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 14, 2010

Contraceptive Alternatives – Periodic Abstinence

Filed under: birth control,pregnancy prevention — Tags: birth control methods, breast feeding, coitus inturruptus, Contraceptive Alternatives, lactational amenorrhea, Periodic Abstinence, pull-out method, withdrawal method — Candace @ 10:17 am

Birth control pills are the most popular method of contraception but with the side effects they cause on some women it may be beneficial to try different methods. Periodic abstinence is a method of pregnancy prevention that includes coitus inturruptus, lactational amenorrhea, and natural family planning. These names may sound complicated but these are probably methods you have heard of already, just under different titles.

Coitus Inturruptus – This method is often referred to as the withdrawal or pull-out method. This consists of withdrawal of the entire penis before ejaculation. This prevents fertilization by preventing contact of sperm and the ovum. Pulling-out is a very commonly used method. The effectiveness of this method depends on the man’s ability to pull out before ejaculation. It is said to be 94 percent effective if done correctly. Normally because it is difficult to perfect this method, it is only 19 percent effective. On the bright side this method is available at any time for no cost and no devices or chemicals involved. The biggest disadvantage is the high probability of pregnancy .

Lactational Amenorrhea – This method restrains ovulation because breast feeding changes the body’s physiology. No egg means no pregnancy! This method if used to perfection has 99.5 percent effectiveness in the first 6 months of use. Normally the rate of effectiveness is only 98 percent. The advantages of using this method include the disappearance of ovulation, it doesn’t interfere with intercourse, there are no side effects, it is free, and it gives infants immunity! Along with this method there are various disadvantages. You must breastfeed the baby 6-10 times a day which can be untimely. You should not use this method if the mother has been diagnosed with HIV.

Natural Family Planning – This is one of the most widely used methods of fertility regulation, especially for people whose religious and cultural beliefs prevent them from using drugs or devices for contraception. This method includes periodic abstinence in which couples abstain from sex in the woman’s fertile period. Using one of 3 methods the fertile period is determined (the 3 methods are the calendar method, cervical mucus method, and spermatozoa). This method is approximately 75 percent effective. The best thing about this method is that there are no side effects because there are no hormones. This method is the only usable method for those with strict cultural and religious policies. Natural family planning doesn’t have any lasting effects on the woman’s fertility.

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October 7, 2010

The Need for a Low Dose Birth Control Patch

Filed under: birth control patch,forgetting birth control,Uncategorized — Tags: birth control patch, contraceptive, ortho evra, the pill — Nicole @ 12:00 pm

Birth Control Patch, Housekeeping, Ortho Evra While the Pill currently stands as the most commonly used form of contraception used by women today, there are certain setbacks associated with birth control pills that cause women to think twice before signing up to start their day with a pill each morning. The number one reason: forgetfulness. Sure, there are plenty of iPhone apps on the market today that promise to prevent any lapses in memory, but for some women, especially mothers with children, turning on the iPhone isn’t an integral part of the daily routine.

Enter the Birth Control Patch. It’s an adhesive patch that simply sticks to skin like a band-aid, and administers the same hormones found in birth control pills straight into the blood stream. For women with busy lives who want to delay childbearing, the birth control patch is an excellent alternative form of contraception. The pregnancy rate of the birth control patch is identical to the pregnancy rate of the Pill, as the FDA estimates that for every one hundred women who use the patch or birth control pills regularly, five will become pregnant.

Unfortunately, though the hormonal birth control patch has proven itself as a viable form of contraception, medical professionals are becoming increasingly concerned over the long term side effects of hormonal birth control methods. Because the hormonal birth control patch transfers estrogen hormones directly into the blood stream, this concern highlights the need for a low dose birth control patch. Though there are several different forms of birth control patches on the market today, an American pharmaceutical company is currently conducting clinical trials for a new lose dose birth control patch. This new birth control patch has lower hormone levels of estrogen and progestin and is designed like other birth control products to effectively prevent pregnancy.

