birth control http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for birth control Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:36:42 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/birth+control The Truth About Birth Control http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-truth-about-birth-control http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-truth-about-birth-control#comments Fri, 21 Apr 2006 06:50:03 +0000 prescription birth controlsexually transmitted diseasesprescribed medicationsabstinenceaccordinglylikelihoodmedication http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-truth-about-birth-control likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant. This may include or devices, which are designed to aid in family planning. While the topic may be embarrassing to some, it is a necessary subject that must be discussed with maturity and honesty.

For years, birth control has been a controversial subject surrounding many individuals and their beliefs. Because many consider birth control to be an 'unnatural' approach, there has been great debate among those who oppose it's use and those who approve of it.

Various forms of birth control are available, including over-the-counter products and . Anyone can walk into the store and purchase certain products, but others require a physician's prescription. While the safest form of birth control remains to be , many choose to use other methods of prevention. It is important to realize that even medications carry a risk of dangerous side effects, including blood clots, stroke and other potential problems.

During the initial visit with a physician, he/she will describe the various types of birth control available and the risks associated with each. It is important to understand these risks and to explain to the physician if there are any present medical conditions, which may increase the likelihood of suffering from the side effects associated with using certain types of birth control, including a patch or pills. Depending on the patient and their current health, the physician will be able to recommend a birth control regimen and, if necessary, write a prescription .

When considering birth control, it is important that the individuals understand what the medication and/or device is and is not capable of. For instance, birth control medications and/or devices do not prevent the risk of and individuals are urged to consult their physician with any questions regarding this topic. In addition, there is not any type of birth control that is 100% guaranteed to be effective and should not be considered as such.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice and/or recommendations. Before considering or using any type of birth control, individuals should seek a recommendation by a qualified physician. For additional birth control information, check out our site at http://best-birth-control-tips.info . It has been recently updated with the latest birth control research and resources. ]]> Does Birth Control Pills And Patches Risk Heart Patients? http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-birth-control-pills-and-patches-risk-heart-patients http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-birth-control-pills-and-patches-risk-heart-patients#comments Wed, 01 Nov 2006 16:27:07 +0000 birth control pillsheart disease risksbirth control patchlumps in the breastcholesterol levelsbleeding from the vaginahigh cholesterol http://www.artwoo.com/article/does-birth-control-pills-and-patches-risk-heart-patients birth control pills affect the risks of the heart diseases?

It is always not a risk for the healthy and young women to consume the pills leading to the birth control. Whereas in cases of women in the age group of say around thirty five years or more consumption of such pills increases the . Even in the case when the women posses either high , high blood pressure or diabetes the heart disease risk is increased. Not to forget even the women who smoke have high heart disease risks. It is always advisable to consult the doctor before the consumption of such birth control pills.

How does the affect the risks for the heart disease victims?

Similar to the birth control pills, the birth control patch is found to be safe for the healthy and the young women. Whereas women in the age group of thirty five or even more the risks are much higher for such birth control patches.

The latest study made shows that women making the birth control patch are much more exposed to the estrogen hormone. The estrogen hormone helps in favoring the likelihood of a women from becoming pregnant. Research is also in progress to find out whether the birth control patch causes blood clots. These blood clots can easily lead to an heart stroke or an attack.

Below is a list of symptoms which must be observed for those consuming the birth control pills

a)Problems in the eyes such as the double or the no vision. b)Ache in the arm or that of the upper body. c)Severe headaches. d)Breathing trouble. e)Vomiting of the blood. f)Ache or even swelling in the regions of leg. g)Change of the color of the skin to yellow h) i)Abnormal , usually heavy bleeding.

If any of the symptoms listed so far is observed. It is always recommended to take the physician's advice and prescription. The prescription could be to either take medication or even getting admitted to the hospital. Justin foss is the proud owner of the site http://www.mymedicenter.com where he spends most of his time to make it better. ]]> Health Insurance And Women's Interest: Are Your Birth Control Pills Covered? http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-insurance-and-womens-interest-are-your-birth-control-pills-covered http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-insurance-and-womens-interest-are-your-birth-control-pills-covered#comments Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:27:02 +0000 health insurance policyhealth insurance policieshealth insurance companiesbirth control pillssymptoms of premenstrual syndromehealth carehealth concerns http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-insurance-and-womens-interest-are-your-birth-control-pills-covered health insurance policies. Women are interested in health insurance polices that cover health issues specific to women. Child birth, as well as the many months that come before and linger after the birth; regarding female reproductive organs including pap smears and ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancer screenings; and regular mammograms are just a few of the and health care needs of women's interest.

Fortunately, it's not too difficult for women to find health insurance policies to cover the health concerns and health care needs of women's interest. Let's face it -- if a health insurance company doesn't offer coverage for fact-of-life issues such as pregnancy and child birth, how many policyholders can they really expect to have?

Unfortunately, there are still out there that don't offer certain health care coverage specific to women's interest -- namely, .

Birth control pills have been around since the 1960s, and while they were originally used to prevent pregnancy, they are now taken by many women for a multitude of other reasons, as well. Birth control pills are sometimes prescribed by doctors to help regulate a woman's irregular menstrual cycle, help lessen the severe, painful cramping that accompanies menstruation, and help ease the .

Birth control pills can also help with other health concerns of women's interest such as helping to prevent ovarian and uterine cancers, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Still, many health insurance companies do not offer coverage for birth control pills in their policies.

Whether you already have a , or are in the market for a new health insurance policy, make sure you ask about the company's coverage of birth control pills. There's no sense in paying what one insurance company doesn't cover, when there are companies out there that will cover the costs. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ ]]> Birth Control Effectiveness: Grapefruit And Other Dangers That Lower Contraceptive Effectiveness http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-effectiveness-grapefruit-and-other-dangers-that-lower-contraceptive-effectiveness http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-effectiveness-grapefruit-and-other-dangers-that-lower-contraceptive-effectiveness#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:27:05 +0000 birth control pillsbirth control optionsbirth control pillst johns wortdoxycyclenerifampinprogestin only pills http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-effectiveness-grapefruit-and-other-dangers-that-lower-contraceptive-effectiveness s can interact with many other things. Find out what you are doing that might lower your birth control's effectiveness even if you didn't know.

Timing. It is important to take your birth control pill at the same time every day. Aim to take it within the same hour, if possible. This is particularly important for progestin-only pills. If you are constantly late with your pills, choose another time that is more convenient for you. Consider setting your watch to beep, or another similar reminder to help you take your pills at the right time.

