill on a daily basis, there have been recently created iPod and iPhone applications that help by providing a daily reminder in the form of an alarm. As well as this you can also try using an online calendar, a alarm set on your phone, a note on your desk, or other simple reminders to take the pill.

The pill has been the most commonly used form of contraceptive for 2 years now and will hopefully be continually used in the future despite new, more complex methods being discovered in the medical world.

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August 17, 2010

FDA Approves of New Emergency Contraceptive Pill

Filed under: abortion,birth control,birth control methods,birth control options,birth control types,EC,emergency contraception,morning after pill — Tags: birth control, birth control types, contraceptive, EC, ella, EllaOne, emergency contraception, hormones, morning after pill, plan b — Amanda @ 10:04 am

The U.S Food and Drug Administration have approved of ella, a new one-dose emergency contraceptive that works longer than the current leading drug on the market. In June this year, the FDA unanimously voted that the use of ella provided convincing data and sufficient information on its safety. ella was approved last year in Europe under the name ellaOne and is currently used in 22 countries.

The FDA approved ella as a prescription-only birth control option. This ruling allows for U.S sales of the drug. Ella from HRA Pharma is to be marketed as an emergency contraceptive that can be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The current emergency contraceptive drug ‘Plan B’ is approved for use up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse.

In a trial between Plan B and ella, women randomly received one of the two pills within three to five days of having unprotected sex. Women who took ella had a 1.8 percent chance of becoming pregnant. Women who took plan B had a 2.6 percent chance.

Consequently, Plan B is currently available without a prescription for those 17 and older where as ella will require a doctor’s prescription. HRA Pharma did not request an over-the-counter position for ella.

There is some concern about women becoming confused by the use of ella. Although ella prevents ovulation for as long as 5 days after sex, some women may believe that once taking ella, it can protect them against pregnancy from any additional acts of unprotected sex for 5 days. This is not true as sperm from additional sex can outlive the initial sperm past the 5 day window. In addition, the FDA is concerned about the obesity rates in the US and ella’s effect on overweight and obese women. Ella seems to be less effective in obese women.

Ella works differently than Plan B. Though both emergency contraceptives contain hormones that prevent ovulation, ella also contains ulipristal, a non-hormonal drug that blocks the effects of hormones necessary for conception. Ella belongs to the same class as a drug called mifepristone – a drug that is used as a part of a treatment that induces abortion. This calls for criticism from pro-life groups who believe that ella is closer to an abortion pill than an emergency contraceptive pill. However, ella is used at lower doses that prevent conception and should not cause abortion. It is still unknown whether or not ella will affect an existing pregnancy, or if ella might increase the rate of spontaneous miscarriage in the few women who become pregnant despite using ella.

The FDA reviewers reported no life-threatening medical side effects with ella. The most common side effects were mild and included headache, nausea, and abdominal pain.

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June 2, 2010

Ultrasound is a Male Contraceptive

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,contraceptive,male contraceptive,STI,the Gates family,ultrasound — Tags: birth control, contraceptive, male contraceptive, STI — Candace @ 12:37 am

Researchers in the University of North Carolina are pushing for further research into the new idea that an ultrasound can be used as a reversible contraceptive for men. The idea is that a blast of ultrasound to the testes may be able to stop sperm production for approximately six months. Once the sperm production has been stopped, all the sperm in the sperm reserves must be used up before this contraceptive method is effective.

This would offer another method of birth control for couples. It is thought that these sperm impeding ultrasounds would be affordable to most people. The plan in the long-term for the University team is to use an ultrasound from instruments found in sports medicine or physical therapy clinics. One of the best things about this contraceptive method is that it is thought that the sperm production will continue as normal after the approximate six months of infertility is up.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation sponsored this research with a $100,000 grant (one of seventy-eight grants by this foundation). This financial help will support the pursuing of clinical trials to prove this method. One warning issued about this contraceptive is that although it will prevent pregnancy (if it is proven), it will not protect against the transmissions of STI’s.

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April 7, 2010

Mirena IUD

Filed under: birth control methods,birth control pills,IUD,Mirena,Uncategorized — Candace @ 5:01 pm

For women who are unable to use the standard types of birth control, IUD is the next best option. The copper covered IUD is the only no hormonal method of birth control available. An IUD (intrauterine device) is a piece of plastic placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUD’s are one of the most successful birth control methods available. IUD’s are a fairly new method of birth control; they were only made available to all women in 2005.