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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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September 29, 2010

Text Message Reminders May Not Help Women Remember to Take Pill Says Study

Filed under: Birth Control Pill — Tags: birth control, messaging, pill, text message, texting — John @ 3:18 pm

Many are finding the results of a recent study to be quite surprising. Researchers conducted a study on a group of women to see if text message reminders help women remember to take their birth control pills. Text messaging reminders have shown to be quite beneficial to many other people regarding health reminders, however in this study, there was no significant benefit shown.

The study involved 82 women who were randomly assigned to either receive daily reminders in the form of text messages or to receive no reminders (this group of women were encouraged to use their own personal ways to remember). After 3 months had passed, both groups averaged the same number of monthly pills missed. In fact, both groups missed double the amount of pills per month than the research team had originally anticipated. This may mean the adherence in the general population of those using the pill may be significantly overestimated.

While the research seems to suggest that these text message reminders aren’t helpful, researchers do think that there were additional factors that might explain the results. The control group, those who did not receive text message reminders, may have been more motivated to create personal reminders and to make sure they took a pill every day. However, as the study advanced, the level of motivation dropped and participants became less worried about always remembering to take their pill. This is evident in the research as there was an increase in missed doses especially with those who did not receive text messages, as the study progressed.

Perhaps a longer study may be necessary to solve the problems faced during this recent one. Those in the study that were receiving daily text messages did report that they found it very helpful to have these reminders.

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September 24, 2010

How the Pill Changed Lives in the Past 50 Years

Filed under: birth control,Birth Control Pill — Tags: birth control, Birth Control Pill, fifty years, prevent pregnancy, the pill, women — Nicole @ 3:12 pm

birth control, happy birthday The birth control pill opened up a world of possibilities for women after it was approved by the FDA for public use in the 1960’s. Today, the pill is regarded as one of the most popular forms of contraception and used by millions of women worldwide. From its initial development, as a pill with the same promiscuous reputation as pornography to now, the pill has largely shaped the world image of women today. Whether you’re currently on the pill or not, there are several ways that the pill has impacted your life, as well as the lives of many women around you.

In addition to expanding the sexual horizons for both men and women alike, having the ability to delay having children has given women the full advantage of being able to increase their financial security. Women who choose to delay pregnancy until their careers get going have been shown to be more financially secure in their fifties than those who had children earlier. The work experience and education that is attained by women who avoid pregnancy until later in life often allows for the opportunity to get and keep better-paying positions in the workplace when they do choose to have children.

The formulation of the birth control pill has developed significantly since its release in 1961, and now provides hormonal benefits that counter-act many woman-specific health issues. The Pill works by manipulating the hormones in the body, and in many women works to alleviate the common symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. The pill has been proven to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Certain types of birth control pills, such as Yaz, utilize a hormone formulation that is advertised to clear up acne in addition to preventing pregnancy and reducing premenstrual symptoms.

In just fifty years, the pill has had what would be considered one of the greatest impacts on the image of women worldwide; in allowing women to decide when they want to have children, the pill has revolutionized the lives of millions of women. Let’s hope that its impact on the next fifty years proves to be just as positive for both men and women alike.

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September 20, 2010

Hashsoft Releases myPill for the iPhone

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: app, application, birth control, hashsoft, iPhone, myPill — John @ 3:07 pm

Hashsoft has released their myPill 1.0 application for the iPhone. The application not only helps women remember to take their daily pill, it can also be used to track the history of their birth control usage, such as noting which days you have missed your pill, and it can predict your future periods.

While myPill is not the first “reminder” apps, it definitely is one of the most versatile. The app shows you a simulated look at your pack of birth control or if you would prefer, can show you a calendar view. By simply dragging your finger, you can look to the next month to help you predict when your next period may be. You can use this feature to predict your period up to 6 months into the future.

Once the app has been configured, you will receive an alert every day at a chosen hour until you are finished your current pack. There is then a seven day break until a new pack begins automatically. You are able to customize the message you are to receive to remind you to take your pill or how many days are left until your period.

