Senin, 27 November 2017

Birth Control Needs, Methods and Information Available For Today's Women

With the rapid growth of the population in the world as well as the increased sense in general awareness for HIV/AIDS, has forced to think on birth control methods. The current world's population is estimated to be around 6.4 billion with annual growth of 76 million and hence, it is estimated to reach 9 billion by year 2050. In next two decades, world's two highly populous countries, China & India are expected to reach the population of 1.5 billion each i.e more than one third of the total world population of that time. It is alarming situation for the world to control this "population explosion". Therefore, United Nations are urging countries specially highly populated countries to control their population.

As per the survey report for birth control methods if applied in 169 countries, 137 million women willing to delay their contraceptives, 64 million women are using less effective birth control measures. If these women are helped with adequate birth control treatment (like pills, condoms), 23 million of unplanned births, 22 million induced abortions and 1.4 million infants could be avoided as estimated by United Nations Population Fund.

Besides population, HIV/AIDS is also very important factor forcing the need for birth control. An estimated, world has 38 million people have either AIDS or infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). In seven African countries, one out of 5 adults is infected with HIV. Birth control methods are, therefore, become imperative to control further spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly in these countries. The population in these countries is projected at 35% lower by 2025 free from HIV/AIDS. It will further reduce the total life expectancy by an average of 29 years in these countries.

History of Birth Control

200 AD, Greek gynecologist Soranus said that women become fertile during ovulation. He suggested some birth control tips for women to avoid unwanted pregnancy like smearing olive oil, pomegranate pulp, ginger, or tobacco juice around vagina to kill sperm, drinking water used by blacksmith to cool hot metals and jumping 7 times backward after the sexual intercourse. Many birth control methods like ayurvedic treatments used centuries ago (aside from sexual abstinence). However, there are some historical records of Egyptian women are found who were using some herbal or acid substances like crocodile dung or lubricants like honey or household olive oil as vaginal suppository, which they may have found effective at killing sperm.

However, commercial use of birth control method started in 1960 in the form of birth control pill. It was in 1950, when Planned Parenthood Federation of America invited biologist Dr. Gregory Pincus to develop oral contraceptive pill that would be harmless, universally acceptable and safe for husband and wife. After under going many tests with more than 6,000 women in Puerto Rico and Haiti , it was 1960 when the first commercially produced birth control pill called Enovid-10 was introduced to women in USA . This first oral contraceptive was made with two hormones Estrogen (100 to 175 microgram) and Progestin (10 mg). They were proved to be 99% effective if taken as directed. With estimation, more than 18 million women in US are relying on birth control pills

Types of birth control pills

Unlike the decades old oral contraceptive pills (which had higher number of hormones), today's birth control pills are in low-dose forms with health benefits. So, women can take birth control pills with much fewer health risks.

Generally there are three types of birth control pills available

1. Progestin only pills (POP)

It is also known as "mini-pill" containing no estrogen. It is recommended for breastfeeding women because estrogen reduced milk production. This POP pill works by thickening the cervical mucus and thus preventing sperm to enter uterus

2. Combination birth control pills

The widely known birth control pills are having combination of two hormones progestin and estrogen. These types of oral contraceptive pills come with the pack of 21 "active pills" and 7 "placebos" , which do not contain any hormones. These are, in fact, known as "reminder pills"

These combination pills are further sub-divided into three types of pills due to the level of two hormones progestin and estrogen.

i) Monophasic birth control pills

Here, every active pill contains the equal number of progestin and estrogen. The other seven pills are placebo having no hormones. Menstruation starts when these placebo pills are taken

ii) Multiphasic birth control pills

They are also known as biphasic or trphasic oral contraceptive pills due to different levels of hormones in active pills. These pills are required to be taken at specific time in its entire pills schedule. Multiphasic birth control pills help offsetting the risks of oral contraceptives.

iii) Continuous birth control pills

it is also known as 365 days pills to be taken continuously throughout the year without the year. This is the new entry of oral contraceptive pills in the birth control market. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lybrel, which is the only continuous birth control pill approved so far and available for general women use. Women do not get menstrual period while they are under the treatment of Lybrel, however, they might find some breakthrough bleeding or spotting, particularly at the initial stage.

