What Everyone Should Know About Withdrawal Method

The withdrawal method, or coitus interruptus as it is properly known, is a method of contraception. A commonly understood sexual term, the name means pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation, to prevent unwanted pregnancies from occurring. It has been described as easy and convenient by some, and as dangerous and unreliable by others, but what is the truth about this method, can it affect your wellness and wellbeing and, most importantly, can it lead to pregnancy?

 

The method is commonly used by people who either for philosophical or health reasons are unable to use condoms or hormonal contraception. It can also be used when someone becomes involved in sexual activity but does not have another form of contraception available. It can also be used if you are transitioning between methods of birth control.

 

The best thing about this method is that anyone can use it anywhere at any time. You don’t need any preparation and there is no financial outlay required. Also, the lack of chemicals or hormones involved in this method can be a big plus, especially for those who are averse to the idea of putting hormones into their body. There are no side effects to the method.

 

On the other hand, although fairly safe, this method is not totally infallible. Some men miscalculate when they are going to orgasm and start their ejaculation whilst still inside the vagina, before pulling out. If the female is ovulating at the time, she can then become pregnant. This method also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

 

In order to make sure that you are protected against unwanted pregnancies, this method should be avoided during the time of ovulation. Men should also pull out as soon as they feel that they are close to ovulating, in order to prevent accidental ejaculation.

Categories: contraception, Ejaculation, ithdrawal, method, nbsp, Sex, time, unwanted pregnancies, withdrawal method

Is A Male Birth Control Pill On The Horizon?

The birth control pill celebrated its 50th birthday in 2010, a contraceptive that completely changed and revolutionised the world of female orientated contraception. By 1978, birth control was freely prescribed to both married and single women, and since then women have gained waves of independence in being able to have sex free of the worry of unwanted pregnancy.  Today, the pill is the most popular form of birth control for women under 30 and with good reason. The birth control family certainly has seen many additions over the years, from IUDs to patches and implants, but the majority of these are female-focused. But that looks set to change in the coming years. The male birth control pill has still not graced the contraceptive market, but it seems that pharmaceutical companies are looking into a form of long-term, reversible contraception that’s designed for men. So far, they’ve all fallen short. Men aren’t at a loss when it comes to contraception, with five non-medical options to choose from. These include abstinence, condoms, outercourse, vasectomy and the withdrawal method. But some men complain that none of these options allow them to fully enjoy sex, with condoms affecting the sensation in the penis and vasectomies requiring additional surgery if they want to reverse the procedure.

It wouldn’t eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, much as the female birth control pill doesn’t, but the male birth control pill could be an attractive contraception alternative for a number of reasons. To begin with, it would enable men and women to share the responsibility of contraception a little more fairly. It would also help alleviate the fear of the long term impact on fertility for women. As female birth control also affects the female libido, a male birth control option could be a more stimulating form of contraception for both partners. But how does this medication work in stopping 120 million sperm from being released during the ejaculation process? The female pill works with hormones to stop the ovaries from producing an egg each month, stopping the risk of fertilisation. But pharmaceutical companies have largely given up on this process for men, as testosterone differs from oestrogen or progesterone. The resulting birth control method would require men to combine testosterone implants with the pill, and most men wouldn’t go to such lengths for contraception.

 

One of the first non-hormonal methods to have a breakthrough is the way of disabling sperm instead of shutting down the production. When sperm are formed in the testes they are immobile, but when they pass through the epididymis they are then able to swim. Researchers believe that blocking the Cs protein, which ‘turns on’ the tails, could immobilise the sperm entirely. There is still much work to be done in forming a pill that men can use. There are risks attached, such as whether men will take the pill and whether women will trust men to take it, but at this stage in the decade-long pursuit for a reversible form of contraception, more research is vital. Recent research suggests that interest in the pill even hitting the market has dwindled considerably. Although people see contraception as a joint responsibility, it seems that not as many men are excited by the concept of the male birth control pill. Only time will tell whether researchers are able to formulate a contraceptive that appeals to both men and women.

Categories: birth, Birth Control, contraception, control, control pill, female birth, Long term, male birth, men, pharmaceutical companies, Pill, sexual health

Thinking of Taking the Morning After Pill Today?