The myPill application is available for download and I’m sure it will help women remember and manage their birth control pills every month. The myPill is definitely an app worth looking into at the very least.

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September 9, 2010

The Pill to Increase Brain Capability

Filed under: Birth Control Pill — Tags: birth control benefits, Birth Control Pill, brain, pill — Tanveen @ 9:42 am

For so many years the pill has been used by millions of women to prevent pregnancy. It is known that the pill reduces the risk of certain diseases. However, in a recent study it was found that using birth control pills could actually have a beneficial effect on the brain as well. It was discovered that those that used it resulted in a three percent increase of brain size.

Dr. Jennifer Wu, an obstetrician at Lenox Hill Hospital (New York) states that MRIs of women using the pill display certain regions of the brain to be larger than in women who do not use the pill. The areas in the brain were found to be larger had to do with speech, memory, and communication.

Having a larger brain does not necessarily mean it is better. It is suggested though that the areas of the brain that grow in a women due to the pill will result in greater brain power. For example, a woman may find that her memory is improving.

There are many theories that explain how the pill could improve the capability of the brain, however, it is not known for sure and has not been proven. As a result of this study much more research is being done in regards to how hormones can affect the brain and how the pill could possibly increase brain size.

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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 23, 2010

Healing Herpes With Honey

Filed under: herpes — Tags: acne, Acyclovir, cold sores, herpes, honey, itching, side effects — Candace @ 2:14 pm

Herpes welts are unsightly and normally agonizing but there are available medications (Acyclovir) used to treat herpes. It was recently discovered that honey is a better treatment with less side effects and a faster healing time.

Honey is one of the best natural wound fighters, and does everything from taking the itch out of a stinging nettle rash, to healing a sore throat, to reducing allergy symptoms! Honey is also used to disinfect wounds and speeds up the healing process.

A recently published study showed that 16 patients who had reoccurring herpes used Acyclovir cream for one patch of sores, and honey for another affected area. They applied Acyclovir (and left it on) 6 times daily, and honey four times daily. The honey was applied by gauze soaked in honey, pressed onto the sores for 15 minutes. With honey, herpes sores on the lips (cold sores) had a 43 percent better healing time than acyclovir. Genital herpes sores had a 59 percent better healing time than acyclovir. When using acyclovir there were reported side effects of itching sensation where applied, but when using honey there were no reported side effects.

If you experience reoccurring herpes you can prevent them rather than treat them as they come. If you remove sugar and reduce carbs from your diet you can reduce, or even stop herpes outbreaks. The stimulant of herpes is called L-arginine. Foods that reproduce when you plant them carry high levels of L-arginine: nuts, beans, grains, and seeds. Reducing these foods in your diet (not eliminating them, as a slight amount is beneficial) can prevent recurrent herpes.

Do not use processed honey (the kind you find in grocery stores) on herpes. This can increase your infection! To treat herpes you can use Maunka honey, or raw honey. As well it has been found beneficial to use Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, and Garlic to treat herpes sores.

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Microbicide Gel Reduces Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women

Filed under: sexually transmitted diseases,STI,unprotected sex — Tags: AIDS, aids prevention, HIV, HIV infection, HIV prevention, microbicide, STD, STI — Nicole @ 2:14 pm

HIV prevention, AIDs prevention, HIV infection Microbicides are intended to serve as a preventative option for sexually transmitted infections for women who are unable to reason their partners to the use of condoms or mutual monogamy. Researchers are working with manufacturers to develop microbicides in the form of suppositories, gels, films, creams or as sponges or rings that release active preventative ingredients over time in the same way as certain birth control products, which allows for a preventative option that can be controlled by a woman, independent of her partner. Though this product is still in the developing stages and not yet ready for public use, the idea of a microbicide has tremendous potential, as researchers forecast that microbicides are to be the greatest innovation in reproductive health since the Pill.

