August 13, 2009

Molecular Condom?

Filed under: AIDS,birth control,condom,HIV,preventing AIDS,semen,Uncategorized — John @ 11:40 am

Yes, a molecular condom. American scientists have created a gel specifically designed to prevent the transmission of HIV. The gel is made from a polymer that women can use as a sort of molecular condom. Although it will still be a few years before this product is available the first trials are extremely successful. The gel becomes semi-solid in the presence of semen and catches the HIV in its microscopic mesh, preventing transmission.

The goal of the project was to develop a vaginal gel to prevent the spread of HIV so women could protect themselves without having to try and persuade their partners to do it. The areas that would benefit most from this gel are the under-resourced countries like sub-Sahara Africa and south Asia where the rate of infection is as high as 60% in women.

This gel would be a great way for women to stop HIV transmission in places that do not approve of birth control methods (condom). However, if the woman were to take this, the male would not need to use the condom during intercourse and the female would hopefully remain HIV free.

The way the gel works is that while under normal acidity in the vagina (when the pH is around 4.8) the bonds of the polymers are weak and remain as a gel. However, when the environment becomes less acidic and the pH is around 7.6, which is what happens when semen is present, the polymers stick together and the gel becomes a semi-solid.

While looking at the speed of HIV in the gel there are remarkable results. Even while the gel is till a gel the virus moves slow, however, as soon as the gel become semi-solid the virus stops completely.

There are hopes that this gel can also act as a birth control method and protect against other STD’s like herpes. Hopefully this product is a success and we see it on the open market within the next 10 years.

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June 16, 2009

Totally Untrue Rumors about Birth Control

Filed under: birth control,Birth Control Pill,birth control pills,condom,condoms,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 3:21 pm

1. Birth control pills will make me fat!

Why it’s a lie – The pill has been given an unreasonable reputation. Despite what you may have heard from friends and colleagues, birth control does NOT contribute to weight gain.

Although some women seem to gain weight while taking the pill, researchers have shown that it isn’t actually due to pill use. The estrogen in the pill may cause some women to feel boated for the first few weeks, but this symptom usually goes away. The progestin in the pill may cause changes in appetite, but it’s nothing that you can’t resist. Finally, it has been studied that women tend to begin taking the pill during a point in time that just happens to overlap with lifestyle changes, including diet and weight changes.

2. The pill will increase my risk of cancer

Why it’s a lie – Okay – first of all, birth control pills have never been conclusively linked to cancer. Only the most recent research suggests that the pill has VERY little, if any, risk of development in breast cancer in women, and taking estrogen before menopause does not predispose women to breast cancer.

Actually, according to Planned Parenthood, if you use the pill you are 1/3 less likely to develop ovarian or uterine cancer than those who are not on the pill. Even better, your protection against these cancers will increase as you continue to use the pill, and can protect you for up to 30 years after you stop taking the pill. Some doctors even advise their patients (especially those with a family history of ovarian cancer) to take the pill for at least 5 years to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer!

3. I won’t get pregnant if I’m having my period

Why it’s a lie – Okay, so you may be LESS likely to get pregnant during your period, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant from the same sperm a few days later. Believe it or not, sperm can live in a woman’s uterus for up to three days. So, if you happen to be ovulating (like 70 % of women) either during, or after your period, you can become pregnant. If you are like the other 30% of women who ovulate between days 10 and 17 of their menstrual cycle, it is less likely… however ovulation in women can change, and it is not something you should bet on.

4. The pill is only good for contraception

Why it’s a lie – Although the pill is a great method of contraception with a 99% efficiency rate (upon perfect use), it also provides its users health benefits. Some examples of this are:

– More regular, lighter periods
– Reduced menstrual cramps
– Minimizing symptoms of PMS
– Protection against ovarian cysts and cancer
– Prevention of acne
– Pelvic inflammatory disease
– Excess body and facial hair
– Migraines
– Reduced risk of anemia

5. I can’t get pregnant or get STI’s if I use condoms

Why it’s not true – even though condoms are the best defense against STI’s (next to abstinence) they are not 100% foolproof. If they are applied properly, they are 99% efficient. If they are applied incorrectly they can be wayyy less efficient. When applied incorrectly, they can break and decrease in efficiency. In addition, if the condom does fit properly, it could slide off thus being much less effective.

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