If you have had a risky sexual encounter and think that you may be in danger of getting pregnant, you need to act quickly. The realisation that you may be at risk for having an unexpected pregnancy can be quite scary, and can be difficult for your emotional wellness and wellbeing. Fortunately, you can make the experience far simpler with the help of emergency contraceptives, otherwise known as the morning after pill.

 

Using emergency contraception dramatically reduces your chances of getting pregnant, particularly if you take it soon after the unprotected sex. Older versions of emergency contraception used to contain oestrogen and progestin, whereas the newer ones only contain progestin, and have far fewer side effects than the old style.

 

The most common side effect to the morning after pill is gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting. Around 43 percent of people who took the old style morning after pill reported that they experienced nausea, whereas only 18 percent of people who took the new style progestin only pill suffered from this side effect. Vomiting is also far less common in people who took the new pill – occurring in only 4 percent of those who took the new style as opposed to 16 percent of those who took the old one.

 

If a woman experiences vomiting within an hour of taking the emergency contraception, it is normally advised that she takes some anti sickness drugs and takes the emergency contraception again, otherwise there is a chance that the medication has been removed from the body too quickly before it has had time to work, and pregnancy could occur.

 

If side effects do occur, you should take a small amount of highly digestible foods, and avoid dehydration in order to reduce the risks of vomiting. If you feel nausea, there is not much that you can do to reduce the symptom but it will thankfully disappear quite quickly.

Categories: contraception, Emergency, Emergency contraception, Morning, percent, Pill, style

Is There Such a Thing as the Male Birth Control Pill?

There are so many myths when it comes to sexual health that it can be difficult to know what to do for the best, to protect your wellness and wellbeing. The pill is one area where there are a lot of misconceptions (if you’ll pardon the pun!)

 

For example, some people believe that brand-name and generic pills are totally interchangeable. Whilst it is true that the quality of the drug between a brand name and generic pill will be equal, the dose variant is much larger in generic pills, with around 10 percent variation as opposed to 3 percent in brand name pills. For that reason, if you are sensitive to the hormones in the pill, you should always stick to a brand name variety.

 

Another recent scare has been that the pill may cause breast cancer. At the time of writing, there is no evidence to support this whatsoever. Women who have had breast cancer are advised not to take the pill, but there is nothing to say that it actually increases your risk. What’s more, studies have shown that women who took the pill for five years or more had a significant reduction in ovarian cancer and a smaller, but still significant, reduction in uterine cancer, so it may actually be beneficial.

 

One thing about the pill that is true, however, is that it can interact with other medications. Antibiotics such as rifampin, doxycycline and amoxicillin can all make the pill less effective so you should employ additional methods of contraception whilst on these drugs.

 

You also don’t really have to take your pill at the same time every day – that is a myth. It’s a good idea to take it at a set time purely because you will be more likely to remember. You can tie it in with an activity such as brushing your teeth, to help it become part of your routine. As long as you take it within a 12 hour window each day, however, it should be effective.

Categories: brand, breast cancer, cancer, contraception, generic pills, Myths, nbsp, Pill, Pills, significant reduction

Is There Such a Thing as the Male Birth Control Pill?

There are so many myths when it comes to sexual health that it can be difficult to know what to do for the best, to protect your wellness and wellbeing. The pill is one area where there are a lot of misconceptions (if you’ll pardon the pun!)

 

For example, some people believe that brand-name and generic pills are totally interchangeable. Whilst it is true that the quality of the drug between a brand name and generic pill will be equal, the dose variant is much larger in generic pills, with around 10 percent variation as opposed to 3 percent in brand name pills. For that reason, if you are sensitive to the hormones in the pill, you should always stick to a brand name variety.

 

Another recent scare has been that the pill may cause breast cancer. At the time of writing, there is no evidence to support this whatsoever. Women who have had breast cancer are advised not to take the pill, but there is nothing to say that it actually increases your risk. What’s more, studies have shown that women who took the pill for five years or more had a significant reduction in ovarian cancer and a smaller, but still significant, reduction in uterine cancer, so it may actually be beneficial.