The results of a recent study conducted by the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) have made a breakthrough for AIDs and HIV research, in a vaginal microbicide that was shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by thirty-nine percent. This vaginal microbicide was distributed in the form of a gel containing tenofovir to several South African women, while several other South African received a placebo gel. The study was conducted from a minimum of one year to a maximum of two years, and concluded that the use of this gel not only reduced HIV infections during sex by thirty nine percent, it additionally reduced the occurrence of herpes infections by fifty-one percent.

These positive study results mark a new era in HIV and AIDs prevention, especially for women in difficult circumstances who do not have the social or economic power to invest in other preventative options. As researchers continue to explore the options surrounding microbicides, including a microbicide that prevents pregnancy as well as protecting against HIV infection, North American consumers can expect to see microbicides on the market any time from five to seven years from now.

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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 12, 2010

No Risk of Cancer from Birth Control

Filed under: birth control pills — Tags: birth control pills, breast cancer, cancer, cancer risk, ovarian cancer, unwanted pregnancy — Tanveen @ 9:30 am

Birth control pills are one of the most popular and effective means of preventing unwanted pregnancies in the United States. They have been used for many years and have proved to be quite effective. However, in recent years some women have not been using birth control pills in fear that they will have an increased risk of cancer.

This is not true. In fact, using birth control pills can actually lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 50%. Also, breast cancer which birth control pills were linked to most strongly is also no longer considered a threat. It was found that the studies that declared birth control pills to be a factor in increasing cancer risk were in fact conducted in the ‘80s and have now been proven to be incorrect.

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, birth control pills have many other benefits. These include: regulating periods, clearing acne, preventing anemia, and preventing osteoporosis.

There are other studies that show birth control pills may still be responsible for a slight chance of cancer risk. This however does not seem to be proven. Overall, the advantages of taking birth control greatly outweigh the disadvantages.

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Post-Sex Bleeding

Filed under: sex education — Tags: bleeding after intercourse, bleeding after sex, cervical cancer, Cervical Ectropion, Chlamydia, heavy bleeding, intercourse, post-sex bleeding, sexual intercourse, STI's, Uterus cancer — Candace @ 9:30 am

Making love should be a pleasant experience, and definitely not have crime scene after effects. Vaginal bleeding after sex can ruin a good night and a set of sheets. Bleeding during or after sex is not normal and should be checked by a health care professional. There are conditions that can stimulate this type of reaction during sex.

Dysplasia and Cervical Cancer – Cervical cancer can cause vaginal bleeding after intercourse. Precancers and early cancers normally do not bleed. Women over 30 should undergo a Pap smear. If financially a Pap smear is a problem you can find lower prices at some Planned Parenthood clinics. Because cervical cancer is caused by HPV it is also recommended you have an HPV testing as well.

Cancer of the Uterus – Women over the age of 35 should be checked for cancer of the uterus. An endometrial biopsy takes a sample of cells from the uterus’s lining. The procedure is simple and can be done in a doctor’s office. Overweight women have more of a risk of cancer of the uterus. This is due to the fact that fat tissue makes estrogen, which is crucial in cancer of the uterus. Women under 35 may need an endometrial biopsy if they are obese.

STI’s – Chlamydia and gonorrhea are caused by the passing of bacteria during intercourse. STI’s can attack the cervical cells and cause bleeding, discharge, pain, burning, and itching. STI’s should be treated immediately or they can worsen and eventually lead to infertility.

Cervical Ectropion – This condition is harmless and the most common cause of post-sex bleeding. This condition causes the cells normally being produced in the cervix to be made outside the cervix. When the cells are outside the cervix they are more easily irritated and inflamed and can bleed when touched. This condition can be found in a Pap smear. This condition may be caused by high levels of estrogen. If you experience post-sex bleeding after switching birth control pills you may need to change the type of pill to one with a lower dosage of estrogen or a device that doesn’t use estrogen (Mirena).

The bleeding is easy to differentiate from period blood. It is a more vibrant red and the bleeding is heavier. The bleeding will be heavy at first but slow to spotting and normally the spotting continues for a few days. Anytime you experience vaginal bleeding post-sex, see a doctor before engaging in sexual intercourse again.

