August 25, 2011

Inconsistent Evidence with Birth Control Causes a False Scare

Filed under: birth control types — Tags: birth control pills, ocella birth control, types of birth control pills, Yasmin, Yaz — Kcondon @ 9:31 am

Today’s society has created a huge suspension in the effects of pharmaceutical drugs due to their immense impact. Skepticism and doubt in birth control pills has been on the rise due to contradicting evidence done by research test. However, even with the media hype there is still a lack in proper biological evidence to say certain birth control pills are directly harmful.

The newest issue to arise is birth control pills that contain a newer form of progestin called drospirenone which increases women’s chances of getting a blood clot. Some tests have shown small results that there is a correlation between the new form of progestin and blood clots. Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella are the main birth control pills that are under review at the moment, because they are newer birth control pills and have a slightly different formula. Previous generations of birth control pills did not contain this new formula. More than 4,000 women are suing Bayer, which is the company that produces Yasmin and Yaz as well as more than 800 women have joined in a class-action lawsuit. Yet Yazmin and Yaz continue to stay in the market bringing in 2 billion dollars in sales in 2009.

The confusion lies in the contradictory research evidence. Other studies have shown that the overall risk of serious blood clots remains low with the Ocella birth control pills containing drospirenone. In fact a woman who is pregnant has a high chance of getting blood clots than compared to the chances they would have taking another birth control pill containing drospirenone.

Inconsistent evidence along with some isolated cases of a personal bad reaction and the media have caused a fear amongst Yasmin, Yaz and Ocella users. However woman that are obese, older than 35, are smokers or have family history of blood clots should not be taking birth control pills at all. Birth control pills react differently to everyone so it’s important to consult your doctor regularly. There are many other types of birth control pills which are safe and effective.

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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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 19, 2010

Contraceptive Alternatives – Hormonal Contraceptives – The Patch

Filed under: birth control types — Tags: birth control types, condoms, contraceptive, hormonal contraceptive, irregular bleeding, menstrual cycle, the patch — Candace @ 10:25 am

The patch is a thin, beige patch that sticks to your skin like a band-aid. Each patch contains one week’s worth of progesterone and estrogen hormones that is released into the skin.

Since 2001 the patch has been used throughout the States. The failure rate is one in one hundred women, per year. An advantage of using this type of contraceptive is that there are fewer side effects like nausea and vomiting. The patch may cause skin irritation and can be detached without being noticed by activities like showering. This can alter the efficiency. The patch can be less effective for women who weigh over 198 pounds.

Just like using other hormonal contraceptives, the patch is based on the menstrual cycle. The patch should be applied the first day of the menstrual cycle, or (like the pill) the first Sunday after the cycle begins. The patch should be changed weekly for 3 weeks in a row. On the fourth week no patch should be worn, and this is when a woman’s period should begin.

The patch is not effective in protecting against STI’s. You can protect against STI’s by using condoms and the patch together. The patch also has a few side effects including irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, and mood swings. These mild side effects will likely disappear after a couple months.

The patch is not suitable for all women. Some medical conditions can make the patch less effective or dangerous. It is not recommended for women who have blood clots, high blood pressure, specific types of cancers, migraine headaches, or diabetes.

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October 5, 2010

Women More Likely to Use Birth Control if Partner Supports It

Filed under: 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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October 4, 2010

Sex-Ed in Schools Fails to Address All Birth Control Options

Filed under: birth control pills,birth control statistics,birth control types,pregnancy in adolescents,pregnancy prevention,sex ed,sex education — Tags: birth control, sex ed, sexual education, stds, STI's, young adults — Amanda @ 12:02 pm