 

One thing about the pill that is true, however, is that it can interact with other medications. Antibiotics such as rifampin, doxycycline and amoxicillin can all make the pill less effective so you should employ additional methods of contraception whilst on these drugs.

 

You also don’t really have to take your pill at the same time every day – that is a myth. It’s a good idea to take it at a set time purely because you will be more likely to remember. You can tie it in with an activity such as brushing your teeth, to help it become part of your routine. As long as you take it within a 12 hour window each day, however, it should be effective.

Categories: brand, breast cancer, cancer, contraception, generic pills, Myths, nbsp, Pill, Pills, significant reduction

Are Teens Becoming Confused by Birth Control Options?

The worries of birth control side effects concern many young people, but there are so many options that are safe, effective and reliable. Contraception offers a number of options to suit you, whether you want something daily, monthly or even every decade. Yet nearly half of pregnancies are unintended, and its because of confusion and uncertainty according to experts. According to research, we now have an entire generation of young adults who are sexually active for the most part, but completely in the dark about what contraceptive to use. They don’t know enough about what’s out there to make a reliable and informed decision, so many either don’t use it at all or don’t use it correctly. The result is unplanned pregnancies and a higher abortion rate. In a recent study in America, 42 per cent of unmarried 18 to 29 year olds said they didn’t know very much about birth control pills, and two-thirds said they knew even less about effective long-lasting contraceptives. Around a third said that they believed there is a good contraceptive for their needs, but that they didn’t know what it was.

It’s not just teens and young adults who don’t know the answers to questions like how long contraceptives last, and which one is most suited to them. If you consider that half of all girls are sexually active by the time they reach 17 years of age, and that menopause hits around 50 for most women, that’s several decades of contraceptive use to avoid unplanned pregnancy. The right choice at 20 might not stay the right choice when you’re in your 40s. Surprisingly, the most popular form of birth control in the U.S is a vasectomy for men and tube tying for women. When it comes to the most popular reversible contraceptive, the pill is number one for many women. However, this is only reliable when it’s taken properly – sickness or missing a dose can lower the chance of it being effective. There are other benefits too, such as long-term users having a lower risk of ovarian cancer, less chance of menstrual cramps and less chance of acne.

When it comes to reliability, the two long-lasting products that are the most effective are also the two that most women haven’t heard of. These are the IUD and the implant. The former is a T-shaped device that sits in the uterus to block sperm. The implant is a matchstick-sized rod that emits hormones to prevent pregnancy, and this sits in the arm. The implant can sit happily in the arm for three years, and the IUD can last either five or ten years depending on the brand. Each is ideal for women who aren’t ready to think about pregnancy just yet, but also don’t want to be thinking about contraception on a daily basis. And if you change your mind, you can just have it removed sooner. While some women may experience a little pain, the newer brands on the market offer less side effects and is more appealing to women. Only a fraction of women in the U.S use these forms of contraception, despite them being effective and hassle-free – just 5.6 per cent according to the latest data. They seem to be more common in Europe though. There are so many varieties of contraception that finding one to suit you perfectly is easy. It’s simply a case of speaking to your GP and talking through your options.

Categories: birth, Birth Control, contraception, contraceptive, effective, long lasting, sexual health, sexually active, teens, Women, young adults

Why Should You Consider Using a Cervical Cap During Sex?

Using protection is absolutely essential to your sexual health, so why do so many women leave it up to the guys to sort it out? You need to use condoms to protect your wellbeing against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but as condoms aren’t 100% effective, most wellness experts will recommend doubling up on your protection. Some women turn to the Pill or the Patch for birth control but if you don’t like the idea of messing with your hormones, and you know you won’t remember to regularly take a pill or replace a patch, you might like to consider the cervical cap.

 

The cervical cap is a silicone, thimble-shaped cup that fits over your cervix (or the part of your uterus that opens into the upper part of your vagina. The cap provides a barrier (hence, barrier method of contraception) between your partner’s sperm and your egg. The cap also gives you added protection through its coating of spermicide. Instead of relying on yourself to turn to protection in the heat of the moment, the cap can be inserted up to six hours before having sex and must be left in for six to 48 hours – no more, no less. If you’re having sex more than once during this time, you should add spermicide to the cap each time and leave the cap in for at least six hours after sex.