Storage. Don't store your medicine someplace that is too hot or too cold. You want a place that is out of direct sunlight, such as a drawer. Heat and cold can affect different medications different ways, and often they can lower the effectiveness.

Birth control pills, like all other kinds of pills, are a type of medication. This means that you need to always inform your doctor and pharmacist of what kind of birth control you are on. This is to help you avoid any complications or bad interactions between drugs. Here are some things that interact with birth control. (For more information on how hormonal birth control works, and the risks and side effects, as well as other , visit www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com)

Some antibiotics. , or Rifapentine is an antibiotic generally used to treat tuberculosis. Other antibiotics are generally fine when you are on the pill, however. Demeclocyclene and are two other antibiotics that can interfere with your birth control. Ask your doctor for other alternatives, and make sure that you get prescribed something that won't interfere with your contraceptive plan.

St. John's Wort. This is an herbal remedy that you can buy at any pharmacy. It is not prescription or over the counter. It helps combat depression. However, it also lessens the effectiveness of birth control, and as such, should not be taken without consulting a health care professional.

Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice. Grapefruit contains a compound that slows the absorption of estrogen hormones to the body. This means that it does not affect progestin-only pills.

Antifungal medications. Certain medications that are taken orally to treat yeast infections can disrupt oral contraceptives. This includes griseofulvin.

Antihistamines. There is currently a debate in the medical community if anti-allergy medications, or antihistamines can be linked to the failure of birth control.

Anticonvulsants. Many medications taken to prevent seizures can lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills. Speak to your doctor before dealing with these.

Some other drugs that might interact with your birth control include corticosteroids, bronchidilators, and certain anxiety medications. These are not entirely confirmed, so ask your health care professional about interactions.

These interactions apply to other methods of hormonal birth control as well, including the Patch, the Vaginal Ring, and Depo-Provera.

Just as your other medication can affect your birth control, remember that your birth control can also affect your other medication. Avoiding negative drug interactions is important for you on both counts, so always ask your doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions when you get a new prescription. For more information on all types of birth control, including hormonal, barrier-based (condoms, etc) and more, visit http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com ]]> Using Birth Control Pills For Hormonal Balancing And Acne Cure http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-birth-control-pills-for-hormonal-balancing-and-acne-cure http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-birth-control-pills-for-hormonal-balancing-and-acne-cure#comments Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:27:08 +0000 acne attackcure acnetreating acnebirth control pillsortho tri cyclennorgestimateethinyl estradiol http://www.artwoo.com/article/using-birth-control-pills-for-hormonal-balancing-and-acne-cure
The exact causes of acne are still not known. Scientists are just groping in the dark with a torch! Various findings have resulted in the flooding of markets with many, many over the counter medications.

The possible causes of acne include changes brought in the body due to puberty, excess oil production in body and some hormonal changes. Well, hormonal imbalance is very much linked to acne. Those who believe hormonal balancing is necessary to take to treat acne.

Physiological changes, clogging of hair follicles and bacterial infection could also be the causes of acne. Attack of acne does the two fold damage to your skin and to your psyche. You suffer more, if you are personality conscious. While beating the retreat also, acne will not let you go unpunished, it leaves behind the scars. Your acne, therefore, needs immediate treatment.

Acne in women can be tackled by birth control pills, because the pills control the hormonal surges. These surges occur before the menstrual cycle. But don't self-start this treatment. Only your dermatologist may prescribe these pills for you, after the detailed medical examination.

Birth control pills promise you clear skin, which means they get you rid of acne. Thorough research on this subject has prompted FDA to approve Ortho Tri- Cyclen and generic / (the ingredients in the birth control pills), for .

How do these pills work? Androgen is a male hormone that is responsible for increase in the oil production. It is ever on the job, but does overtime and increases its production of oil, prior the beginning of menstruation cycles. Birth control pills have shown that they help to decrease these excess androgens.

But many side effects are reported, by taking pills for controlling acne. Taking birth control pills for their legitimate use itself is thus not free from controversy. Think over, how one controversy can solve another controversy? To get more info on acne pills, Acne Medication and Acne Facts visit http://www.acnetalls.com/pimple ]]> Do You Have Birth Control High Blood Pressure Concerns? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-birth-control-high-blood-pressure-concerns http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-birth-control-high-blood-pressure-concerns#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:15:00 +0000 high blood pressurecause of high blood pressurebirth control methodsmethods of birth controlbirth control patchhistory of hypertensionrisk factors http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-have-birth-control-high-blood-pressure-concerns high blood pressure symptoms can be a problem for women taking certain types of hormonal contraceptives. The two that pose the most risk include the birth control pill and the .

However, not every woman who uses these will experience high blood pressure, as there are many factors involved that generally determine the degree of risk each woman faces.

Nevertheless, the reason why hormonal birth control high blood pressure risk exists, is because these contraceptives contain progestins. Progestin is a type if drug that mirrors the activity of the hormone progesterone which naturally occurs in the female body.

It is common for progestin to slightly raise the blood pressure in most women who take hormonal birth control, and it is the when it occurs.

The risk of birth control causing high blood pressure increases for a woman based on the following factors:

and#61614; Age =96 As a woman ages (usually mid 35 and older), her chances of developing high blood pressure increases.

and#61614; Duration of use =96 The longer a woman uses the pill or patch, the greater the chances of high blood pressure occurring.

and#61614; Pre-existing condition =96 Women who have previously experienced episodes of consistent high blood pressure, even only if it was during pregnancy, are at a greater risk.

and#61614; Family history =96 Women who have a family could be at a greater risk.

and#61614; Obesity =96 a woman who is obese has a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

Hormonal contraception is one of the most convenient and effective methods of birth control, but it is a fact that high blood pressure occurs 2- 3 times more frequently in women who take hormonal contraceptives than those who use other methods.

Therefore, if you take the pill or are using the patch - regardless if you have any of the above increased or not - have your doctor check your blood pressure every year.

Should you discover you have developed high blood pressure, you should stop taking hormonal contraceptives and seek out other birth control methods. Once off the pill or the patch, your blood pressure should return to normal within 3 to 6 months.

Keep in mind that although you can take hormonal methods of birth control if you have high blood pressure that is being regulated with medications, you will need to have your blood pressure closely monitored by your doctor. Nonetheless, it is strongly advised that anyone who had, has, or is at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure, use other birth control methods.