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August 9, 2010

Condoms Use Is Up, but Effectiveness Is Down

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: abortion, birth control, birth control methods, condoms, oral contraceptives, premarital sex, the pill — Candace @ 9:40 am

The myth that a girl won’t get pregnant the first time that she has sex has been broken. Virgins are very commonly using condoms the first time they have sex. The use of condoms has risen significantly, especially in premarital sex and first-time couples. This is significant because 94% of women ages 15 to 44 have had premarital sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of condoms has increased from 55 percent to 88 percent in less than 20 years.

This dramatic change is great news to hear, but there is a downside. Condoms still aren’t providing 100 percent protection. 50 percent of pregnancies in the USA are unintentional. It is encouraging to hear that other methods, such as the pill and other contraceptive methods are being used more often. The pill is used by 10.7 million people, and sterilization is used by 10.3 million.

Oral contraceptives fail most commonly because the contraceptive users use the pills inconstantly or otherwise incorrectly. Thankfully we have accomplished the current popularity of the birth control pill contraceptive, now all we have to do is ensure that the pills are taken properly, and consistently.

There are now IPhone and IPod applications available which provide a daily ‘pill reminder’ with a settable alarm.
As well you can set a daily alarm on your phone or make a note on your calendar.
There are some online calendars you can set to send an SMS text to your phone each day with a reminder.
Make sure to keep your medication in view.
Ask a close friend or relative to remind you

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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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July 29, 2010

Study Unveils Little Known Side Effect of Birth Control

Filed under: birth control,Birth Control Side Effects — Tags: birth control, birth control effects, Birth Control Pill — Nicole @ 3:43 pm

birth control side effects, birth control effects A recently conducted study has found that birth control can distort a woman’s ability to find the perfect mate. The attraction between a man and a woman is based on several factors other than physical appearance and personality, that are rooted in the biological processes of the human body. One of these basic biological processes is the human sense of smell’s perception of the other person’s body odor, specifically in the aromatic molecules of the body’s scent, which indicate genetic compatibility, through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes.

Biologically, humans are programmed to select the best mates in order to provide a diverse set of genes for their offspring, to build a strong immune system, which allows them to be the fittest of their generation and promotes their prospects of survival. The greatest attraction that is indicated through body odor is in couples who have widely different MHC genes, which in turn contributes to more genetic compatibility, satisfaction and even faithfulness.

The findings of this study have proven that women taking birth control have a distorted sense of smell, causing attraction to men with similar aromatic molecules. This is because birth control pills create a hormonally pregnant state in a woman’s body, and in doing so shuts off their need for a man with opposite MHC genes, as biologically speaking, the woman is not in need of a mate. The misperception of a perfect mate for a woman could lead to a multitude of problems, as couples with similar MHC odors are often subjected to more fertility and fidelity problems throughout the course of a relationship, because once the woman stops taking the pill, both parties tend to perceive their partners in a different manner, and as a result, their relationship completely falls apart.

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July 19, 2010

How to Prevent HPV and Cervical Cancer

Filed under: HPV — Tags: cancer, cervical cancer, gardasil, HPV, STI, virus — Amanda @ 12:20 pm

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection that infects 75% of young women before the age of 50 if they aren’t vaccinated. There are more than 40 types of HPV but the most common ones type are type 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV infects the genital area and causes genital warts, abnormal pap tests, and cervical cancer. Since HPV is a virus, there is no real cure for it and it is often undetectable until a herpes infection flares up. This means that the virus can be passed on to many partners before you know you have it. Once you contract HPV you can have it for your whole life; however it tends to get worse or flare up when your immune system is compromised.

Preventing HPV

Unfortunately you are never completely safe from HPV – you are always at risk of contracting the virus. The best defense is to always use condoms during every sex act – from start the finish. HPV can infect the mouth and throat as well. Condoms aren’t always a reliable defense, and HPV can still be passed on during condom use if a woman’s labia touch the base of a man’s penis, but they are the best physical defense.

