Submitted by Kristi Dierolf, SBI Health Education Intern
That’s probably not true. There are numerous types of birth controls available to women. Before I get into what these methods are, it’s pretty important to note that contraceptives (birth control) methods do not prevent you from STIs! (Sexually transmitted infections), remember to still use a condom or another type of barrier method!
In case you don’t know, most contraceptive methods work by inhibiting ovulation (so, no egg is released!), thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for the sperm to enter the uterus, and causes possible changes in the endometrial lining, which basically creates an unfavorable environment for pregnancy to occur!
The most common side effects for women taking hormonal contraceptives are breast tenderness, change in menstrual cycle, and possible weight changes. These side effects generally last up to 3 months, but vary depending on your method. Be sure to ask your provider for any side effects!
The most commonly known birth control is the pill, which comes in multiple varieties. Basically the pill works with your cycle, for the most part on a 28 day cycle. You’ll take 21 “active” pills, and then 7 “inactive” or placebo pills. You get your period the days you’re taking the inactive pills! There are different oral contraceptives like yaz and loestrin, which is 24 active pills, and 4 inactive, so you should have a shorter period with those. Now there is also seasonal/seasonique which are designed to give you your period only 4 times a year! Once every three months! Just remember, you want to take the pill at the same time everyday or it could lose its effectiveness!
Then we have the Nuvaring. The nuvaring is a slender and flexible vaginal ring that you insert manually. You insert the ring and leave it in place for 3 weeks, after the 3 weeks is up you take the ring out for one whole week, and during that time you should get your period. One of the greatest things about the ring, is you can’t feel it (And no, neither can your partner)! If you do feel it at all, it probably means you didn’t push it back far enough, so gently use your fingers to push it back, but don’t worry there is no chance of pushing it to far back or losing it, your cervix is going to prevent that from occurring.
Next, the Ortho-Evra patch. The patch is a thin beige square patch that you can wear anywhere besides your hands/feet and breasts. You put a new patch on once a week, for 3 straight weeks, on the 4th week, do not put another patch on, and that’s when you should get your period! Just a reminder, whenever you’re changing your patch, try not to put it in the same spot, just to avoid irritation! If you use the patch correctly, and avoid putting lotion by it, you don’t have to worry about the patch falling off.
The shot! The Depo-Provera shot is an injection that you get 4 times a year, given in either your upper arm, or buttock. Unlike the other birth controls I’ve mentioned, the shot does not regulate your period! It’s only protecting you from pregnancy. The shot is a good idea for women who don’t want to have to keep track of something every day (like the pill). However, since the shot is given only 4 times a year, your doctor may not prescribe you the shot unless you have previously used some other form of hormonal contraceptives, because you want to be sure you won’t have any serious side effects.
And finally, the IUD- the intra-uterine devices. The IUD is a plastic T shape device that gets inserted into the uterus by a physician. The IUD is the most effect form of contraceptive. There are currently two types, the Mirena, and the Paraguard. The Mirena can stay in place in your uterus for up to 5 years, and the paraguard for up to 12! Like I said, the device is inserted by a physician and removed by a physician, not ever by yourself! After the physician inserts the IUD you will come back a few months later just to make sure everything’s ok. There are some rare side effects to the IUD but I think they are important to note. There is an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, very rarely the IUD can be pushed through the wall of the uterus. Pelvic infection can occur after the insertion (to avoid this, use a condom for about a month after insertion) and there is a possibility of scarring during insertion which can lead to sterility.
There is a lot more information for each form of birth control so if you have any questions please feel free to ask! Make sure to talk with your doctor to see what type of contraceptive method is best for you.
Showing posts with label Birth Control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birth Control. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Is it true about......
Guest Comment by SBI Health Education intern, Danielle O.
Does the birth control pill cause cancer? Can an IUD cause painful sex? Does the “withdrawal” or “pulling out” method really work? Are two condoms better than one?
Today, it is hard to tell the facts from myths as far as the everyday forms of birth control go. Many people of all ages share the same misconceptions, or simply just do not know the answers to some of the questions they may have regarding the appropriate form and proper use of contraceptives. Indeed, due to the large and varying options available to us today, it is easy to get confused or misinformed.
The common misconception that keeps many women from using the pill, which is a highly effective method, is the fear that cancer is linked to the use. According to Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU School of Medicine in New York, “ the pill is not a cancer-causing agent, but a cancer-reducing agent, with good science to show that with continued pill use there’s a dramatic and continued reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer, and even uterine cancer.”