 

When removing the cap, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The cap has to be placed properly in order to work, so you should be comfortable feeling for your cervix deep inside your vagina. To remove the cap, you have to place your finger inside your vagina and pull it out. Then, you must wash the cap with mild soap and water, rinse it, air dry it and store it in its case every time you use it. You shouldn’t dust the cap with talcum powder or use it with oil-based lubricants such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil. This is because these substances can interfere with the material in the cap, causing it to become brittle and crap. This can also be the case with other vaginal creams, such as medicines for yeast infection, so tread carefully.

 

So that’s how you use it, but does it actually work? The cervical cap has an 86% success rate of preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, if you’ve already had a baby, the cervical cap will be less effective. Over the course of one year, 29 out of 100 typical couples who use the cervical cap after the woman has had a baby will have an accidental pregnancy. Obviously, your odds of success when using this method of birth control will depend on a number of factors. You’ll need to use the cap correctly, use it every time you have sex, and not have any health conditions or take any medications that might interfere with its use.

 

While the cervical cap is known as a barrier method of contraception – as it provides a barrier between the sperm and the egg – that does not mean it does the exact same job as condoms; protection against STIs. The cervical cap will not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, if you’re having sex with someone who has never been tested for STIs, you must always make sure he wears a condom, even if you’re wearing your cervical cap. As a doctor or nurse has to fit you for a cervical cap, and will teach you more about inserting and removing it, consult your GP for more information.

Categories: barrier, barrier method, Birth Control, cervical, cervical cap, contraception, effectiveness, nbsp, Protection, sexually transmitted, time

How Has Birth Control Developed Over The Years?

Sex comes with the consideration of contraception, and while it may seem like it’s a burden, it’s surprising how far its developed in just the last century. And with that, there’s even more innovations to come. From the early days of makeshift condoms and crocodile dung to the dry orgasm pill, contraceptives have seen many developments and guises. In the 1950s, doctors knew that a few medications, usually taken from high blood pressure and schizophrenia, could make male patients sterile. But in 2006, researchers finally realised why – both of these medications freeze the muscle contractions that propel sperm through the reproductive tract. The result is the same orgasm, simply without the sperm. Researchers are looking into ways to turn this into a marketable pill, but its still in the early stages. On the topic of male drugs, RISUG is one of the most promising male contraceptives which is currently in development. It simply requires one injection to the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries the sperm from the testes to the urethra. The chemical compound that partially blocks the tube but any sperm that makes it past the blockade is damaged, so that it is unable to fertilise the egg. In fact, just one application of this can last up to ten years.

Phthalates are chemicals which are added to plastic to make it more flexible when it’s being used in products, showing up in everything from shampoo bottles to kids toys. They’re actually a major health concern despite their prevalence, with increasing evidence that they could affect puberty and the human reproductive system. The Population Council are looking to build on this though by changing testosterone levels and lowering sperm counts with them, and in doing so creating a new male birth control method. Men are the future of contraceptives, with plenty of development going into finding new effective drugs and treatments. One possible option being researched at the moment is finding a chemical that stops the sperm from maturing, so that they can’t fertilise eggs. It’s thought to be ten or more years away from being ready, but Adjudin could well be the answer – it would probably be in a patch or implant form, rather than a pill.

Women haven’t been forgotten entirely though. In the future, women may well be able to combine normal birth control with a factor that helps them to stay fertile for longer. This could well mean pushing the menopause back by decades. Each month, dozens of eggs begin to grow in the ovaries of a woman, and usually one fully matures where the others simply die. Fertility expert Dr Roger Gosden believes that a career pill could stop this waste and leave more eggs available as a woman reaches her 30s and 40s. The sponge was also popular among Jewish communities, and was just that – a dried piece of sea sponge wrapped in silk and with a string attached for removal. Women often soaked it in lemon juice or vinegar to kill off sperm. But sometimes the best methods are those which have been around the longest. Originally made out of animal guts or linen, condoms have been a long-lasting contraceptive that has been used for centuries thanks to its reliability and effectiveness. The remains of real condoms, dating back to the 1600s, have been found in the UK; artistic representations have even been found in Egyptian drawings that date back more than 3000 years.