The lessons taught during sexual education in school are a very important part of a teen’s development as a young adult. However, a new government report has reported that only two thirds of all teens have been taught about birth control methods and options. Many students are not engaging enough in learning about pregnancy prevention and safe sex. Recent data shows that after many years of constant decline, the teen birth rate rose between 2005 and 2007, and decreased again in 2008 to 10 percent of all births.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention had female interviewers from the University of Michigan conducting interviews with nearly 2,800 teenagers between 2006 and 2008. It was found that 97% of teens had received formal sex education by the age of 18. This included instruction from school, church, community centers, or other settings. The content of the instruction included how to say no to sex, information on sexually transmitted infections, and information on birth control. Lessons concerning STIs were more common than lessons on how to use a condom or other types of birth control. In total, two thirds of teens had reported being taugh about birth control by the end of high school – about 62% of boys and 70% of girls. On the other hand, 92% of boys and girls had reported being taugh about STIs, and almost as many had learned about preventing being infected with AIDS. In addition, 87% of females and 81% of males were taught how to say no to sex.

Other researchers have found that there has been a decline in comprehensive sexual education from 1995 – 2002. This decline was largely due to government policies stressing an abstinence-only policy in educational systems. Most education programs talked about the threat of STIs, but not how to use various birth control methods. On the contrary, in the last two years, more funding has been put into sex education programs that discuss birth control options. An earlier CDC report released earlier this year found.

Another CDC study, released earlier this year, found that teenage use of birth control and teen attitudes toward pregnancy have remained about the same since 2002.

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August 23, 2010

Women using Birth Control Pills have Increased Brain Function

Filed under: birth control,Birth Control Pill,birth control pills,birth control statistics,birth control types,contraceptive,the pill — Tags: Birth Control Pill, brain, contraceptives, estrogen, hormonal contraceptive, memory, progesterone — Amanda @ 2:14 pm

A recent study from Salzburg University in Austria has concluded that contraceptive pills can increase the areas of the brain associated with memory and social skills.

The research showed that contraceptives enhance the brain’s conversation area which leads to improved social skills. Gray matter area essential for memory also grows in size by about 3% with oral contraceptive use.

Scientists took images of the brains of 14 men and 28 women (some of which were using the pill). The women who were not using birth control pills were scanned several times over a one month period to tract their natural hormonal fluctuations. Areas of the brain in women taking the pill were larger than the brains of the women who were not. The growth in women only occurred in regions of the brain that were naturally larger than men to begin with – such as the areas involved in conversation. The pill had little effect on the areas of women’s brains that are more dominant in men, such as special skills and map reading.

The results were the same regardless of the type of birth control used or the length of time it had been prescribed for.

Studies have previously been conducted on the differences in brain structure between men and women, however this is the first time a study has looked at the impact of hormonal contraceptives on the brain.

It was concluded that the sex hormones in the pill have a significant effect on the brain. An increase in the volume of a brain area can actually improve the functions related to that area. The changes are more likely to affect the skills (such as memory and verbal skills) that are already more developed in women compared to men.

It is possible that the estrogen and progesterone in the pill can help strengthen the links between nerve cells in the brain. The brains size overall did not increase with the use of hormonal contraceptives, and it is not known whether the increased areas will return back to their original size if a woman stops using the pill.

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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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August 3, 2010

Hormonal Contraceptives are Less Effective in Overweight/Obese Women

Filed under: birth control options,birth control patch,birth control pills,birth control types,pregnancy prevention — Tags: Birth Control Pill, BMI, contraceptive, hormones, obesity, pregnancy, vaginal ring — Amanda @ 4:20 pm

A systematic review of results reported online has concluded that hormonal contraceptives (such as skin patches, vaginal rings, implants, pills, and injections) may not be as effective in overweight and obese women.

With obesity rates increasing worldwide every year, it is important that these findings be shared with the public.

The results from seven studies on 39,531 women on the success of hormonal contraceptives were examined and the results were varied among the different methods of birth control. Some methods such as the birth control pill and the patch were less effective at preventing pregnancy in the obese and overweight women who used a hormonal contraceptive.

Body mass index, or BMI, played a large role in the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Women with a BMI higher than 25 (classified as overweight), were more likely to get pregnant while using the pill than women with a BMI under 25.