The following are safe methods of birth control that doesn't put a woman at high blood pressure risk:

and#61614; Barrier birth control methods =96 condoms, diaphragm, sponge, cervical cap. Each of these methods is disposed of after sexual intercourse.

and#61614; Birth control injection =96 DepoProvera is a shot containing synthetic progestin (different from the pill and patch) administered via a needle every three months. DepoProvera a long-term method of birth control.

and#61614; Birth control implant - Norplant is a progestin capsule that is inserted into the upper arm and lasts for 5 years. An IUD (intrauterine device) is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus (and can last a year or 10 years depending on the type) and is very effective at preventing pregnancy. The IUD is recommended for those women who are in a long-term monogamous relationship.

Keep in mind that even though the above do not directly impact high blood pressure, the shots and implants do have side effects, and none of the above contraception (including the pill and patch), except for the condom, prevent the transmission of STD's (sexually transmitted diseases). Therefore, make sure you discuss your contraceptive options with your health care provider if birth control high blood pressure is a risk factor for you. Grab your free copy of Paul Johnson's brand new Blood Pressure newsletter here http://www.natural-blood-pressure- http://reduction.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you manage high blood pressure. ]]> Endometriosis And Birth Control: The Facts http://www.artwoo.com/article/endometriosis-and-birth-control-the-facts http://www.artwoo.com/article/endometriosis-and-birth-control-the-facts#comments Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:20:01 +0000 birth control pillssymptoms of endometriosiscontraceptive pillsendometriosis symptomsmedical condition whereestimated that therewhich means that http://www.artwoo.com/article/endometriosis-and-birth-control-the-facts birth control pills. To be able to find solutions and relief for the painful symptoms of the disease, knowledge and understanding is necessary.

It is are about 5 million women who are affected by endometriosis in the United States alone. The figure sits at around 70 million worldwide.

Endometriosis is the name of a endometrial tissues, similar to those found in the uterus, are located in different areas in the body. In the same way as the endometrium in the uterus undergoes the process of growing, shedding and bleeding each month inline with the menstrual cycle, these tissues do so too.

It is still unknown why these tissues sometimes grow in other parts of the body like the intestines, the back, the neck, the head and the abdomen.

But when menstruation occurs these tissues breakdown and bleed too, resulting in pain caused by the inflammation and scarring associated with this process.

Endometriosis is a progressive chronic condition, it worsens over time. As the scarring increases, adhesions can form. These are ropes of scar tissue that fan out from endometrial deposits and can attach themselves to other organs. Cysts are also common.

So, how can birth control pills help?

It is the level of the female hormones that make birth control pills effective in preventing pregnancy, which help with . Because birth control pills lower estrogen levels and increase progesterone in the body, they are also deemed effective in alleviating the .

Prescriptions

Of course, birth control pills are usually taken in prescriptions. But there are some that are easily accessible in the market. However, for the purpose of controlling or eliminating the painful symptoms of endometriosis, you should always seek a prescription from your doctor for the pills.

That is because although you would be taking the same pills used in birth control, the dosage and use would have to be modified. To make it clear, for birth control purposes, there are placebo pills that the woman takes during several days of the month. In contrast, women who are trying to decrease the symptoms of endometriosis should not take placebo pills. Active pills are intended to be taken all year round by women who want to make endometriosis pains stop.

There are many treatments for endometriosis nowadays. There are the numerous modern medicines and alternatives to traditional medications available. While there are many women who try to use the two groups of medications, many consider using birth control pills to control endometriosis a good option.

Sign up below to the free newsletter to discover natural alternatives for endometriosis relief that can be used instead of or in conjunction with other traditional forms of treatment.

Endometriosis and birth control are interrelated. But before using contraceptives as an endometriosis treatment, make sure you are properly advised by your own gynecologist or doctor. Sign up for Shelley Ross' free Endometriosis newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about endometriosis and birth control at http://www.treatendometriosis.com?source=is ]]> Birth Control And Perimenopause: When Do I Stop Taking The Pill? http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-and-perimenopause-when-do-i-stop-taking-the-pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-and-perimenopause-when-do-i-stop-taking-the-pill#comments Sat, 28 Oct 2006 06:27:04 +0000 birth control pillsbirth control optionsmethods of birth controlbirth control pilllow dose birth controllow dose birth control pillnuvaring http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-and-perimenopause-when-do-i-stop-taking-the-pill birth control options?

So you're in your late forties, or your fifties. Your body is acting differently. You aren't sure if the changes are your birth control or your body, how do you react? If you are still getting your period, you can still get pregnant. You should still use birth control until a year after your last period, because often periods become irregular and have a longer time between them during perimenopause. If you have been relying on fertility awareness based , they will no longer work, because you will no longer be able to track your cycle accurately. If you are using barrier based methods of birth control, then you can continue using your regular method (diaphragm, sponge, condoms, etc). The difficulty at perimenopause comes if you are using hormonal birth control, such as the pill, the patch, or the vaginal ring among others.

Some doctors recommend switching s to a low-dose birth control pill at perimenopause. This would mean switching to a pill that has 20 micrograms of estrogen (such as Alesse or Loestrin), instead of the normal 30 to 50 micrograms of estrogen in a combination pill. The benefits of changing to a lower dose hormonal birth control are that you will still be protected against pregnancy, and your final periods will probably be more regular. Many women find that their side effects are fewer with lower doses of estrogen. is a vaginal ring that is inserted once a month and removed 21 days later; it also has a lower dose of estrogen than most birth control pills.

You are going to have to stop taking birth control at some point in your life. In the past, doctors would randomly choose when to stop you on birth control and when to begin you on hormone replacement therapy for menopause. This often happens around the age of 50. Now, doctors can measure your FSH, or follicle-stimulating-hormone to tell if you are in menopause. This way you can switch hormone therapies directly when it suits your body.

However, being medicated on hormones your entire life is not appealing to many women. You might choose to change to alternative forms of birth control. These include getting an IUD, or switching to a barrier method of birth control (like a cervical cap, condoms, etc.).

Going off birth control can cause difficulties for some women. A woman's body can become accustomed to being on contraceptive pills for years. It will take months for the pill to leave your body. Your body will learn to create different hormone levels for you.

There are many natural ways to deal with the side effects of perimenopause. The most important thing to remember is to maintain a balanced diet and exercise. It sounds overly simple, but for most of us, it can be one of the biggest challenges we face in our busy lives. Proper diet and exercise can help minimize side effects of perimenopause, and it will help you to feel better about yourself.