A young woman entering college began taking birth control pills. She discovered quickly that she has allergies to synthetic hormones. The only form of birth control without hormones was an IUD. Thanks to the FDA’s recent approval of IUD’s she was able to use this form of birth control.

There was fear and a dire reputation of IUD’s in the past, when a large recall was issued in the late 1970′s. Recently IUDs were FDA approved, and have quickly gaining popularity and the product recall is being rapidly forgotten. In the course of one year IUD’s popularity increased by 23 percent.

The IUD has had a bad past. Prior to 1974 the most popular IUD – the Dalkon Shield – was fashioned differently than the current one. The shield allowed STI’s to get inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. This clogged them with scar tissue. Due to numerous deaths from septic pregnancies and other problems connected to the shield it was discontinued and later recalled. The IUD was scarred with a bad reputation for all the trouble it caused.

In 2001, Mirena IUD was put onto the birth control market. This new type of IUD used small doses of progestin. It was feared originally that Mirena could cause permanent infertility in women. This fear was cleared up in a study done in Virginia. It was proven by this study that new IUD’s do not increase the risk of infertility even in women that have several partners. It was also suggested in this study that Mirena protects from STI’s by producing large amounts of cervical mucus which blocks bacteria.

An IUD can be inserted by a doctor. When you have an IUD inserted you will require regular checkups to ensure the IUD stays safely placed and no complications arise.

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March 25, 2010

Who Should Use IUDs?

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,birth control options,Birth Control Pill,contraception,Intrauterine device,IUD,Mirena,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:47 pm

IUDs (Intra-Uterine Devices) are becoming increasingly popular in North America. The IUD is a low-maintenance, effective form of birth control. Once a device is in place, it can work for 5-12 years (depending on the device) and you can have it taken out sooner if you need to have a child or change methods. IUDs protect you from pregnancy each time you are sexually active and you don’t feel it or notice it’s there.

The IUD is the best option for women who have a low risk of acquiring STIs (sexually transmitted infections), need to avoid estrogen-based products and want a reversible type of birth control. Married women or women in a long-term relationship over the age of 20 are the best candidates. Although young adults can use IUDs effectively, they are more likely than adults to have multiple partners and are therefore at an increased risk of contracting an STI. The IUD isn’t a good first choice for a newly sexually active teen because she cannot predict her partners future sexual behavior. In addition, problems including expulsion, removal for bleeding and pain, and pregnancies are more common in teens than older women using the IUD. Talk to your doctor about your birth control options to find out what is best for you.

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March 12, 2010

The First Forms of Contraception

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,contraceptives,oral contraceptive,Uncategorized — Nicole @ 10:15 am

The first contraceptive methods mark much further back in history than anyone would expect; the first known forms of birth control date all the way back to 1850 B.C.E., when Egyptian women took to inserting objects and concoctions into their vagina to effectively block or kill sperm. Called pessaries, the Egyptians frequently used different concoctions made from honey and even crocodile feces as what they perceived to be effective forms of birth control.

Honey as a Contraceptive?
Although few of us would place our faith in honey as a contraceptive, the recipe for the honey concoction that the early Egyptians used was quite effective. The recipe involves the primary ingredients of acacia berries, colocynth and honey. When acacia berries are compounded, they form lactic anhydride, which is extremely similar to lactic acid, a component often used in modern contraceptive jellies. It is unclear what the colocynth ingredient may have been; however, many historians will categorize it as a plant called Citrullus colocynthis Schrad, which produces a type of bitter apple with properties that may induce abortion. The use of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad as an abortifacient is still utilized today among many Arabic women.

Are Crocodile Feces Actually Effective?
Not many of us would truly ever wish to use crocodile feces as a pessary form of contraception, and it’s a good thing too, because under modern medical scrutinization, the recipe of the crocodile feces concoction does not appear to be effective in any way. In fact, according to modern medical science, the insertion of crocodile feces into the vagina is likely to increase chances of becoming pregnant. Crocodile dung is quite alkaline, and because the optimal pH level conditions to encourage pregnancy are more alkaline than the natural pH levels of the vagina, the feces would not act as an effective contraceptive. The Egyptians would have used crocodile dung likely because of the similarities between the crocodile and depictions of the Egyptian god Seth, who was associated with miscarriage and abortion in their religious beliefs.

The Egyptians were the first in what is now a multi-million dollar industry today, which, thankfully has modernized to provide several different methods of birth control from condoms to oral contraceptives, none of which include any form of animal feces.