3) Emergency birth control pills

Also known as "morning after pills", these are designed for immediate pregnancy protection after the unprotected sex. It is highly recommended to take emergency pills within 48 hours and maximum 72 hours to be effective in avoiding pregnancy. These are different than usual oral contraceptive pills where you plan your birth control much in advance. Emergency pills are also taken when the women are sexually assaulted. FDA has approved Plan B as the safest emergency pills. Due to OTC (over the counter) approval by FDA for women above 18 years, Plan B can now be ordered behind pharmacy counter.

Minggu, 12 November 2017

Birth Control Pills - An Oral Contraceptive Method For Treating Acne

Birth Control Pills which are also known as Oral Contraceptives can successfully treat acne, a bad skin condition, in many women. Before an approval of FDA, doctors used birth control pills for the acne treatments. But now there are many contraceptive pills, which are FDA approved, available for acne treatments. These pills include Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Yaz.

These contraceptive pills are not utilized as a primary or an initial treatment against acne. A doctor always tries for other options for acne and still if he/she hasn't got the result then he/she moves toward the oral contraceptive options. Even in some situations the patient wants to have a form of contraception then the doctor provides her this solution. However for most exceptional result, birth control pills are used with other solutions, like benzoyl peroxide or topical reinoids, for acne treatments.

The way it works:

Birth Control Pills are generally composition of hormones, estrogen and progestin. They change the hormonal prototypes and natural reproductive sequence of a female. As the oral contraceptive pills decrease the quantity of testosterone in body, they habitually improve acne breakouts which are hormonal-based. As the production of testosterone is reduced, it also reduces the oil which is caused by the 'sebaceous glands'. So the possibility of pore blockages by oil is also decreased.

For a female with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the birth control pills can be quite helpful in treatment of acne caused by this situation. The contraceptive pills like Yasmin and Yaz include progesterone which can help to control the quantity of androgen hormones in body and thus dropping breakout goings-on.

The level of testosterone may be lifted up by some birth control pills. It depends on the structure of the contraceptive pills. Instead of treatment, in this condition the situation may go worst and acne increases badly. So if you are planning for using a contraceptive pill to decrease acne breakouts, you should first consult your doctor. The doctor will recommend a brand which will help you in treatment of acne.

Take birth control pills at the same time day by day. It may take time more than three months or sometimes longer than it to see any changes after you start taking birth control pills. It is quite common for acne to go downhill before it gets better.

Probable Side Effects:

As the birth control pills help you in treating the acne, it may create side effects also. Some of the side-effects are common and minor. They include weight gain, nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings, and menstrual spotting too.

Some other side-effects are not minor and common; they may create major problems in your health and routine life. These types of side-effects include stroke, blood clots, depression, headaches, gallstones, and high blood pressure.


Minggu, 22 Oktober 2017

Birth Control Methods and Their Effects on Women With Chronic Health Conditions

The most important thing for you, if you have a chronic condition, is to have an understanding of birth control methods and how they can affect your health. Some of these methods can present specific concerns for certain rheumatic conditions. If you have antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood, lupus or RA, here is what is known about the concerns and the appropriate birth control methods.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid syndrome: APL or antiphospholipid antibodies are proteins that affect the balance in the blood between clotting and bleeding and are a risk factor for blood clots. APS or antiphospholipid syndrome, is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies, blood clotting, and miscarriages and the syndrome can happen alone or with lupus, even though you have the antibodies you may not have lupus.

If you have antiphospholipid antibodies you are more likely to develop blood clots if you have another risk factor for blood clotting such as a severe illness, surgery, prolonged bed rest, malignancy, or pregnancy or it can be a lifestyle risk factor such as smoking or using combination contraceptives. That's why this second risk factor can be one of the variants in the blood that makes clotting possible. When you have lupus and antiphospholipid antibodies you are more likely to have other medical risk factors for a stroke or heart attack, like migraines, atherosclerosis or clogged arteries, or elevated cholesterol levels.