If you want to try going off birth control pills, you can stop at any time (though many women choose to finish one monthly cycle before ending. Try lowering your caffeine and alcohol intake. Other women use progesterone-cream to help lessen their side effects.

Perimenopause and menopause is a time of great change in a woman's life. This is a time to step back and begin listening to your body. Many women rush around their lives putting everyone else first: take this time to improve your own life by talking to your doctor and making informed decisions about your hormone use during perimenopause. For more information on birth control, including hormonal, barrier-based, and biological methods, and more information on your fertitility, visit http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com/birth_control_myths/ ]]> "The Pill" And Hair Loss http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-pill-and-hair-loss http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-pill-and-hair-loss#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2006 20:27:07 +0000 birth control pillsbirth control pillgenetic hair lossovcon 35ortho cyclendemulennorplant http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-pill-and-hair-loss birth control pill was approval by the FDA in 1960, it has become one of the most popular forms of contraceptive used today. Millions of women are prescribed the Pill each year in North America, but very few are aware that oral contraceptives are a common trigger of hair loss.

The way the Pill works is by suppressing ovulation and mimicking pregnancy. Women who are predisposed to hormone-related hair loss are prone to thinning after starting on a birth control pill. As well, women who are sensitive to hormone changes can actually experience hair loss if they stop using a birth control pill.

Physicians recognize that for the most part oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. They also recognize that have been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. It is important, however, to warn females about the potential risk of hair loss with this form of contraceptive.

Women interested in taking a birth control pill, but wishing to minimize the risk of hair loss, should consider the following low-testosterone pills. Birth control pills with the least androgenic activity include: Norgestimate (in Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen), Norethindrone (in ), Desogestrel (in Mircette), or Ethynodiol Diacetate (in , Zovia). If there is a strong predisposition for in your family, I recommend the use of another non-hormonal form of birth control. The birth control pills listed below have a significant risk for causing or accelerating hair loss.

Progestin implants, such as , are small rods implanted surgically beneath the skin, usually on the upper arm. The rods release a continuous dose of progestin to prevent ovulation.

Hormone injections of progestin, such as Depo-Provera, are given into the muscles of the upper arm or buttocks. This injection prevents ovulation.

The skin patch (Ortho Evra) is placed on your shoulder, buttocks, or other location. It continually releases progestin and estrogen.

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible ring about two inches in diameter inserted into the vagina. It releases progestin and estrogen. Dr. Jones is a hair transplant surgeon west of Toronto, Canada.He's president of International Society of follicular Unit Surgeons, and member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons, Board Certified by the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. http://www.torontohairdoctor.com ]]> Birth Control Options - A Hard Look At The Morning After Pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-options-a-hard-look-at-the-morning-after-pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-options-a-hard-look-at-the-morning-after-pill#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:29:59 +0000 birth control effectivenessbirth control pillsbirth control optionbirth control optionsbirth control methodemergency contraceptivemorning after pills http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-options-a-hard-look-at-the-morning-after-pill birth control options available, none have been so embroiled in controversy as AR486 or The Morning After Pill. Birth control and have been a hot topic in religious circles since (no pun intended) inception. But you can't dispute the fact that most forms of birth control have been effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

The Morning After Pill is designed to be a that prevents pregnancy after sperm has been released into the woman's body. While conception isn't guaranteed at this time, given the right set of circumstances, there is a good probability that the woman could get pregnant.

The Morning After pill has been a birth control option available in Europe for many years and has recently made its way to the United States. There has been much debate over whether or not the morning After Pill is a viable birth control option and it's availability without a prescription has all come under fire.



Birth Control Options =96 Is the morning after pill for you?

What is the Morning After Pill? Well actually the Morning After Pill is a series of high dosage that are taken over a 12-hour period. Women that have had unprotected sex in the last twenty-four hours can take the Morning After Pill in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.

contain estrogen and progesterone, as do regular birth control pills. The concept is that the high doses of these hormones will work to prevent conception and the menstrual cycle will begin. Of course, the Morning After Pill isn't guarantee against pregnancy and should only be considered on an emergency basis.



The Morning After Pill is a form of birth control and has also been referred to as an . The large dosage of hormones works to prevent ovulation or fertilization. RU486 may also stop the implantation of the blastocyst after fertilization has already taken place.

Progesterone based Morning After Pills have progestin lenonorgetrel in 1.5 mg doses. Users can take the progestin in one dose or two equal doses. The progestin only Morning After Pill is available in 44 countries around the world.

The Yuzpe regiment of pills is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Two doses must be taken in 12-hour intervals and it is considered to be a bit more effective than the progestin only regimen.



Mifepristine is a drug that is used as emergency contraception or as an abortifacient. In the US Mifepristone is not used as emergency contraceptive method. However, in China, it is often used for this purpose. In the US, Mifepristone is not among the emergency contraception measures that are approved.

Birth Control Options

The Morning After Pill is not the same as the Abortion Pill. Abortion Pills are taken after the fetus has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. A pregnancy is already established whereas with the Morning After Pill, no pregnancy has been determined.



Emergency contraception is frowned upon by Pro-Life groups that consider that life commences the moment the wheels of conception begin to turn. All the same, groups that support the use of the Morning After Pill site that the process prevents ovulation and the egg is not released. Consequently the Morning After Pill is along the equivalent to birth control pills. The egg is not released and is not imbedded in the lining of the uterus.

The Morning After Pill can now be purchased without a doctor's prescription. The side effects that women may get with Morning After Pills include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and blood clot formation. It is also important to note that the Morning After Pill provides no protection from any sexually transmitted diseases.

Again, the Morning After pill should not be considered contraception. This is an emergency measure that shouldn't be abused. If you are having sex, then use other forms of birth control that will work to make pregnancy less likely and protect against STD's. Apply responsible sexual behavior and guard yourself from undesirable results and learn more about your birth control options before you engage in any sexual activity. Tess Barksdale is your average new century woman, author, mother, daughter, friend, and businesswoman. Tess writes on many topics but loves discussing all things women. Find out more about birth control options by visiting Tess at her website at http://womenshealthreport.org ]]> How To Discuss Intimacy In A Relationship http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-discuss-intimacy-in-a-relationship http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-discuss-intimacy-in-a-relationship#comments Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:15:00 +0000 kind of birthsafe sextouchy subjecteffective communicationsexual activitybirth controlintimacy http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-discuss-intimacy-in-a-relationship intimacy in the relationship is a rather since you have to know when the time is right to bring up the topic of in a relationship. The time to talk about safe sex in the relationship could be in the first week, it could be after the first 3 months of dating; it all depends on when you get through the "still getting to know you" phase.