Among the concerns listed above, questions about the intrauterine device (IUD) are quite common. Along with the frequently asked questions regarding intercourse, clients also ask if there if is interference of tampon use, and if it's possible for the device to become dislodged or move out of place. Research has shown that the answer is 'no.' Erika Banks, MD, associate residency director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y states, “an IUD will not interfere with tampon use, and, when properly inserted, it should not get dislodged during sex or cause you any pain, and your partner should not feel it either."
Continuing on with the misconceptions, one of the most popular is the withdrawal, or pulling out method. According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, the effectiveness of the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. This respectfully speaking is contingent on the person’s methods just the same in comparison to proper use of condoms.
As for the idea that two condoms may be better than one, the friction of wearing two at the same time will create enough friction to cause both of the condoms to break or tear. As long as the condom is being used properly (expiration date checked, there is an air pocket, it is worn properly, and there is enough room left in the reservoir tip) one condom is what is approved and deemed effective.
It’s easy to see why just a few of the mentioned myths and other misconceptions about contraceptives are so considerable and forthrightly believable if not informed otherwise. Birth control is one of the most talked about topics, and yet people are still not getting the proper facts and information, and sometimes it all too confusing between myth and fact when it comes to sexual health.
Sources:
Steven Goldstein, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, NYU School of Medicine. Margaret Polaneczky, MD, associate clinical professor, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York. Erika Banks, MD, associate director of residency, Montifiore Medical Center, New York.
Does the birth control pill cause cancer? Can an IUD cause painful sex? Does the “withdrawal” or “pulling out” method really work? Are two condoms better than one?
Today, it is hard to tell the facts from myths as far as the everyday forms of birth control go. Many people of all ages share the same misconceptions, or simply just do not know the answers to some of the questions they may have regarding the appropriate form and proper use of contraceptives. Indeed, due to the large and varying options available to us today, it is easy to get confused or misinformed.
The common misconception that keeps many women from using the pill, which is a highly effective method, is the fear that cancer is linked to the use. According to Steven Goldstein, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU School of Medicine in New York, “ the pill is not a cancer-causing agent, but a cancer-reducing agent, with good science to show that with continued pill use there’s a dramatic and continued reduction in the incidence of ovarian cancer, and even uterine cancer.”
Among the concerns listed above, questions about the intrauterine device (IUD) are quite common. Along with the frequently asked questions regarding intercourse, clients also ask if there if is interference of tampon use, and if it's possible for the device to become dislodged or move out of place. Research has shown that the answer is 'no.' Erika Banks, MD, associate residency director of obstetrics and gynecology at Montifiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y states, “an IUD will not interfere with tampon use, and, when properly inserted, it should not get dislodged during sex or cause you any pain, and your partner should not feel it either."
Continuing on with the misconceptions, one of the most popular is the withdrawal, or pulling out method. According to a study from the Guttmacher Institute, the effectiveness of the withdrawal method is about 96 percent. This respectfully speaking is contingent on the person’s methods just the same in comparison to proper use of condoms.
As for the idea that two condoms may be better than one, the friction of wearing two at the same time will create enough friction to cause both of the condoms to break or tear. As long as the condom is being used properly (expiration date checked, there is an air pocket, it is worn properly, and there is enough room left in the reservoir tip) one condom is what is approved and deemed effective.
It’s easy to see why just a few of the mentioned myths and other misconceptions about contraceptives are so considerable and forthrightly believable if not informed otherwise. Birth control is one of the most talked about topics, and yet people are still not getting the proper facts and information, and sometimes it all too confusing between myth and fact when it comes to sexual health.
Sources:
Steven Goldstein, MD, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, NYU School of Medicine. Margaret Polaneczky, MD, associate clinical professor, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York. Erika Banks, MD, associate director of residency, Montifiore Medical Center, New York.
Monday, December 7, 2009
The OTHER condom......
The Female Condom
Guest comment by Olympia J., SBI Health Education intern
There are three types of male condoms: latex, polyurethane, and natural skin sheath. The male condom is everywhere from local pharmacies, to doctor offices, schools and health fairs. There is also the female condom which is made primarily from polyurethane and sometimes from latex. When used properly, the female condom is effective at preventing pregnancy, transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). What makes the female condom appealing is that it gives women more control over their sexual health instead of depending solely on a male. However, none of these potential benefits can be realized because of the scarcity of the female condom. Some of us may have heard of the female condom but have never seen, read about, or bought one. How many of us have gone into a pharmacy and seen the countless boxes of male condoms varying in color, flavor and size? Now, how many of us have gone into a pharmacy and have seen countless boxes of the female condom? Exactly! You don’t. Now is time to globalize and advertise the female condom!