Contraceptives with estrogen are know to increase the risk of blood clots and when you have moderate to high antiphospholipid antibodies you should stay away from combination hormonal contraceptives. If you have low or borderline levels of the antiphospholipid antibodies, it may depend on whether you have had other risk factors for blood clots, to determine if you should stay clear from the combination hormonal contraceptives. Progesterone-only contraception is a good alternative for you if you have antiphospholipid antibodies and are unable to safely take estrogen. This method is also an effective way to decrease the heavy menstrual flow if you are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, also known as Coumadin, which is often used to treat APS, Antiphospholipid syndrome.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: It was thought for many years that estrogen increased disease activity in lupus. This assumption was based on the findings in laboratory animals, and the fact that lupus is found mostly in women, 4 out of 5 people with lupus are women, and the reports of birth control pills and pregnancy where women said their lupus got worse. There are early reports that suggested there was an increase risk of lupus flares with the use of contraceptives containing estrogen. But, there are more recent studies that were better-designed, using large numbers of participants and standardized methods of measuring flares that found that estrogen-containing contraceptives are safe in some women with lupus.

And there were two randomized clinical trials published at the end of 2005 that found combination birth control pills don't significantly increase the risk of flares in women with inactive or stable, moderate lupus. The Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment, or SELENA, trial included 183 women with inactive or stable, moderate lupus and compared the effects of a standard combination birth control pill with the effects of an inactive placebo pill. Women who had active lupus, a history of blood clots, or antiphospholipid antibodies couldn't take participant in the study and the number and severity of the lupus flares showed no difference in the two groups. There was another study of 162 women with stable mild-to-moderate lupus that also found no adverse effects on flare rates whether the women used a combination pill, a progesterone-only pill or a copper IUD.

Based on these studies, it would appear that combination pills are safe for you if you have inactive or stable, moderate lupus and don't have antiphospholipid antibodies. Remember, though, that you may not even be able to tell how active your lupus is and often lupus activity can only be detected through blood test or other tests. So if you have lupus and you want to use a combination pill, your rheumatologist must be involved in the decision making. Since about 1/3 of the women with lupus have antiphospholipid antibodies, you have lupus you should be screened for the antibodies before starting a combination birth control pill.

It seems that it would be smart for you if you have lupus to avoid the contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra, given the recent FDA warning that it increases the risk of blood clots above that of combination pills. There's also the birth control pills that contain drospirenone, Yasmin, Yaz, that are more likely to elevate blood levels of potassium, an important consideration for you if you have lupus-related kidney problems. The safety of IUDs, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs to treat your lupus, is not certain, because the drugs and the IUDs can raise the risk of infection. If you have active lupus, barrier methods or progesterone-only contraceptives are your options. Depo-Provera injections may be a problem if you are taking corticosteroids, because both the Depo-Provera and the corticosteroids increase the risk of bone loss.

Rheumatoid arthritis: There are some who believe that if you have RA you might actually benefit from treatment with estrogen-containing birth control pills because your symptoms improve during pregnancy. But, there's little research into using the pill to treat RA and research does suggest that women with RA have normal estrogen levels but lower than normal androgen levels, so hormonal therapy attempts have focused on supplementing androgens (androgens are primarily male sex hormones, but women have small amounts of them), with mixed results and no clear benefit. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy has also been studied in women with RA but showed no effect on the activity of the RA, and although there are no grounds for saying that combination hormonal contraceptives reduce the activity in Ra, there's no evidence that suggest their use would make a flare more likely to happen. Combination pills or the patch, may be effective and convenient for you if you have RA, but there is a concern that the risk of blood clots from the patch is higher than the risk from the pill. Inserting a vaginal ring or a diaphragm may be difficult if you have severe RA and like with lupus, it's not sure how safe IUDs are if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs such as ethotrexate, corticosteroids, or cyclosporine to treat their RA. There are no studies that have addressed this question specifically with newer RA medicines such as the biologics, among them Enbrel, Remicade and Humira.

There are other concerns as well and they are the hormone containing contraceptives can interact with other medicines, and this can reduce your medicine's effectiveness or increase its side effects. Some of these medicines are used to treat arthritis and related conditions. Some anticonvulsants like anti-seizure medications that are used to treat seizures, headaches, or chronic pain disorders may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. There are also, corticosteroids, warfin, and cyclosporine that can interact with the contraceptives even though the interactions are weak. Other medications that are used to treat other health conditions, some antibiotics, may also interact with hormone containing contraceptives and if you are using one of these contraceptives you should always remind your doctor of that fact when your doctor prescribes you new medications.