Body weight, on the other hand, was the factor among women using the skin patch, vaginal ring, implant, or injection. The body weight due to fat on the body determined the pregnancy risk among women using contraception. Overweight and obese women using the skin patch, progestin implant, and vaginal ring were more likely to get pregnant than women of normal weight using these forms of contraception. Curiously enough, the effectiveness of the hormonal injection was not affected by BMI or body weight. One possible reason for the decreased effectiveness of the skin patch is simply that there is a higher density of fat cells in areas where the patch is to be placed. The fat cells in the way of the blood stream can absorb and store the hormones preventing them from reaching the blood stream.

The exact reason why overweight and obese women are at a greater risk of pregnancy while using hormonal contraceptives is unknown. Although several theories imply that it has something to do with specific biological factors.

Liver Enzymes – overweight women can experience an increased regulation of liver metabolism. These higher levels of enzymes can help break down the hormones in oral contraceptives. Heavier women have a greater circulating blood volume and body mass therefore there is more tissue for blood to circulate though. The chance that enzymes will break down the hormones in contraception is faster therefore the levels of circulating hormones can be decreased.

Hormone Storage – Hormones like estrogen and progestin that are found in birth control are stored in body fat. The more fat cells on a woman, the greater her chances of the hormones becoming stored in her fat rather than flowing into her bloodstream.

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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 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

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August 10, 2009

Get Rid of Acne with Birth Control Pills

Filed under: acne,Birth Control Pill,Birth Control Side Effects,birth control types,breakouts,clear skin,menstrual periods,menstural cycle,oily skin,pimple,skin,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 9:09 am

For women who tend to break out around their menstrual period, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down the skins oil gland activity. Androgen is a male hormone that stimulates the skins oil glands, therefore causes acne. Low-dose birth control pills decrease the excess androgens in the body. This means that breakouts will be prevented! Consult your doctor about birth control, and ask about these brands:

Yasmin

Yasmin is a low-dose birth control pill that has been known to reduce acne breakouts in its users. It is affordable and does not cause severe side effects. Yasmin birth control is the most popular among young adults.

Yaz

Yaz birth control pills will clear acne after about 2 or 3 months of use. Some women on Yaz have also reported to having “baby smooth skin” while using it. Yaz users find that they continue to have acne for several months before their body gets used to the new hormones. This side effect is common in many birth control pills. After the first 3 months, the benefits start to kick in. When trying a pill it is good to take it for at least 3 months in order to experience its potential.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not for everyone; however those who try it and like it experience very satisfying results. Have a consultation with your doctor when choosing a brand of birth control pill – they will know if Ortho Tri-Cyclen is right for you.

Other pills that help clear acne: Mircette, Alesse, Trivora, Cyclessa

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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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April 28, 2007

Ortho Evra Patch Side Effects

Filed under: birth control,birth control prices,birth control statistics,birth control types,estrogen,ortho evra,patch,progesterone,side effects,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 7:18 am

Ortho Evra is a small, thin patch that is placed on the skin. The patch releases small amounts of estrogen and progesterone which is absorbed through the skin. By releasing these hormones Ortho Evra suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the uterine lining, which combined can prevent pregnancy. It is 99% effective and very convenient to use.

Side effects of Ortho Evra

Minor side effects that usually go away within the first 3 months of use include:

nausea
breast tenderness
weight gain or loss
water retention
increased blood pressure
mood changes
headaches
skin irritation (near the Patch)

Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include:

blood clots
stroke
heart attacks
a increased risk of breast cancer

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use the Patch are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women should not use the Patch, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. Ortho Evra will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV/AIDS.

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 types of birth control call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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April 7, 2007

The Facts About Endometriosis Laparoscopy

Filed under: birth control prices,birth control statistics,birth control types,blog,endometriosis,laparoscopy,surgery,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 7:09 am

Click here for birth control prices

Though ultrasound can be used to help find signs of endometriosis, this is something that does not tell the true tale of what is going on in many women. Though ultrasound is a great tool for many things, it does have a disadvantage when it comes to diagnosing this condition. There are times when it just can’t pick up the nodules that often indicate that there is a problem. The next step after this type of diagnostics is to then use endometriosis laparoscopy surgery to get a better look at what is going on.