Some people think you should consider talking about safe sex before two people have had a chance to get to know each other too well. That way, you can discuss the issue before it can pose a problem or change the whole course of the relationship. Many relationships have fallen apart if the intimacy was rushed too soon. Slow down and discuss safe sex options with your partner; in this day and age you can't afford to have that "So, what control do you use?" kind of discussion after has already started.

Using is the difference between playing it safe and being sorry later; and possibly catching something you can't get rid of. Not enough of these chats about safe sex and birth control happen in relationships since many people don't feel comfortable with the person they're intimate with in a dating relationship.

The ideal way to approach the subject of safe sex and birth control is to do it after you've gotten to know each other's comfort zones and approach the topic of discussion when you feel that you've reached a point in the area of the relationship to talk about intimate topics. Perhaps, just before you start fooling around. Discussing things like sexually transmitted diseases can be an uncomfortable topic to talk about especially for some who don't feel comfortable disclosing to their potential partner about their checkered past sexually.

There are topics in a relationship that are not easy to talk about and part of that falls in line with because this is where you begin to build the honesty and trust in a relationship; when you're able to talk about sensitive subject details like sexually transmitted diseases, safe sex options and birth control.

Some couples don't really know how to effectively discuss the details of intimacy in their relationship because sometimes they're afraid to ask the other if they've had diseases or one too many multiple partners. When you can't discuss your feelings about intimacy in a relationship you don't have a relationship to begin with. With most consenting adults they should be able to sit down and have a rational conversation with each other about intimacy and safe sex in their relationships.

Oftentimes age is also a factor. The younger teenage crowd may not be mature enough to discuss safe sex and birth control in their relationship especially when they're young and inexperienced in understanding sex in a mature adult relationship.

Experience does help when discussing safe sex in a relationship because that gives your potential partner some idea that you have been intimate before to relate to what is being discussed. That's why it's more plausible for adults to be discussing safe sex and birth control in a relationship more than someone who's younger, because as you grow up, you have some idea of what being in an adult relationship is like.

Relationship experts explain that safe sex and birth control can be difficult subjects for some people to talk about, yet it gets easier to open up once you've become comfortable at your own pace to discuss these sort of topics in your relationship. CondomMan is a leading safe sex educator and online retailer of name brand wholesale condoms like Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles, Crown and Beyond Seven condoms for the best prices online. Learn about contraceptives, birth control options, and how to put on a condom. http://www.condomman.com ]]> Birth Control Pills And Acne: Clear Mind Or http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-acne-clear-mind-or http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-acne-clear-mind-or#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 22:27:09 +0000 birth control pillsbirth control pillcontrol acnebreast tendernesspsychological balancecontraceptivesunholy http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-acne-clear-mind-or
To take or not to take s for controlling acne is a very sensitive topic, if not controversial! Is taking birth control pills to is right for you? How does birth control pill work on acne? Can hormones in the birth control pill stop acne from forming? At least thousands of such mad trains must be rushing the mind of a woman, who is consuming the pills with the twin important purposes! Every pill creates fresh doubts, fears and complications in her thought process. Because research on this subject is still a kindergarten stuff and the fear of side-effects hang prominently in her mind.

Moral aspect of taking birth control pills is in itself a never ending debating topic. If it is intended to control acne, why it should be related to birth control pills? The alliance looks . Is it considered as a cost-saving device? And if the birth control pills were to fail from the original purpose for which they are intended and acne appears on the face, who will protect the of that women? One such bad case, is sufficient to pour cold water on the result of thousand good cases!

The skin of many acne prone women have responded positively and have indeed showed marked improvement, thanks to the intake of birth control pills. For the glow of the skin, women are likely to consider that no sacrifice, no experiment is great. What checks can be applied if such individuals start consuming birth control pills, to whom they are not intended at all! Apart from the humor element involved in these observations, over the years this problem is going to assume serious dimensions and certain tangible steps will have to be well thought out to check this.

When you take mild dose of orally, estrogen-related side effects- headache, nausea and - may show their weak presence. The weight gain is also low.

So do you take birth control pills with the cure of acne in your mind? Make your decision very carefully taking into account the risk factors. Just for the greed of curing acne, why to risk your body to heart attack, cancer of the breast or blood clots? If you are a smoker, the condition will still be worse. Your present state of depression may be due to this pill-taking! Many more side effects are waiting in the wings to take over-fluid retention, dark skin patches, bleeding in the vagina, to quote a few.

So, do you want a clear mind or a clear skin? The bargain may prove too hard, that it may give rise to psychological problems. Therefore, take each pill and put each step forward, with utmost caution, firstly by preparing your mind very well.

For, this is a mind over matter topic. Therefore, CAUTION!

This time, you need to consult not only the dermatologist, but your dear gynecologist first! Ashish Jain writes about several different topics. For more information on acne visit http://www.acnetalks.com and also visit the main articles page: http://www.acnetalks.com/index.html To comment on this article visit: http://www.acnetalks.com/2006-06-30/birth-control-pills-and-acne-clear-mind-or-clear-skin.html ]]> Birth Control Pills And Ovarian Cysts http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-ovarian-cysts http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-ovarian-cysts#comments Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:20:02 +0000 birth control pillsfunctional cystspelvic organskind of birthlaparotomymenstrual cycleslaparoscopy http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-pills-and-ovarian-cysts kind of birth control and most likely they're functional. What do you do? Well you can watch them month to month, and if they resolve, which most of them will, the problem is gone. If such a cyst grows or causes more problems, then she should also have a . Now, if that woman - well, the other way is of course, many of these women you'd say listen, what we need to do is put you on a short course of to see if the cysts stop forming.

Birth control pills, the way they work, is they, they work on the complex mechanism that regulates ovulation, interrupting all those pathways that I briefly described earlier and that complex pathway interrupted, no more ovulation occurs, no more occur. And the cyst that was there will most likely resolve because of less feedback from the other hormones so birth control pills in a way you could say could cure cysts. But these are the cysts-

That may not always be an option for some women that have problems with birth control pills or other side effects.