Categories: Birth Control, contraception, contraceptives, history, male, Pill, Sex, sperm, years

Vasectomy: A Guide to the Procedure

A vasectomy is considered to be a permanent form of contraception which can stop you from getting your partner pregnant – however, one in 2,000 men will still impregnate their partner after a vasectomy procedure. It also doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections, meaning that if you’re sleeping with a new partner, you will still need to use protection. A common myth, a vasectomy doesn’t affect your sex drive or your ability to enjoy sex – you’ll still be able to get erections and the same amount of semen will still be produced when you ejaculate. The only difference is that the semen produced after a vasectomy won’t contain sperm. This procedure is permanent, so it’s vital that you’re sure that you don’t want children before you go ahead with this procedure. Some men regret their decision after having a vasectomy, though this is more common in men who are under 30 and have no children. There is a process known as a vasectomy reversal, but this doesn’t guarantee that your fertility will be restored. There are alternatives to a vasectomy, such as long-term hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives for women. Both female and male condoms are also available, which also protect against STIs.

 

Your doctor will talk you through the operation, and the various ways in which you can prepare for it. For example, you will need to stop smoking as this increases your risk of getting a wound infection, which can slow your recovery time down. There are several places this operation can be carried out, such as in a hospital, a GP practice or at a private clinic. They are usually carried out under local anaesthesia, which blocks the pain in your groin area but means you can stay awake during the operation. The operation doesn’t take very long, usually being completed in about 15 minutes. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect and been given time to work, your doctor will attempt to find the vas deferens – they may use a forceps-like instrument to create a small opening in the skin above this area, or make two cuts in you scrotum. They will then pull out a section of each vas deferens and cut each tube, which are then closed off by heating the tissues so that they seal shut, or by tying them. Your doctor will put the tubes back in your scrotum and close up the opening with either dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips.

 

The recovery period from this procedure takes about a week, but it varies between each man so it’s vital that you follow your doctor’s advice to aid recovery as best you can. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be effective if you need pain relief, but always read the information provided with them to ensure they’re safe. It’s advised that you wear close-fitting and supportive underwear during the day and night, for the first week which will help to support your scrotum while it heals, and ease the swelling and discomfort. You should also avoid any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise – you can have a shower, but it’s important that you dry the area carefully to avoid pulling at the wound while it heals. After the operation, some sperm does remain in the vas deferens but this varies for each man as to how long it stays there for. A few months after your operation, you’ll be asked to provide a sperm sample to test whether the procedure was effective and to see if the semen is clear of sperm. With regards to having sex after your operation, this can be whenever you feel comfortable, but you should use contraception until you have been advised that you are no longer fertile.

Categories: contraception, doctor, operation, procedure, sexual health, sperm, vas deferens, vasectomy

How to Take Care of Your Sexual Health on Holiday

When you’re on holiday, it feels like all bets are off with regards to your wellness, and so your judgement goes out the window. Sure, it’s ok to indulge in good food and a cheeky cocktail – you are here to enjoy yourself – but taking care of your sexual health is a different story. When you have unprotected sex on holiday, the sun, sea and sand don’t change the fact that you can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or become pregnant. This is why it’s important to protect your wellbeing when having sex on holiday, and know where to go for help if you need it.

 

In England, 427,000 new cases of STIs were diagnosed in 2011, rising by 2% from the previous year. Your in the highest risk groups for getting an STI if you’re a straight (heterosexual)15-24 year-old, or a man who has sex with men (MSM). According to sexual health consultant Dr O’Mahony, who sees a clear increase in the numbers of patients during the summer at Chester Sexual Health GUM clinic, ‘People usually get symptoms a week to two weeks after they get back from holiday. People let their guard down on holiday, and some drink and then do things they wouldn’t dream of at home.’

 

The problem with STIs is that not everyone develops symptoms, and so your wellness could be affected without you even realising. Chlamydia, for example, doesn’t cause symptoms in 50% of men and 70-80% of women who are infected. Similarly, if you get HIV you tend to experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection, but then HIV often causes no symptoms for several years after this. Still, there are some symptoms you should watch out for – whether you’re on holiday or not – including unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, pain when urinating, bleeding after sex or between periods and itching, sores, blisters or lumps on or around the genitals. As STIs are more common in some countries, having unprotected sex could increase your risk of these nasty symptoms and infections.