Vaccines are available that protect males and females agasint the most common types of HPV and cervical cancer. It is recommended that girls and boys between 11 and 26 get the Gardasil vaccine. This is to be given in three doses over a six month period. Though Gardasil is highly effective at preventing HPV, it is not a cure, and it only protects agasint the most common types of HPV.

People in a faithful relationship with one partner, people who limit their number of sex partners, or people who choose a partner who has had few or no other sex partners can reduce their chances of contracting HPV. But even people who have only had one lifetime sex partner can get HPV, and it is hard to determine if a partner who has had previous partners is currently infected.

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July 2, 2010

New Emergency Contraceptive – EllaOne

Filed under: pregnancy prevention — Tags: contraception, EllaOne, emergency contraceptive, morning after pill, plan b — Tanveen @ 12:11 pm

A new contraceptive pill has been discovered. The EllaOne offers what has never been available before. It can be used up to five days after unprotected sex and still reduce the chances of pregnancy significantly. Up until now Plan B was the most widely used emergency contraceptive in the market. However, EllaOne has made its mark and is in great demand.

The EllaOne is currently only sold in Europe. Talks about it coming to the United States are underway. The FDA has not approved an emergency contraceptive in years now and it is not yet known if they will approve EllaOne or not.

The emergency contraceptive that is commonly used in the United States is Plan B. Plan B can only be used up to three days after unprotected sex and is also not as effective as the EllaOne. In a recent study, it was found that 1.8% of women who took EllaOne became pregnant, and 2.6% of women who took Plan B resulted in pregnancy. To some people this may not look like a large difference. It is, however, important to acknowledge that a large majority of pregnancies are not intended to happen. Women who find themselves in this position, especially if for the first time, are unsure of what to do next or are even in denial. Having a morning after pill that offers up to five days allows for greater prevention of unwanted pregnancies. This in no ways means that you should wait for longer than need be. It is still best to take the necessary precautions when having sex and use birth control methods, if pregnancy is not wanted.

Furthermore, the EllaOne has proven to be a very controversial issue. Many people do not want this drug to be allowed into the United States. Pro-life groups, especially, are strongly against this pill. “It kills embryos, just like the abortion pill,” says the president of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. On the other hand, people argue that if Plan B can be sold in the US, and that too over the counter, than why can’t EllaOne? We’ll just have to wait and see what decision the FDA will make.

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June 21, 2010

Why Do More U.S Teens Support Rhythm Method Birth Control?

Filed under: rhythm method — Tags: birth control, conception, condoms, iPhone, rhythm birth control — Amanda @ 7:01 pm

The condom is still the most used form of contraceptive amongst teens – used by 66% of sexually active females and 71% of males – and the pill is the second most common, however the more risky method of rhythm birth control is becoming increasingly popular in sexually active teenagers between the ages of 15 – 19 (thanks to the iPhone app?). A recent government survey found that there is an increasing number of teenage girls in the U.S who say they rely on the rhythm method of birth control. The survey also reveals why teen pregnancy rates are no longer dropping. Young adult attitudes since 2002 have not changed much concerning pregnancy and birth control, but there are some notable differences in the survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rhythm birth control is essentially a way of tracking the period and noting days of ovulation and high conception risk. The idea is not to engage in sexual activity on days of ovulation. However this method is only 25% reliable as ovulation does not always occur according to a set schedule. About 17 of sexually experienced girls say they have used the rhythm method compared to the 6% back in 2002. Although they may have also used another form of birth control, it is still a concern considering that a sexually active teen who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within 12 months.

The survey was based on interviews with 2,800 teens 15 – 19 years old. About 42% of unmarried teens had had sex at least once in their lifetime, and of those teens, 98% reported using a method of birth control. Although these findings were the same as a survey in 2002, they do not explain why teen birth rate rose in 2005 – 2007. The only possible reason must be because of the increase in the use of rhythm method birth control, and a change in teen’s attitudes towards teen pregnancy. About 64% of teenage boys believe its okay for an unmarried girl to have a baby. This shows an 50% increase from the statistic in 2002. 70% of girls agreed that it is okay for an unmarried girl to get pregnant compared to the 65% who agreed in 2002.