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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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January 13, 2010

Is It Best For You To Get Rid Of Your Period?

Filed under: birth control methods,birth control options,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,periods,Uncategorized — Candace @ 4:48 pm

Menstrual cycles are annoying and painful for most women. They cause mood swings, cramps, headaches, and are uncomfortable. Taking a birth control pill on a daily basis has halted woman’s menstrual cycles in many cases. For women to hear that with a simple pill they can stop their period is glorious! But is this pill safe? Is it as effective as we have been told? There are various pros and cons to be considered.

Pros -
Women don’t need a period – The only reason known for a menstrual cycle, is for a woman to get pregnant. A period occurs to rid the body of the uterine lining which has been built up monthly to prepare the egg to be fertilized. When you are on a hormonal birth control pill the lining no longer builds up, thus there is nothing to expel and no reason for a period. A traditional 28 day pack of birth control pills have 7 placebo (sugar, no-hormone) pills. The lack of hormones is what causes the flow.

It is convenient - With monthly menstrual cycles many women undergo severe pain. The symptoms include headaches, cramps, mood swings, and various other painful and undesired feelings. When taking birth control pills and not having a period, there are no symptoms and no pain!

Skipping periods is another reproductive choice for women; the more choices we have, the better.

If you decide to use/continue using birth control pills as a way to stop your period, check with your insurance if they are covered in your plan. You will need a doctor’s written approval to prescribe you with BCP’s for excessive pain before your insurance will cover the pills.

Cons -

It’s not philosophically right – Periods are not diseases. The pill is not an antibiotic. Doctors have prescribed continuous-hormone birth control pills for women who experience extreme pains, mood swings, and discomforts. Getting rid of one’s period would be just a matter of convenience. By expelling menstrual cycles it gives the image that women’s periods are something to be ashamed of.

Lybrel doesn’t work – A new release, the no-bleeding pill, Lybrel, might not work for all women. After a year of using Lybrel, a study showed that 40 percent of women on Lybrel still had spotting, and 20 percent bled enough to need tampons or pads.

May be unsafe – Although most professionals say BCP’s are safe for stopping your period, we have yet to know the long term effects of taking hormones nonstop might be.

How will you tell you are pregnant – Skipped periods are the most common way women discover they are pregnant. If you are not expecting your period, how will you know you are pregnant?

We do not know enough about using BCP’s to stop periods to consider it completely safe.

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November 19, 2009

Birth Control Ring: Introduced in India

Filed under: birth control methods,contraception,india,india birth control,NuvaRing,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:46 pm

India’s birth control plan is beginning to pick up. With a population of 684 million and counting, all methods of birth control are happily accepted. It New Delhi on November 18th, a US based pharmaceutical company in Oregon launched a birth control ring that apparently has no side effects.

Nuvaring is popular form of birth control in North America and Europe that has recently been introduced in India as an easy method of birth control. Nuvaring is a transparent flexible ring that contains hormones which enter the blood stream daily inhibiting ovulation. The ring is a simple and effective reversible birth control procedure because unlike the pill where you take one everyday, it only requires that you insert the ring once a week for three weeks of the month.

Managing director of Organon K.G Ananthakrishnan says that only 20% of women use contraceptives in India. He suggests that the ring is a good idea because it does not have any side effects and will not obstruct other daily activities.

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October 29, 2009

Birth Control: A Timeline

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,birth control patch,Birth Control Pill,birth control types,Depo Provera,early birth control,IUD,Mirena,today sponge,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:16 pm

4th Century A.D - Aristotle gave advice on how to prevent pregnancy. He told women to use olive oil, lead ointment, or frankincense oil as a spermicide – Needless to say, his intentions were good but his methods were flawed.

The Greeks claimed that by applying pressure to the uterus by pushing on a woman’s abdomen will force sperm out of her vagina. Although it sounds ridiculous, they had to start somewhere.

1400′s – the Chastity belt was invented. Today they may be viewed as a cruel violation of human rights, however in the 15th century Chastity belts were a form of teaching abstinence. Chastity belts were created to make it physically impossible for a woman to have sex or masturbate. They were often made of steel, locked shut with a padlock, and only had small openings for excretion. These belts were made in only one size – so larger women were forced to endure the pain of an ill-fitted device.

1700′s – 1800′s – The first pregnancy preventing condom was used by Giacoma Girolamo Casaova. Funny enough he referred to condoms as “english riding coats”. In the 19th century, condoms were made of animal gut and were packaged in paper envelopes. Although the product was somewhat formal (being packaged and all), its role as contraception was not very effective.