When you have rheumatic conditions and you have to stay in bed for a while, maybe because of a flare-up of the condition, or after surgery you should stop using combination birth control pills, the patch and the vaginal ring. Also, and especially if you have antiphospholipid antibodies, your doctor should give you low doses of a blood-thinning medicine. If you are planning elective surgery, you should talk to your doctor about stopping you combination hormonal contraceptive two months in advance, because estrogen's effects on blood clotting takes up to six weeks to reverse.

Selasa, 03 Oktober 2017

5 Simple Get Pregnant Tips for Women Wishing to Conceive After Using Birth Control Methods

So you and your partner have made the decision to start a family and you want a few get pregnant tips. You may currently be using birth control methods for safe sex and to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy. This may well have been the case for some time and this is normal. However, now that you and your partner have made that life changing decision to start a family, you must consider coming off whatever method of birth control you have opted to use in the past. This is not necessarily an easy thing to do and it can be a daunting decision for you to make. This is especially the case if you have been using hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives. These oral contraceptives are more commonly referred to as the pill. Here are some helpful guidance notes for those of you who want to get off birth control for the purposes of conceiving.

    Tip 1 Complete your current cycle of oral contraceptives.

It is now widely recognised from clinical studies that it is advisable to complete your current cycle of birth control pills. Don't stop taking the pills part way through the cycle. It is believed there may be some slight dangers involved when pills are discontinued in mid-cycle. Since these pills are hormonal in nature there could be an impact on the level of bleeding sustained and finishing the cycle should reduce this risk.

    Tip 2 Try to stop taking the pill at least three months before you plan to conceive.

In a perfect world you will plan the conception of your baby for about three months from when you stop taking the pill. This will then allow your body to resume its natural hormonal cycle, which is an important factor for your body as a whole. In addition this "breathing space" will allow for any traces of residual hormones from the pill to get out of your system. It is a sensible step to stop in advance of conceiving to allow your body to stabilise so you can regulate your ovulation in order to chart when are you most fertile.

    Tip 3 Use an alternative method of contraception until the time you want to conceive.

This may seem an odd request and it is often overlooked by many couples, but you need to avoid earlier conception than you had planned. As described in the point above your body needs a short period of time for adjustment before conception. Barrier methods such as condoms are an ideal choice and should prevent you from getting pregnant while your body is still trying to get accustomed to life without the pill. There is a distinct psychological advantage to be gained here in using a reliable alternative method of birth control for the few months before you try to get pregnant. It puts your mind at ease and shields you from the constant worry about if you are pregnant or not. Often when you come off the pill you may experience irregular or even missed periods for a short space of time. However they do not necessarily mean you are pregnant. So, for the sake of your peace of mind, use condoms for a few months.

    Tip 4 Take care of your lifestyle.

By this I mean that you should start a regime of healthy eating, drinking and exercising. This is a massive topic in itself, but it is sufficient for me to suggest that you embark on a healthy lifestyle geared to your individual needs. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Exercise is good! Don't overdo it, but regular gentle exercise will help you enormously later down the line when you are pregnant.

    Tip 5 Cut out the bad things!

If you are a smoker then stop now, don't wait till you get pregnant. Ensure your consumption of alcohol and caffeine is kept to a minimum. Your ability to conceive could well be affected by these factors. I don't want to preach to you here but, believe me, it is so important that you get your body into the best possible condition in preparation for conceiving.


Minggu, 24 September 2017

Best Birth Control Options - Get the Facts and Avoid an Unwanted Pregnancy

There are many times when women choose not to use birth control or when the method they choose ends up failing. Pregnancy may still be able to be prevented as long as you act fast with the best birth control method. Contraception is another word for birth control. Any method that is able to prevent pregnancy is contraception. There is always a good chance you will become pregnant if you choose to not use birth control. Unplanned pregnancy is very common with women even if you no longer are having a menstrual cycle or transitioning toward menopause.

Out of 100 women, 85 will get pregnant due to it being unplanned and with no contraception method. The only way you can guarantee you will avoid pregnancy is to not engage in sexual activity. The next best thing in avoiding pregnancy is finding the best method that will work for you. There are a variety of options. They all have their unique pros and cons. Getting educated about all the methods will help you to determine what is right for you.

Hormonal methods - These methods are one of the best and the most common for preventing pregnancy. Some of these methods include the following: The skin patch, vaginal ring, Depo-Provera shots, birth control pills, the Mirena IUD w/ Levonorgestrel, and the implant.