One possible reason for the more liberal approach to sex and pregnancy amongst teens is that the survey was conducted in the year of several publicized pro- pregnancy incidents including Jaimie Lynn spears’ pregnancy, Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol’s pregnancy, and the release of the movie “Juno”, where a teen accidentally becomes pregnant.

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June 19, 2010

Goodbye Little Pink Pill

Filed under: women — Tags: flibanserin, increase sex drive, little pink pill, viagra — Nicole @ 12:40 am

Little Pink Pill, Little Blue Pill For Women, flibanserin If you, like up to forty-three percent of the female population have found yourself looking for the female equivalent of Viagra, a German pharmaceutical company has recently developed a possible solution for hypoactive sexual desire disorder – a little pink pill called flibanserin, which has the potential to be the greatest thing since birth control for women. This drug is intended for prescription use, to increase the sex drive of premenopausal women by manipulating the serotonin receptors in the brain.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like there will be any little pink pills on the market anytime soon. After two phases of barely-successful clinical trials, where the flibanserin had a minute difference over the performance of placebos, doctors and drug reviewers worry that pharmaceutical companies are simply playing on the insecurities of women to make what is predicted to be over one billion dollars in profit. Several medical professionals have also stated that the risks of flibanserin – which was originally intended to be an antidepressant, do not outweigh the minimal benefits that this “enhancing” drug provides. During clinical trials, many women experienced depression, fatigue, and fainting among other side effects. The long term side effects of taking flibanserin have yet to be identified, which should be a prominent red flag for anyone who is thinking of taking any type medication.

The Food and Drug Association have yet to approve or disapprove the use of flibanserin for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, however, the future of the pink pill seems a little bleak. The FDA advisory council, a panel of medical experts, recently reviewed flibanserin and decided unanimously that the risks associated with flibanserin did not in any way overshadow the benefits of this libido-boosting drug.

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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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May 28, 2010

5 STI Risk Factors

Filed under: alcohol,birth control,condoms,contraceptive,STD,STI,Uncategorized — Tags: birth control, condoms, contraceptive, STD, STI — Amanda @ 1:01 am

At least one in every four Americans will contract and STI at some point in their life. STI’s are a serious health problem to adults and if they go untreated, they can cause permanent damage. Certain factors in your life will determine your risk of contracting an STI, so here are the top 5 STI risk factors –

1. Unprotected Sex – This one is a given, but it is very important. You’re more likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection if you do not use barrier methods of birth control like condoms.

2. Being Young – People between 18 and 29 are more likely to be infected with an STI than an older person. Women and men in their 20’s have the highest rates of STI’s out of any age group. This could be because young women are more susceptible to them. Their cervix’s aren’t fully developed and they are more likely to experience tearing during intercourse. Young people in general are less likley to practice safe sex by using condoms, and are more likely to have multiple partners.

3.Alcohol and drug use – People who use alcohol and drugs on regular basis may have lowered inhibitions and may be less “picky” about who they choose for a partner. Those under the influence of alcohol and drugs may be more stubborn about condom use.

4. Having multiple partners – The more partners you have the more likely you are to be exposed to STI’s. Usually people with multiple partners choose partners who have also had multiple partners. This increases the risk of your partner having contracted an STI from a different partner. Your risk increases even higher if you hire a sexual professional because the truth is they aren’t being paid to enforce safe sex with partners.

5. Relying only on Birth Control Pills – for most sexually active people their main concern is pregnancy. Lots of couples choose birth control pills as their only contraceptive method. This is 99% effective against pregnancy, but this does not protect against STI’s. Once a couple is established in using the pill as their only form of protection, they will become reluctant to use condoms. This can be because they have gotten used to a sexual routine without condoms, or perhaps because they just don’t like using them. The safest option is to use birth control pills AND condoms.