 

As you probably already know, using a condom can greatly reduce your risk of pregnancy and STIs, so it’s important to include protection when you’re packing. You might not be able to find condoms when you’re on holiday, and they may not have the CE mark which indicates that they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Buy a pack of condoms before you go away, and keep then away from any oil-based products in your suitcase. Condoms can be damaged by moisturiser, lotion (including sun cream), baby oil and even lipstick, and heat can also be a problem so you should store your condoms in a cool, dry place when you get there.

 

If you’re on the Pill, patch or implant, your holiday could make this pregnancy prevention less effective. If you can a stomach bug, the vomiting or diarrhoea can interfere with the pill, while some antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs can get in the way of all kinds of contraception (barring the condom). However, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as the injection, intrauterine system (IUS) and intrauterine device (IUD), are not affected by illness or medication. Still, if you are on the Pill, patch or implant and need prescription medication while you’re away, you should tell the doctor about your contraception and make sure you use a condom while taking the meds, and for 28 days afterwards. Dr O’Mahony adds, ‘Try to avoid having injections in developing countries if you can. Most antibiotics for STIs can be taken orally. Ask for a copy of your drug leaflet [the leaflet that comes with your medication and for details of tests and results, and bring them with you when you have your check-up at home.’

Categories: Condoms, contraception, holiday, nbsp, pill patch, Sex on Holiday, sexual health, STIs, Symptoms, unprotected sex

Contraception: The Facts Everyone Should Know

Contraception should tick a lot of boxes in one go – it should be cheap, easy to use, convenient, reversible and without any side effects. Beyond anything else though, it should protect against STDs as well as pregnancy. The type of contraception you use needs to fit your lifestyle perfectly, as well as your future goals for having a family or not. There are numerous choices out there, each with their own set of pros and cons – it’s simply a matter of sifting through until you find one which best suits your needs. From barrier methods to monitoring your natural cycle, choosing the right contraception is vital for a happy and safe sex life.

 

Natural methods are popular with women who don’t want to worry about hormones disrupting their natural cycle. They can be a little cumbersome but once you get the hang of them, they can be very effective. Natural methods of contraception include the rhythm method, which requires the woman to record the length of her menstrual cycle for several months. In doing this, she can then subtract 19 days from the shortest cycle and nine from the longest – this period of time will give her her most fertile period. During this stage, if she abstains from sex, she will be able to prevent pregnancy. The Basal body temperature technique goes by the body temperature recorded with a special thermometer. A woman’s body temperature rises after ovulation, and women are advised to avoid sex for up to three days post ovulation – this method is tricky to get right and easy to fail with though. The pull-out method, often favoured by teens, is a method which involves the male withdrawing his penis just as he is about to ejaculate. There is no special device needed nor any prescription, but there is a high failure rate and the risk of STDs as well. This method isn’t recommended as a safe and effective form of contraception.

Oral contraceptives contain two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which regularise your periods, prevent ovarian cysts and reduce the pain and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. For many women, they are a miracle in the fight against painful periods. However, there are other side effects such as nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness and the risk of blood clots. Your GP is the best person to advise you as to whether or not the pill is the best form of contraception for you – while there are risks, they are also very efficient in protecting against pregnancy. Likewise, the contraceptive injection is very effective and can last up to two to three months. Some women find that these injections cause irregular periods, weight gain, leg cramps and depression – this is also worth discussing first with your GP. The IUD is a copper device which is fitted into the womb and creates an inhospitable environment so that a fertilised egg can’t settle and impregnate itself. They are fitted by a professional and can last up to ten years, so they’re great for women who don’t want to consider children for a long time. However, there is a risk of cramps, heavy bleeding and even infection. If you don’t want to go down the hormonal route, there is still the barrier methods. Including male and female condoms, this method protects against STDs as well as pregnancy and can be hugely effective in achieving both. It’s important to remember that no methods besides abstinence can offer 100 percent success, but the barrier method is a popular choice which many find to be effective and fits well into their lifestyle.