For those women, those group of women who cannot take birth control pills. If for whatever reason, and there's a litany we won't get into here of women who cannot take the pill for one reason or the other, then it would be expected management, that's basically just watching and seeing, cause most of these will go away within three . If they do not, then, then most likely she's going to have a laparotomy. Obstetrician Gynecologist, Christopher Freville, recommends you could also do a . A laparoscopy again is a very common term, this is where a telescope like tube with a light on it is put in, the doctor is able to look through an incision in the naval, while of course I might add the patient is asleep and fully anesthetized, is able to look at the . But if the doctor sees a six-centimeter cyst, he is going to operate anyway, so most of the time that would be a procedure that would not have a purpose. She needs a laparotomy to make sure that this particular ovary cyst isn't one of the other cysts, of course the endometriomas, the sustatnomas, the dermoid cysts, the polycystic ovaries, which usually aren't going to show up as large cysts.

And of course, the last category is the rarer cystic tumor that would be cancerous. So, the management basically is one of just, in most women is, in the reproductive age group is going to be wait and see. You know, reassurance, come back in a month. You can take, if the cyst goes away, great, if it doesn't or if it slowly resolves fine, if it doesn't go away, you can offer a course of birth control pills. If that's not acceptable or not possible, then the last way is to of course to actually take a look through an incision, a laparotomy.

And that I think that pretty much sums up the actual treatment of cysts, at least as far as a diagnostic program. There are other treatments of cysts, and I will mention these each by the category. So we got a functional cyst that are self-resolving or you're going to use birth control pills. We've got the endometriomas which begin the endometriosis on the ovary. This is a case that needs to be treated with various medications. There are medications to suppress ovulations, stop the period which burns up in the endometriosis and it's generally about 90% effective, and also causes fertility when you get these to go away. So the chocolate cysts once they are, they're usually removed at laparotomy, you can also cauterize them, that's zapping them with electricity. Again, the patient is asleep because the endometriomas and endometriosis are usually multiple places in the pelvis, and then follow up with medications to suppress ovulation. Hillary Templeton gives advice to women of all types of ovarian cysts on her website. Click here for more information on ruptured ovarian cysts http://www.ovariancystshelp.com ]]> Birth Control Methods - Know Your Options http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:34:59 +0000 birth control methodsbirth control methodmale condomforms of birth controlsexual intercoursechoice worksmaking informed decisions http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-methods-know-your-options s.

about birth control will come after you have thoroughly researched the facts and discussed them with your medical care professional, as well as recruiting you partner or spouse to help you with the final decision process. While no method is 100% effective, some are very close to that number while others are not quite as effective, you should know which will offer you the maximum protection.

Before making your choice of contraceptive, you will need to consider certain factors. These factors include your general health, the number of partners you have, if you plan on bearing children in the future, how well your birth control method of , and the possible side effects. Most types are safe but you should discuss side effects with your health professional so that you can avoid any future problems associated with the side effects of you method. Another important thing to remember is that most birth control methods do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD), so it is recommended that you take that into consideration when choosing.

The most effective way to avoid STDs or pregnancy is abstinence (no ), it is the only form of birth control methods that is 100% effective against both pregnancies and STDs, however most people do not practice abstinence, so the use of other forms as a necessity.

One of the most effective methods available on the market today is the latex . It offers the best protection from STDs and used correctly is also the best protection from pregnancy. It can be bought over the counter in pharmacies and is given away free in most clinics and family planning centers all over the country.

Oral Contraceptives (the Pill) are taken on a daily basis and block the ovaries from releasing eggs. This option is between 95% and 99% effective; however they will not protect you from STDs. The most common forms of this contraceptive are the Ovcon35 and Seasonale. There is also a miniature version of the medication called the Mini Pill which thickens the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. This method is about 92% to 99.99% effective. It may cause "birth control pill acne" birth control on your back and face.

Copper T IUD (intrauterine devices) are small devices that are shaped like the lowercase letter t and is placed in your uterus by your doctor. It stops the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. This form of birth control does not protect against STD's and is about 99% effective.

Mirena (IUS) is another T shaped device placed in the uterus by the doctor. Mirena releases a hormone called Levonorgestrel every day. The hormone causes the cervical mucus to thicken and block sperm from fertilizing the egg. It is 99% effective and lasts in the system for 5 years.

Depo Provera is an injection of the hormone Progestin every three months. It does not protect against STDs and is 97% effective.

Less effective forms of birth control include female condoms, the diaphragm, contraceptive sponge, the patch, and the NUVA ring. While they do offer some measure of protection there is still a higher chance of pregnancy.

In conclusion, if you do not want to get pregnant, you should go ASAP to see your health professional to discuss the form of birth control method that is the best for you and know what you birth control options are. Tess Barksdale is your average new century woman, author, mother, daughter, friend, and businesswoman. Tess writes on many topics but loves discussing all things women. Find out more about birth control methods by visiting Tess at her website http://womenshealthreport.org ]]> Seasonale: Should You Skip Your Periods? http://www.artwoo.com/article/seasonale-should-you-skip-your-periods http://www.artwoo.com/article/seasonale-should-you-skip-your-periods#comments Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:27:07 +0000 seasonalebirth control pillsbirth control pilltype of birth controlperiods womenfewer periodslevonorgestrel http://www.artwoo.com/article/seasonale-should-you-skip-your-periods Seasonale is a type of that means that women only have 4 periods a year, rather than one each month. Some people feel that missing so many periods is unhealthy: others claim that it is actually very natural. What is the truth about this birth control?

Seasonale is an oral contraceptive that has two types of hormones in it: ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and , a progestin (synthetic progesterone). This same combination of hormones can be found in many other pill formulations. The difference is that Seasonale has 84 active pills in a row, unlike normal pills, which only have 21 pills in a row. This means that you have your period only four times a year.

Seasonale is designed for women who are on birth control who are comfortable with skipping their periods. Women who are on birth control can already skip their periods by choosing not to take the placebo pills and simply going from the 21st day to the first day of a new pack. Seasonale is not that different. Some women wonder if Seasonale will leave them with more hormones in their bodies, and the answer is that Seasonale is a low-dose hormone pill with hormone levels comparable to or lower than most other oral contraceptives.

Especially during the first year of Seasonale, a woman might experience break-through bleeding. These could be as heavy as a period, or they could be lighter. They will become lighter until they disappear entirely. However, you cannot simply expect to take Seasonale and have only four periods a year immediately. Some women find that it is simply easier to take regular birth control, because then you know when you will get your period, and you won't be caught unexpectedly bleeding.

One argument for the safety of Seasonale is that suppressing your period is healthy. Before the advent of hormonal birth control, women spent much more time pregnant and nursing, and so had many than the women of today have. act to trick the body that it is pregnant, and so prevent ovulation (the release of the egg).