1844 – American Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanization of rubber. This was a process that stopped rubber from becoming sticky. Mass production of condoms began shortly after he patented his finding.

1900′s – Based on early Egyptian prototypes, in the early 20th Century people were using sponges with strings attached for removal as contraceptive devices. Often these sponges were dipped in vinegar or lemon juice which would act as a spermicide. The method seemed plausible, however it was not necessarily effective or safe. Today, there are safe synthetic sponges which are sterile and coated with chemical spermicide.

1930′s – When the Great Depression hit, many couples could not afford to support children. During this time, new methods of birth control were introduced. The douching method was introduced (like Aristotle’s olive oil technique) however this time it was advertised as “Lysol Douching”. Yes – Lysol surface cleaner was used as a vaginal spermicide for a short time, however when reports started piling in about irritations and vaginal scalding, the method slowly lost popularity. So, a proto-intrauterine device was created. The IUD’s in the 1930′s consisted or something like a metal rod attached to a circular object such as a button. Needless to say, these early attempts often resulted in irritation and severe uterine infections. Oops.

1950′s – The first Birth Control Pill (Envoid) was originally created to promote fertility and reduce menstrual symptoms in women. It was approved by the FDA in 1957 and began gaining popularity, however, around that time there were many complaints by Envoid users about increased menstrual problems. The pill was re-introduced to the FDA four years later as an oral contraceptive. By 1964 the pill was a huge success and became America’s number one type of birth control.

1990′s – In 1992 Depo-Provera was approved by the FDA. This was the first hormonal injection that was used to prevent pregnancy.

Today – Today, there are many forms of safe and efficient birth control. There are shots, patches, rings, IUD’s and Pills available in all different forms that are up to 99% effective.

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October 5, 2009

Oral Contraceptives: 21/7, 24/4 or Continuous use?

Filed under: Alesse birth control,birth control methods,birth control pills,birth control statistics,birth control types,estrogen,Menstrual Cramps,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,oral contraceptive,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:43 pm

18% of women ages 15-49 use a combined oral contraceptive (COC). Of all Canadian women who use a form of birth control, 32% chose COCs as their primary form of contraception. Birth control pills were first made to be taken for 21 days before a seven day hormone-free period. Today, this 21/7 regimen is the standard dosing regimen for oral contraceptives, however there is also a newer 24/4 regimen that may have even more benefits than the standard dose of 21/7.

Many of the Canadian women taking COCs today still follow the 21/7 dose, however it is not necessary. There are many women who choose to forgo their menstrual period all together by using contraceptives continuously without a hormone free interval. All available contraceptives (oral, trans-dermal, vaginal) can be used in a continuous regimen therefore eliminating a bleeding period. This contraceptive method is becoming popular among Canadian women who are comfortable with eliminating their menstrual period.

90% of all menstruating women have reported some form of premenstrual symptoms. 30% of these women have been diagnosed with PMS, and 8% have been diagnosed with an extreme form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Women taking COCs that contain progestin drospirenone, have noticed relief in minor PMS symptoms including physical and emotional PMS symptoms. COCS have even been successful in alleviating symptoms of severe PMS and PMDD in some women.

There are a number of benefits that the continuous/extended COC use has shown. Some of these benefits include the lessening of menstrual pain, headaches, bloating and swelling, acne, breast tenderness, and shorter periods. Continuous use, however, may cause spotting or unscheduled bleeding.

The benefits of the new 24/4 regimen include a more efficient suppressing of ovarian activity, that those who take a 21/7 hormone break increase their endogenous hormone levels which making ovulation more likely, therefore giving them a higher risk of becoming pregnant and developing ovarian cysts than women who use the 24/4 regimen. The 24/4 regimen prevents hormonal fluctuations helping to improve the quality of life for its users.

Types of birth control pills and their dosage:

21/7 Regimen: Alesse, Yasmin, Cyclen

24/4 Regimen: Yaz, Loestrin 24 Fe

Extended Regimen: Seasonique, Seasonale

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September 28, 2009

5 Ways to Save Money on Birth Control

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,Birth Control Pill,birth control prices,generic medicine,recession,Stopping the pill,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:12 pm

Many American women are unable to afford birth control during these harsh economic times. It’s been reported that women are trying harder not to get pregnant because they can’t afford to have a child. Some are trying to save money by skipping the pill or going off the pill for several months in order to save money.