So let’s get started with Female Condom 101: The general structure of the female condom is a pouch that contains an inner ring and an outer-ring. Female condoms are clear colored and are generally the same shape and size. There are two approved types of female condoms in the United States, the FC and the FC 2. Here is how to use a female condom:
For instructions with images, check out Female Health Company's instructional video
1) Squeeze the inner ring with your thumb and index fingers
2) Get into a comfortable position either by squatting, laying down, or lifting up your leg (similar to inserting a tampon)
3) Push female condom as far back as it can go (it will be stopped by your cervix), make sure it is securely positioned between the pelvic bone and the cervix.
4) The outer ring will hang outside the vagina. Make sure it covers the labia and that your partner enters through the outer-ring.
5) When you are done, grab the outer ring, twist the pouch, pull out the female condom and discard of it (although the female condom looks sturdy, IT IS NOT APPROVED FOR REUSE!)
Information from:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/femalecondom.htm
http://www.avert.org/female-condom
Guest comment by Olympia J., SBI Health Education intern
There are three types of male condoms: latex, polyurethane, and natural skin sheath. The male condom is everywhere from local pharmacies, to doctor offices, schools and health fairs. There is also the female condom which is made primarily from polyurethane and sometimes from latex. When used properly, the female condom is effective at preventing pregnancy, transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). What makes the female condom appealing is that it gives women more control over their sexual health instead of depending solely on a male. However, none of these potential benefits can be realized because of the scarcity of the female condom. Some of us may have heard of the female condom but have never seen, read about, or bought one. How many of us have gone into a pharmacy and seen the countless boxes of male condoms varying in color, flavor and size? Now, how many of us have gone into a pharmacy and have seen countless boxes of the female condom? Exactly! You don’t. Now is time to globalize and advertise the female condom!
So let’s get started with Female Condom 101: The general structure of the female condom is a pouch that contains an inner ring and an outer-ring. Female condoms are clear colored and are generally the same shape and size. There are two approved types of female condoms in the United States, the FC and the FC 2. Here is how to use a female condom:
For instructions with images, check out Female Health Company's instructional video
1) Squeeze the inner ring with your thumb and index fingers
2) Get into a comfortable position either by squatting, laying down, or lifting up your leg (similar to inserting a tampon)
3) Push female condom as far back as it can go (it will be stopped by your cervix), make sure it is securely positioned between the pelvic bone and the cervix.
4) The outer ring will hang outside the vagina. Make sure it covers the labia and that your partner enters through the outer-ring.
5) When you are done, grab the outer ring, twist the pouch, pull out the female condom and discard of it (although the female condom looks sturdy, IT IS NOT APPROVED FOR REUSE!)
Information from:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/femalecondom.htm
http://www.avert.org/female-condom
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Accidents Happen. Be Prepared.
On July 13, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Plan B® One-Step, a new emergency contraception pill. Plan B One-Step gives women the option of helping to prevent an unplanned pregnancy with a single dose instead of two doses. It will be available in about a month.
Emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse.
Accidents happen. Did you have intercourse without using protection? Did you forget to use your birth control correctly? Did the condom break, leaving you worried about becoming pregnant? If so, emergency contraception might be a good choice for you.
The FDA has also made Plan B available from drugstores and health centers without a prescription for women and men 17 and older (previously, it was available to people 18 and older). If you are interested in getting Plan B and are 17 or older, you can now get it directly from either a Planned Parenthood health center or from your local drugstore. If you are younger than 17, you'll need to go to Planned Parenthood, other health center, or private health care provider for a prescription.
We all like to be prepared. That is why it's a great idea to keep some Plan B in your medicine cabinet or bedside table in case of an accident. Having the morning after pill on hand will let you take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, when it is most effective. If you are younger than 17, you can ask your health care provider for a prescription that you can fill ahead of time.
Post from Planned Parenthood Action Center
Emergency contraception (also known as the morning after pill) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse.
Accidents happen. Did you have intercourse without using protection? Did you forget to use your birth control correctly? Did the condom break, leaving you worried about becoming pregnant? If so, emergency contraception might be a good choice for you.
The FDA has also made Plan B available from drugstores and health centers without a prescription for women and men 17 and older (previously, it was available to people 18 and older). If you are interested in getting Plan B and are 17 or older, you can now get it directly from either a Planned Parenthood health center or from your local drugstore. If you are younger than 17, you'll need to go to Planned Parenthood, other health center, or private health care provider for a prescription.
We all like to be prepared. That is why it's a great idea to keep some Plan B in your medicine cabinet or bedside table in case of an accident. Having the morning after pill on hand will let you take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, when it is most effective. If you are younger than 17, you can ask your health care provider for a prescription that you can fill ahead of time.
Post from Planned Parenthood Action Center
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