Other critics are sceptical of the benefits of skipping your period. Dr. Susan Rako, in her book The Blessing of the Curse: No More Periods? writes that "Tampering with the hormonal climate of healthy menstruating women, including teenage girls whose lives stretch ahead for decades, for the purpose of doing away with their periods is, in a word, reckless."

Those who believe that getting your period every month claim that the body needs natural cleansing, and that menstruation offers this. Getting your period releases the uterine lining. Some people argue that it helps prevent certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer; however, a purely causal link has yet to be made.

Whether or not Seasonale is more dangerous than other birth control pills remains to be seen. However, it does carry the same risks as other oral contraceptives. As with any other pill, you have a higher risk of certain types of cancer, an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, and other risks as well. Ask your doctor to go over the full side effects of any medication before you use it. You should not take Seasonale and smoke.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you and your doctor to try Seasonale. Do you find your periods painful, irksome, and frustrating? Or do you like the monthly reassurance that you're not pregnant? Consider your lifestyle and what suits you best before deciding to switch methods of contraception. Lilith Mill is the editor of http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com . This site has information on the benefits of the birth control pill, the side effects, the dangers, and the alternatives. ]]> Yasmin Birth Control Pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/yasmin-birth-control-pill http://www.artwoo.com/article/yasmin-birth-control-pill#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:50:01 +0000 birth control pillsyasminstomach crampsbirth control pillmigraine headachesdrospirenoneethinyl estradiol http://www.artwoo.com/article/yasmin-birth-control-pill Yasmin is a low-dose . It uses a combination of two hormones -- progesterone and estrogen -- to prevent pregnancy. Specifically, Yasmin uses (a form of progesterone) and (a form of estrogen). Yasmin prevents pregnancy in two ways. First, when combined, the two hormones prevent the ovary from releasing an egg. Secondly, in the very unlikely event that you do ovulate, Yasmin has the effect of thickening the uterus lining. This lessens the chances of the sperm ever reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

As with any other birth control pill, the main problem with Yasmin is that you have to be very conscientious about taking it. You need to set a regular time to take the pill so as to maximize its effectiveness and to help you develop the habit of taking it. Missing pills may have dire consequences, depending on the number of pills missed and the week you missed it.

You should also talk to your doctor if you are taking other medication, especially antibiotics. Some antibiotics are known to interfere with the Pill's effectiveness. I am sure you wouldn't want to get pregnant just because of an oversight.

Compared to other available in the market, Yasmin is a bit pricey. However, I like the fact that it is not supposed to make you gain as much weight as the other pills. In fact, that was my main reason when I chose to use this pill.

Another reason I like Yasmin is that it seems to have helped my acne problem. Ever since I started using it, I haven't had the major breakouts that I usually experience.

It is not without side effects, though. During the first couple of months that I used it, I had really bad . It was very inconvenient as I couldn't control the pain and the urge to go to the wash room. Around the third month I think my body got used to it and the stomach cramps went away. Other slight side effects are nausea, , and breast tenderness. Doctors encourage smokers to quit -- or at least lessen -- smoking when on the pill. So far, I haven't had any negative experiences regarding this even though I did cut back on smoking.

I would recommend Yasmin to anyone who wants to get on the pill. It claims to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and so far, I can guarantee it works. For more information please visit http://www.444.net ]]> Religion And Your Health http://www.artwoo.com/article/religion-and-your-health http://www.artwoo.com/article/religion-and-your-health#comments Tue, 10 Oct 2006 04:27:02 +0000 health insurance policiescatholic religionforms of contraceptionabortion debatebirth controlvegetative statecatholics http://www.artwoo.com/article/religion-and-your-health Catholics alike oppose abortions because they feel an abortion murders a child and therefore goes against God and his Word, i.e., the Bible. The has been going on for years, so that's no surprise; however, whether or not a particular medical practice is supported by a particular religion goes beyond just abortion. It stretches out to other medical procedures covered by health insurance, as well as health insurance itself.

Practices covered by health insurance such as and other and the withdrawal of a life support system, i.e., "pulling the plug," are sometimes supported or not supported based solely on a person's religion.

Many cover birth control and other forms of contraception, and many women take advantage of this coverage because they aren't interested in becoming mothers; however, contraception is frowned upon by some religions. For example, many Catholics do not use any form of birth control because they feel it goes against the ; yet, there are actually Catholics out there who support birth control, despite the Pope's, and the religion's itself, disapproval and assertion that it goes against the Catholic religion.

Similar to abortion, many people feel that shutting off a vegetative person's life support system is the same as committing murder, and is therefore immoral and goes against their religion. At the same time, the cost to keep a person who is in a on life support is extremely high, and many health insurance policies won't pay for it for very long, if at all.

When it comes to certain kinds of medical coverage provided by, or not provided by, health insurance, many people list religion as a deciding factor. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Student-Health.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/ ]]> The Difference Between Medication Abortion And Emergency Contraception http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-medication-abortion-and-emergency-contraception http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-medication-abortion-and-emergency-contraception#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:27:06 +0000 emergency contraception pillsmedicationterminate pregnancyweeks of pregnancyprevent pregnancyintrauterine devicesabortion http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-difference-between-medication-abortion-and-emergency-contraception medication s and emergency contraception can involve taking pills. However, the similarity between medication abortions and emergency contraception ends there.

Hormonal emergency contraception is a pill or a few pills that is taken up to five days of unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy. Emergency contraception stops pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization. IUDs () can also be used to , but are not the focus of this article.

Medication abortion is taken to end a pregnancy. It is taken during the first 8 . It ends a pregnancy by preventing the body's release of progesterone, which thins the uterine lining. It also forces the uterus to contract and expel its contents.

include Plan B, a specially formulated pill. You can also take varying dosages of combined hormone (not progestin-only) pills. Ask your medical professional for the exact doses of what to take. Plan B only includes hormones, and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. If you are pregnant, however, do not attempt to use emergency contraception.

Medication abortion is caused by one of two drugs: mifepristone or methotrexate. You will also take a second drug, misoprostal. These drugs .

The side effects of emergency contraception are much less serious than those of a medication abortion. The side effects of emergency contraception can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and breast tenderness. The side effects of a medication abortion include heavy bleeding that lasts typically about two weeks. There is often cramping, varying from mild to heavy cramps. You can get pain medication to ease the cramping.

Anyone can get emergency contraception, even if you are under the age of 18. In some states, if you want to have an abortion, even a medication abortion, you need to have parental consent. Emergency contraception can cost between $30-$50, whereas a medication abortion can cost upwards of $250.