Ask for Generic

Switching from a name brand birth control pill to a generic pill can help you save money. Ask your doctor to write down the generic birth control pill on your prescription.

Subsidized birth control

Find out if you qualify for subsidized birth control. Your local health department or family planning clinic may offer discount birth control to low income families.

Ask for help from your partner

This is an option for single women who don’t have combined incomes with their partners. Why shouldn’t the guy help pay for birth control? He’s benefitting from it too – and he’ll be in deeper financial problems if you become pregnant.

Short term solution

If you are strapped for cash but need to pick up your prescription, see your doctor and ask if they have any samples they could give you. Often a clinic will receive birth control samples that they will be able to give you if they understand your situation.

Insurance Plan

Your insurance plan may cover certain types of birth control like the IUD or surgical sterilization. Check your insurance plan and consult your doctor to see what will work best for you.

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July 30, 2009

What are Birth Control Injections?

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,Depo Provera,diabetes,injection,migraines,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 9:55 am

For those who have a hard time remembering the pill or cannot use oral contraceptives, there is an efficient alternative. Injections of a medicine called “Depo-Provera” contain the female hormone progesterone that prevents pregnancy.

This injection is to be given once every three months for a total of four times a year by a healthcare professional. Some of the benefits to this birth control method are that Depo-Provera does not cause any estrogen related side effects, and there is no need to remember it day-to-day, but only to remember to have the injection every 3 months. In addition, Depo-Provera reduces risks of ovarian and endometrial cancer and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Unlike most other methods, Depo-Provera may be used by women who have sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, severe migraines, blood clots, diabetes, women older than 35, women who are smokers, as well as women who are on medication that could interfere with birth control pills.

Some women on Depo-Provera have unpredictable periods with either decreased or increased flow, and some women do not have menstrual bleeding at all. Other potential side effects are headaches, alteration in mood, and decreased bone density (a side effect of most forms of birth control)

If you are interested in Depo-Provera, visit your healthcare professional to see if it’s right for you.

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July 23, 2009

North American Women are Afraid of IUD’s

Filed under: birth control methods,birth control pills,birth control types,contraception,contraceptive,Dalkon Shield,IUD,Mirena,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 11:32 am

The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is the world most popular form of reversible birth control. There are more than 160 million women in the world who use this device – more than two thirds of which live in China.

The IUD is a reversible option to birth control, it does not require daily consumption (birth control pills), it is a safe effective alternative to birth control pills (based on its doses of hormones), and a single device inserted into the uterine can stay active for up to 10 years. The simplicity and the benefits of this device are overwhelming!

So why it is that less than 4% of all North American women use this birth control method?

Perhaps it was the Dalkon Shield scare in the 1970′s that has forever tainted the reputation of IUDs. “Dalkon Shield” was an IUD that was ultimately pulled out of the Canadian market due to it’s negative effects on consumers. There were many cases of infections, infertility, miscarriages, and death amongst its users.
Since then safe alternative IUD models have been develop and have prospered in popularity throughout the world. In China, more than 90 million women are rushing to get their hands on IUD contraceptives.

The United Nations department of economic and social affairs reported that only 2.9% of Canadian women and 1.8% of American women use IUD’s for contraception. Compared to the 19.6% in Asia, and 13.9% in the Caribbean, North American use of the IUD is surprisingly scarce.

An IUD is inserted and removed by a doctor quickly and easily, and can last up to 10 years depending on the model and desire for use. IUD’s prevent implantation of an egg by changing the lining of the uterus so that an egg cannot properly attach. IUD’s have other benefits as the also act as treatment to reduce acne and facial hair. It is expected that the popularity of the device will increase in North America as women grow more comfortable with the method and its benefits. The Dalkon Shield scare is now in the past.

Some popular brands of IUD are Mirena and ParaGard

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July 20, 2009

Indias New Birth Control Method

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,india,overpopulation,population,population growth,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 11:48 am

According to a story in the London Times, the Health and family welfare minister of India Ghulam Nabi Azad has introduced a new idea to control the population in India’s rural areas. In a country with a population of more than 1.17 billion, whose population growth is increasing by 1.6% each year, India will inevitably face problems such as famine, lack or resources, and disease if it’s population is not controlled within the next 40 years.

Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has suggested a new birth control idea to control the population of rural areas of India – the highest contributors to the population. He suggested that the country try its efforts in bringing electricity into underprivileged rural areas and providing families in poverty with television sets in hopes to distract couples from getting busy with addicting soap operas and reality TV shows, because of course television is capable of distracting thousands of couples from doing what is naturally and genetically programmed into their DNA. A late night talk show will curb any innate instincts that couples will have.