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April 22, 2010

The Risks of Combination Birth Control Pills

Filed under: acne,Birth Control Pill,contraception,Uncategorized,Yasmin,Yaz — Tags: acne, birth control benefits, Birth Control Pill, contraception, Yasmin, Yaz — Amanda @ 4:51 pm

There’s a lot of negativity associated with combination pills like Yaz and Yasmin where there really shouldn’t be. There are lawsuits all over TV and the internet that suggest combination birth control pills causes pancreatic cancer or organ failure. In reality, these lawsuits should not exist.

It is a patient’s job to ask questions and assess risks with their doctors before taking any medications. In addition, a new article from The Medical Letter – Volume 52, Issue 1334, 2010, reveals that although combination oral contraceptives increase the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), the risk is low. In fact, the risk of developing VTE while taking oral contraceptives is no different than the risk you have when you are pregnant. Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing VTE than women taking combination pills.

It is even debatable that the risk of developing VTE is worth the benefits that the pill provides. In addition to preventing pregnancy combination birth control pills can lower your risk of developing endometrial cancer, and reduce dysfunctional uterine bleeding, reduce acne, control menstrual periods, and reduce the symptoms of PMS. It is estimated that over 40,000 women in the United States will develop endometrial cancer this year, compared to the strongly age dependent VTE that will occur in 8-10 women in 10,000. All methods of birth control have their own set of risks and benefits. If you are concerned about your risks while taking birth control, don’t be hesitant to ask your doctor. You can’t rely on what you see on TV or hear from others when it comes to choosing the right form of contraceptive for you.

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Teenage Pregnancy Rate Down

Filed under: teen pregnancy,teenagers who get pregnant,Uncategorized — Tags: teen pregnancy — Tanveen @ 3:22 pm

In comparison to other developed countries, the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy. It is twice the amount of Canada! It was in 2008 that teen pregnancy dropped for the first time in nearly two years and this downward trend will hopefully continue.

What a lot of parents fail to acknowledge is that their “little girl” or “little boy” has grown up. Often parents feel that their “children” (young adults) are too young to be talked to about sex. However, this is not the case. More than 50% of teenagers have had sex before the age of 18.

Most teenagers who have sex at an early age, do it without thinking of the consequences. A discussion with your child would definitely make them more aware. As well, children are now being given more knowledge on the subject at school. They are learning about different contraceptive methods they could use if they wish to have sex and how to say no if they are being pressured into something like this. Not only school, and home, but TV shows are also starting to show the effects that teen pregnancy can have on a teenager and his/ her live, especially that of the young woman’s. One such show is “16 and Pregnant” which airs on MTV.

A great effort has been made to inform teenagers and this has lead to a 2% decline in teen pregnancy. Hopefully the rate of teen pregnancy drops even more.

Please remember that majority of teenagers who have had sex say they regret having it at such an early age. Don’t let this happen to your child.

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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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Birth Control Pills Lengthen Life

Filed under: birth control,birth control pills,lifespan,the pill,Uncategorized — Nicole @ 4:24 pm

A British medical study that has recently concluded that women who have taken birth control pills are more likely to have a longer lifespan. This study observed the effects of the first generation of birth control pills in over forty thousand women, and has compared the number of deaths of those who were taking the pill to those who weren’t since 1968. Overall, this study demonstrated that the health benefits of taking birth control pills can outweigh any initial risks associated with taking birth control.

In fact, this research has further shown that taking the pill decreases the risk of death caused by bowel cancer by an average of thirty-eight percent. And although birth control has been proven to slightly raise the risk of developing breast and cervical cancer, this study demonstrated that overall, birth control pills decrease the chance of dying from any other diseases, including heart disease and all cancers by twelve percent.

But before jumping on board with birth control forever, remember that this method of contraception is not without risk, and that it’s important to outline your medical history with a doctor before taking the pill. The birth control pills that were observed in this study are slightly different than the modern products, which may not have the same life-lengthening benefits.
Though the women in this study took birth control pills all at various points in their lives for various amounts of time, the study concluded that “Oral contraception [is] not associated with an increased long term risk of death” so much that a net benefit is truly apparent.

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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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