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.

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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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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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

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January 22, 2009

Yaz Birth Control and Lo from The Hills

Filed under: Alesse birth control,Labels: Birth Control Side Effects,side effects,Uncategorized,Yaz — Janine @ 3:36 pm

Women of all ages use birth control. They know what it is, but many do not know about the risks and its side effects. Your physician should inform you of all you need to know about birth control. If you are currently on the pill and are experiencing the side effects for over 3 months, inform your doctor. Your doctor should prescribe you to a different birth control. Learning about birth control can help you find out which brand is right for you.

Lauren Bosworth also known as “Lo” from The Hills and Laguna Beach is the spokesmodel for Yaz birth control. Yaz is the new birth control that has fewer side effects than its competitors. These side effects include acne and fluid retention. Like many girls, Lauren has tried several different oral contraceptives. Lauren chose Yaz because of the fewer monthly periods. She also wanted to learn what her options are for birth control and to take control of its effects in her body. Different from other oral contraceptives that are usually a 21/7 cycle, Yaz is a 24/4 cycle (a low-dose combination of estrogen and progestrin).

It is very important that your doctor or nurse explains everything you need to know about the birth control they are prescribing to you before you starting taking it. The common side effects for birth control pills can be:

Weight gain
Nausea and vomiting (felt for the first few cycles)
Dizziness
Increase or decrease in acne
Headaches
High blood pressure
Loss of libido
Depression
Vaginal infections

The less common but serious health risks are:

Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain
Stroke
Heart attacks
Possibly cervical cancer

If any of the above side effects persists or worsens, make sure you contact your doctor immediately.

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,birth control,Uncategorized — 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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