“If there is electricity in every village, then people will watch TV until late night and then fall asleep. They won’t get a chance to produce children,” Azad stated. “When there is no electricity, there is nothing else to do but produce babies.” “I don’t think that I am saying this in a lighter vein. I am serious. TV will have a great impact. It’s a great medium to tackle the problem… 80% of population growth can be reduced through TV.”

Although this theory is possible – the question is for how long will this method of birth control take effect? Perhaps for the first 6 months this idea will prove as a success as it will hold the interests of its users. But when it comes down to it how many re-runs of television sitcoms can the poor people of India bear to watch?

The Times wrote “the Minister called on India’s television channels to provide high-quality programs, arguing that enticing content would offer alternative late night entertainment.”

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July 2, 2009

Top 7 Failed Attempts at Birth Control

Filed under: birth control,birth control methods,birth control myths,Birth Control Pill,condoms,douching,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 11:13 am

The birth control we use today such as birth control pills and condoms did not just come to be as they are today. In fact, there were many ridiculous failed attempts at birth control before they came up with something decent. These contraceptive prototypes may seem moronic now, but at one point people actually believed they worked.

7. Hot Mercury

In ancient China, women drank hot mercury the day after sex in order to prevent pregnancy. Mercury – The poisonous element inside thermometers that is deadly and can cause immediate toxic effects and can destroy all of the human body systems if it gets into the blood stream. Bad idea. You’d be better off committing suicide.

6. Sea Sponge

In Ancient Persia, women used sea sponges soaked in vinegar or alcohol and inserted them into the vagina to inhibit sperm from entering the uterus. This is a horrible method because not only does it require the extraction of a helpful ecological sea-organism from its environment, but it can cause some serious damage to vaginal walls when soaked in a substance like alcohol or vinegar. In addition, a sea sponge will act as a filter, so it’s probably not a good idea to rely on it for contraception.

5. Rocks?

This method is just outrageous. In Egypt, they used to insert rocks into the uterus to irritate the uterine walls preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. (A prototype of todays intrauterine systems) Why is this so outrageous? Because not only does it cause severe irritation to the uterus, but bacteria on the rocks could spread throughout the inside of the uterus causing severe problems and possibly death. Don’t try this at home.

After they realized the serious side effects of the rock method, women tried using apricot seeds in the same way. Needless to say, it was also a failed method.

4. Plugs

No, not hair plugs – vaginal plugs… made of wood. Yes. It is true, there were many women in the 19th century who tried using a plug-shaped stopper made of wood to block sperm from reaching the uterus. It was a tragic fail. There is nothing else to say about this one but nice try – now what do we do about the splinters?

3. Herbs

Many civilizations believed that the right herbs could heal or prevent almost ANYTHING – including pregnancy. Herbs called “emmenagogue” were plants that could stimulate menstruation in females, so they would take these herbs as a form as contraceptive. What they didn’t know is that pregnancy is still possible during menstruation so many of them probably got themselves pregnant with this attempted method.

Although those methods are idiotic and irrational, and we all know that no one would ever try them in modern times, there are still some modern failed birth control attempts out there that couples are trying, only to find themselves with a baby 9 months later.

2. Flushing

There are couples out there who are using things like Lysol and carbonated drinks after sex to “flush out” and kill the sperm in the vagina. There are several reasons why this is a fail. Even if you flush out the sperm in the vagina, it does not affect the sperm that was ejaculated immediately into the uterus through the cervix. Those guys are long gone and out of reach. In addition, putting any acidic or sugary foreign substance in the vagina is a bad idea. The skin and flesh there is very sensitive and will most likely result in infection, irritation, or a yeast infection.

1. Homemade condom

Yes – it is exactly what it sounds like. This is by far the stupidest idea ever thought of. I can’t even process this idea without asking myself “why would anyone in their right mind do such a thing??”. There are many couples out there who are making their own condoms with plastic materials like plastic bags, saran wrap, or used chip bags. Not only are these materials prone to break with enough force, but using them as a condom is unsanitary and uncivilized. Bacteria can spread from these items to the vagina causing discomfort and irritation. They will not hold up during intercourse and probably rip – making them useless as contraception. The chip bag method is the worst idea because of its rough sharp texture that will cut the walls of the vagina causing bleeding. I beg you – please do not do this. The common sense of civilization will quickly diminish if you do.

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