Barrier method - This method does not prevent a woman from getting pregnant like the hormonal methods. They must be used each time you have sex. These methods include the following: condoms, sponges, and diaphragms.

IUD's or Intrauterine devices - This apparatus is placed in the uterus. They can work from 5 to 10 years very well and is a very safe method to use. The Mirena IUD is included in this group and has a hormone that is able to lessen menstrual symptoms, such as, cramping and heavy cycles.

Sterilization - Women go through a procedure called tubal ligation where the fallopian tubes are tied and blocked. Men can be sterilized by a vasectomy; a tiny incision is made with the vasa deferentia. These methods are permanent forms of birth control.

Natural method - This method is also called fertility awareness and works only if you are very careful. It's not always considered the best birth control method. Keeping good records and documenting the days in which you are most fertile is a must with this method. A barrier method or abstinence will need to be used on days when you are most fertile.

Emergency treatment (morning after treatment) - This is a medication that is only used when a contraception method has failed knowingly.

In order for the hormonal and barrier methods to work well, you will need to use them just as they are prescribed or directed in regards to the package instructions; however, these methods are still not foolproof and accidents are bound to happen.

Emergency birth control is good if used as a backup. Morning after pills (plan B) can be purchased in most pharmacies only if you older than 16 years old. The best method is one that you have thought about in advance. Remember, this is a very important decision... starting a family should be planned, and not an accident.


Minggu, 10 September 2017

A Healthy and Natural Way of Family Planning - Natural Birth Control

As a form of contraception, you can use natural birth control and it can also regulate your fertility. Some cultures and religions believe that birth control should not be artificial and using any devices or drugs is not accepted.

Couples who avoid sexual intercourse and periodic abstinence is sometimes considered a birth control method. Some natural options include:

Rhythm method

Withdrawal method

Standard days method

Using the calendar

If the woman is using a natural method it gives her a good understanding of the cycles her body goes through. This way she can stay more tuned with some of the smaller signals that her body will give her.

This is a pretty safe method of birth control, as there is no use of chemicals or drugs. Also, as an added benefit, this is a pretty inexpensive way to go. If one decides to get pregnant is very easy to change your mind.

Contraception should be used at all times to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor to decide what option is best for you. By considering the use of the natural birth control method you are not interfering with the natural workings of your body.

Today we are looking for new ways to keep our bodies healthy and free of chemicals. By not having to take the pill, or the patch, which is also a hormone release we can find a way to be healthy and still avoid an unwanted pregnancy.


Minggu, 27 Agustus 2017

Get Some Contraception Ideas - Are You Looking For Solutions With a Birth Control Issue?

Sometimes the choice of birth control you use could possibly fail and pregnancy is not an option. Pregnancy can be prevented if you act fast with the best birth control method. Any method used to prevent an unwanted pregnancy is called contraception.

There are many different types of birth control and they all have their pros and cons.

Educate yourself about some of the methods that are available to be safe during sexual activity.

Hormonal methods: these are the most widely used and best method to prevent pregnancy. This will include the vaginal ring, birth control pills, the skin patch, Depo-Provera shots, or the implant. There are other methods available, you need to consult your doctor and decide what is best for you

The Barrier method: this way does not prevent a woman from getting pregnant like the use of hormones does, but they must be used each time you have sex. Some of these methods include the use of diaphragms, sponges, or condoms, to name a few.

Intrauterine devices: the IUD is an apparatus or device that is placed in the uterus. It can be very safe and when used correctly can last between 5 to 10 years. The Mirena IUD has a hormone that can decrease menstrual symptoms like heavy cycles or bleeding, and cramping.

The Natural method: can work well, but you need to be very very careful. It is not always the method of choice and it is not considered the best earth control option. Accidents do happen and it is not a foolproof method. You need to keep good documentation and records so you know when the most fertile days in your cycle are. This is mandatory if using this method.

The Emergency method: this is also known as the morning after treatment and is a medication when any birth control method has failed that you are aware.

For any barrier method or hormonal option to work well you always need to use them as directed and prescribed by your doctor. It is important to read all the materials that come with whatever birth control method you decide to use

The most important thing about an unwanted pregnancy and deciding on the best burst control method to use, is to think about it in advance. This is an important decision and a pregnancy should be planned and should not be an accident.