Laparoscopy is a tool that is used in many different areas of medicine. This tool takes some practice, but gives the doctor eyes to see inside the body without being as invasive. This is a tiny camera that can be put into the body through a very tiny opening. It has a light attached, and can be used to aid in surgeries like gastric bypass, and can also used for exploratory surgery to search for signs of endometriosis, among other things. This greatly cuts down on recovery time for many people.

When a person is getting this for endometriosis, the doctor will probably make a small incision in the belly button. The patient can be either completely knocked out, and in some cases, a local anesthetic can be used so that the patient can remain awake. A small tube containing both light and a tiny video camera are inserted. Many times, some sort of gas (almost always carbon dioxide), is insert so that the abdomen inflates. This allows the camera and the surgeon to see better. This also allows others to view the surgery as well. The spots that are suspected as being areas with endometriosis growth will be explored.

There are times when this is done to see what is going on, and other times, it can be used to help the surgeon see where the endometriosis is located for removal. Though removal is sometimes possible without more incisions, there may be instances when more incisions might be needed to remove the tissues that need to be taken from the body for biopsy purposes. These incisions are usually located down near the pubic area, or what is referred to as the bikini area. A doctor should go over all of the possibilities of what might happen and what might be done during the surgery and anything that they might do as a result.

Once endometriosis laparoscopy is done, a patient should recover rather quickly. Nausea is quite common, and recovery might take a few days. There may be some pain in the shoulders due to the gas that was used during the surgery. That should go away rather quickly. There may be some pain and discomfort, but a patient will be given pain killers to handle it. If pain goes above and beyond what the pills can handle, or if a person develops a fever, they should go back in to their doctor to make sure everything is okay.

About the Author: Grab your free copy of Shelley Ross’ brand new Endometriosis Newsletter – Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about endometriosis signs

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March 30, 2007

Birth control pill side effects

Filed under: birth control,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,breast cancer,menstrual periods,period,pregnancy,side effects,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:54 am

Aside from its almost l00% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, taking the Pill may also lead to less menstrual flow and cramping, a lower risk of infection of the uterus and ovaries, a decreased chance of developing ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast cysts and tumors, less ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, less rheumatoid arthritis, and it may improve acne.

During the first three months of use about 40% of women who take birth control pills will have side effects of one kind or another. The vast majority of women have only minor, transient side effects. Some of these side effects are: light bleeding between menstrual periods, skipped periods, nausea, weight change, bloating, increase in vaginal infections. Although it is difficult to predict whether a woman will develop one of these minor problems, a problem can often be eliminated by changing your birth control pill.

Blood clots, stroke and heart attacks are the most serious side effects associated with birth control pills. These problems occur in only a small number of women who take the pill. Women who smoke, are over 35, have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease or blood cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities have the most risk of developing these problems. Other serious side effects are worsening of migraine headaches, gall bladder disease, increase in blood pressure and an extremely rare liver tumor. Some birth control pills may cause changes in the levels of fatty substances in the blood. The long-term consequences of these changes are not known. Regular visits to your doctor are important for early detection of these health risks.

Certain drugs for epilepsy and tuberculosis, as well as certain antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pill. St. John’s Wort has also been known to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. You should always ask your doctor about any possible effect on birth control effectiveness when another drug is prescribed.

For more information on birth control pills call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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March 22, 2007

Femcon Fe chewable birth control pill

Filed under: birth control,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,breast cancer,estrogen,femcon fe,hormones,pregnancy,pregnant,progestin,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 8:27 am

Femcon Fe is a spearmint-flavored birth control pill that can be swallowed or chewed. It combines 2 different hormones – progestin and estrogen. Together, these 2 hormones suppress ovulation and other related changes your body goes through. That means an egg is not released from your ovary and therefore cannot be fertilized by sperm. Birth control pills also thicken your cervical mucus (making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus) and change the lining of your uterus (making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant itself in the uterine wall).

Using Femcon Fe, or other oral contraceptives, is one of the most effective methods of birth control available. If taken correctly on a daily basis, birth control pills are as much as 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, meaning there is still a 1% chance that you could get pregnant.

What are some advantages to using Femcon Fe?