Both procedures are most effective when they are performed early on. If you have had unprotected sex, take emergency contraception within 24 hours if possible, though it will still work for up to five days after the act. If you are getting a medication abortion, make your appointment as soon as you have made your decision. This can lessen the cramping and side effects.

The best way to prevent pregnancy is to practice preventative birth control (and we all know that the best preventative birth control is abstinence). Research your birth control options to fit the one that best suits your lifestyle. Remember: emergency contraception is for emergencies, and abortions are for dire emergencies. Plan ahead to save yourself the physical and emotional troubles caused by unsafe sex. Lilith Mill is an educator on safe birth control options. Check out The Guide to Birth Control, http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com, for information on hormonal and barrier birth control methods. Knowledge is power: keep yourself safe with the proper information. ]]> Nuvaring Birth Control Information http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2007 06:20:01 +0000 birth control pillsnuvaring birth controlcontraceptive pillsoral contraceptivesfemale hormonesthird generationcholesterol levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/nuvaring-birth-control-information NuvaRing birth control is a combination hormonal contraceptive. It is manufactured by Organon USA. NuvaRing is a polyethylene vinyl acetate ring around 2 inches in diameter. It is worn in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week. The ring contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. NuvaRing birth control slowly releases the hormones into the bloodstream. The progestin is absorbed and prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. In addition, the uterine lining becomes thinner and the cervical mucous becomes thicker. NuvaRing is considered a third-generation contraceptive.

are usually made up of a mix of synthetic . First-generation , first introduced in the 1960's, had high levels of the hormones estrogen and the progestogens lynestrenol or norethisterone. The early caused a fairly high number of blood clots resulting in blockages in the legs, heart, and brain. These blockages can then lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Second generation birth control pills were formulated to decrease the risk of blood clots. They contained lower amounts of estrogen and a different progestogen called levonorgestrel. The downside to these second generation contraceptive pills was that they caused side effects such as acne, hirsutism (increased hair growth), weight gain, and higher . Second and oral contraceptives differ in their progestin component.

Third generation birth control pills such as NuvaRing were developed in the 1980's to contain the progestogen hormones desogestrel or gestodene. The goal was to help reduce adverse effects such as hirsutism and acne. It is estimated that 7.5 million women filled prescriptions for third generation oral contraceptives in the United States in 2006. Studies have found that women using third-generation oral contraceptives have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clot) compared to users of second-generation contraceptives containing levonorgestrel.

Some researchers are questioning whether third-generation contraceptives such as NuvaRing are more safe and effective than second-generation contraceptives given the increased risk of blood clots. The focus has been on desogestrel, the synthetic form of the hormone progestin. Desogestrel appears to cause resistance to one of the anti-coagulant proteins (Protein C). When coagulation is inhibited it makes it easier for blood clots to form which increases the risk of venous thrombosis. Steve Fields http://www.injurygroup.com ]]> Birth Control While Breastfeeding http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-while-breastfeeding http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-while-breastfeeding#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2006 02:27:05 +0000 lactational amenorrhea methodfemale condomsprevent pregnancymethods of birth controlgive birthvaginasex after childbirth http://www.artwoo.com/article/birth-control-while-breastfeeding prevent pregnancy and not harm the baby? Here are the facts that nursing and expecting mothers need to know.

A woman can get pregnant when she is nursing. If you want to prevent pregnancy while nursing, you have a few options for birth control.



It used to be that women were advised to not have sex until six weeks after they gave birth, at their six week check-up. If you feel comfortable with this, then you can wait. However, the typically heals after two weeks or so, and the cervix will also be closed after two weeks. If you haven't had any complications, you can have sex as early as two weeks after you . Ask your doctor if there are any reasons you shouldn't. You might not want to have sex after you give birth: a woman's hormones change dramatically after being pregnant, and sometimes they are not as sexually charged. If you are interested in sex, know that you could be fertile again as soon as two weeks after you have your baby. Be aware of this and choose your contraception wisely.

(LAM)

This is sometimes also called the breastfeeding method. This is the method that has some people confused as to whether or not you can get pregnant while you are nursing. If you choose to nurse your baby and to not give your baby other milk, you can postpone your fertility.

This means you feed your baby every four hours (from both breasts). In the night, you have to feed your baby at least every six hours.

You can only use this method if you are nursing and if you haven't had a period since your baby was born. This method only works for six months after the baby is born, and then you have to use another method.

Barrier Methods

Barrier won't harm your nursing infant. These include condoms, , sponges, and prescription barrier based methods. With many prescription barrier methods, you have to wait until six to eight weeks after delivery: these include diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields.

If you are using a barrier based method with a spermicide, be sure that your vagina has healed thoroughly before using spermicide and having sex.

Hormonal Methods

You cannot take a combination hormone treatment (one that has estrogen, or ethinyl estradiol, in it) if you are nursing. This means that you cannot take combination pills, you can't wear the Patch, and you can't use a Vaginal Ring. The estrogen will be found in your breastmilk and affect your baby, and will also affect your milk supply.

You can, however, use progestin-only methods of birth control. This includes progestin-only pills, which are sometimes called mini-pills, Depo-Provera, and Mirena, a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device). Many doctors claim that progestins are too large to pass into breastmilk and will not affect your baby.

Other doctors, however, are wary about using progestin-only birth control. Dr. Cindy McClain Pearman, a family practice physician from Knoxville, Tennessee, claims that "Mini-pills and Depo are not supposed to affect [milk] supply, but I have seen it happen often, especially with the mini-pill."

If you feel uncertain about using hormonal birth control methods, you can always choose another form of birth control, be it abstinence, a barrier method, or a fertility awareness method.

IUDs: IntraUterine Devices

You can use a copper IUD while you are nursing; it will not affect your breastmilk. An IUD is a device that is inserted by your doctor. It means that you won't be able to conceive until you have it removed by a professional. Often, women who have just given birth report easier IUD insertions.

Fertility Awareness Methods

You can choose to track your fertility after your baby is born. This cannot happen until you have your first period. To learn about tracking your fertility, you will need to speak to an expert: ask your doctor, or local clinic, or women's group. You will have to abstain from sex on your unsafe days, or plan to use a back-up method.

Having just had a baby can be a magical (but tiring) experience. Family planning can benefit you, your partner, and your baby. Choose the option that seems right for you. For more information on all of the above methods of birth control, visit http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com/index.php ]]>