Chewability – Femcon Fe is the only oral contraceptive to offer chewability. Perfect for women who have difficulty swallowing even the tiniest pill.
Cycle control – There is low incidence of spotting or bleeding between periods.
Low-dose – Most available birth control pills contain the same type of estrogen as Femcon Fe but in different amounts. Femcon Fe is considered a low-dose pill because it contains 35 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen.
Menstrual relief – Femcon Fe can help reduce menstrual cramps, regulate irregular periods, and lighten menstrual flow.

Does Femcon Fe offer any health benefits?

Your menstrual cycles may become more regular.
Blood flow during your period may be lighter and less iron may be lost.
Pain or other symptoms, like menstrual cramps, may decrease.
Lesser chance of ovarian cysts occuring.
Ectopic pregnancy may occur less frequently.
Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less often.
Lesser chance of acute pelvic inflammatory disease occuring.
Using birth control pills may provide some protection against developing two forms of cancer: cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus.

Does Femcon Fe have any side effects?

Birth control pill side effects are generally not serious. The most common side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, and spotting or bleeding between periods. These side effects often go away within the first 3 months. While more serious side effects occur infrequently, some medical conditions have been associated with Pill use, including:

Blood clots, blockage of blood vessels
Gallbladder disease
Liver tumors (extremely rare)
High blood pressure, which returns to normal when you stop taking the Pill

Is there anything else I should know about Femcon Fe?

Cigarette smoking while using the Pill increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. This risk increases if you are a heavy smoker (15 or more cigarettes a day) and with age (especially if you are over 35). Women who use birth control should not smoke.

You should not take the Pill if you have or have had blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, or are pregnant.

Femcon Fe does not protect against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases. Always use a nonhormonal backup contraceptive like a condom for extra protection.

Missing a pill or taking a pill a few hours later than normal can decrease the effectiveness. Certain medications like antibiotics are also known to increase the chance of your birth control pill failing.

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

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March 3, 2007

What are monophasic, biphasic and triphasic birth control pills?

Filed under: biphasic pills,birth control pills,birth control prices,birth control types,estrogen,hormones,monophasic pills,pregnancy,pregnant,progestin,triphasic pills,Uncategorized — Ashlynn @ 12:46 pm

The early forms of birth control pills had a good deal of estrogen in them. Today’s birth control pills have a lot less hormone in them than even 10 years ago. That’s because we have learned that they work at much lower doses than we originally thought.

Most birth control pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. They are categorized as monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic pills depending on whether the level of hormones stays the same during the first three weeks of the menstrual cycle or changes. Pills for the fourth week, when included, are usually “reminder” pills. They contain no active drug and are there to keep you on a daily schedule.

Monophasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin in all of the active pills in a pack. Examples of monophasic pills include Brevicon, Loestrin, Alesse, and Ortho-Cept. Because of the uniform hormone level in all the pills, monophasics are least likely to cause side effects, such as mood changes, that can result from fluctuating hormone levels in the body.

Biphasic and triphasic pills contain different dosages of progestin or estrogen throughout the pill pack. Compared with monophasics, these pills reduce the total hormone dosage a woman receives and are thought to better match the body’s natural menstrual cycle. Biphasic pills change the level of hormones once during the menstrual cycle. Examples of biphasic pills include Ortho-Novum 10/11, Mircette and Necon 10/11.

Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones in the active pills (changing every seven days during the first three weeks of pills). Triphasic pills include Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, and Tri-Norinyl.

When taken regularly and according to the directions, birth control pills are 98% to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, depending on how much estrogen they contain. The most common reason for pregnancy in a woman taking birth control pills is a failure to take them as directed. You should be familiar with the instructions that come with the dispenser for what to do if you miss a dose. It is a good idea to use a second method such as a condom or diaphragm for the rest of the month, even if you miss only one dose.

Despite the differences, no single pill or pill type rates as the “best” one. Experts consider all combination pills equally effective in preventing pregnancy, provided the pills are used appropriately. Your doctor can help you choose a birth control pill based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle, and cost.

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 call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.

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