Categories: barrier methods, body temperature, contraception, cycle, hormones, menstrual cycle, method, natural cycle, Natural Methods, Sex, Women

How to Work Out Which Contraceptive Method is Right For You

If you were asked to name all the different methods of contraception, I reckon you’d at least come up with condoms and the Pill. However, there are 15 different methods of contraception, so why do so many of us limit out sexual wellness to just two types? Sure, a condom is the only way to prevent an STI, but that leaves you with 14 other choices for pregnancy prevention. In sexual health and wellbeing, we are all individuals and there are many different factors that can help determine which kind of contraception will work best for you.

 

1. How effective are the different methods?

For a contraceptive that’s more than 99% effective, your options are the contraceptive injection, the contraceptive implant, an intrauterine system (IUS), or the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the coil. If used correctly, the contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, combined pill and progestogen-only pill are more than 99% effective, while natural family planning is 99% effective if used according to teaching instructions. The male condom is 98% effective if used correctly, the female condom is 95% effective if used correctly, and the diaphragm with spermicide and the cap with spermicide are 92-96% effective if used correctly.

 

2. What will work best in your routine?

If you’re an organised person, you may prefer a method you need to take every day, such as the pill. Otherwise, you may want to use a method that you only need to use when you have sex, such as the male or female condom. However, if you’re likely to forget to keep a regular routine or get caught up in the moment, you should consider methods such as the patch, injection or implant, which you don’t need to use every day or each time you have sex.

 

3. How comfortable are you with inserting contraceptives into your vagina?

Female condoms, a diaphragm or cap and a vaginal ring are great options for women who are comfortable inserting contraceptives into their own vaginas. If you don’t like that idea, but would be ok with a health professional inserting the contraceptive, an IUD or IUS can give you a long-term solution. Otherwise, you can pick non-insert contraceptives, like the implant, injection, patch or pill.

 

4. Do you mind if you’re not regular?

As certain contraceptives can affect your periods, this can be cause for concern among some women. Some contraceptives can make your periods heavy or more irregular, which is worth asking your doctor about before you start any new methods. However, the pill, patch, injection, IUS and vaginal ring can make your periods lighter or more infrequent. Ask a health professional for more details.

 

5. Do you smoke?

Most types of contraception are fine for smokers to use, but smokers over the age of 35 should only consider the IUS, IUD, implant, injection and the progestogen-only pill. Other methods, such as the combined pill or the vaginal ring, can be harmful to smokers so ask your doctor for more information before trying a new method.

 

6. Are you overweight?

Again, regardless of your weight, most types of contraception are ok to use and won’t cause weight gain. Still, if you use the injection for two years or more, this can cause a small amount of weight gain so take that into consideration.

 

7. Are you taking medicines for other conditions?

Certain contraceptives are affected by other medications, but your doctor should be able to tell you if yours will clash. Generally, you’re safe with the IUD, injection, diaphragm or cap and male and female condoms, regardless of anything else you’re taking.

Categories: combined pill, contraception, female condom, health professional, inserting contraceptives, Irregular Periods, Smoking, vaginal ring

Are You Putting Your Health at Risk With the Pill?

The contraceptive pill has hit the headlines recently for worrying claims that it could be a harmful medication. In a study carried out by Indiana University, researchers discovered that women taking the contraceptive pill felt less sexy overall, had fewer orgasms and less frequent sex, as well as finding it more difficult to become aroused. There is an increasing list of health risks attached to the pill, from breast tenderness and nausea to more serious claims such as blood clots, high blood pressure and even stroke. However, there could now be new risks which aren’t laid out on the list provided by your local family planning clinic which could make you rethink your method of contraception. Long term use of the birth control pill could increase the risk of artery build-ups in your body, which may in turn increase your risk of heart disease. In a study involving 1300 healthy women aged between 35 and 55, there was up to a 30 percent increase in the prevalence of plaque for every 10 years of oral contraceptive use. The researchers highlighted that the plaques were small and not large enough to block an artery, but any plaque is a risk to your heart health. Around 100 million women around the world use oral contraceptives, all of which could now be risking their hearts for the sake of an easy pregnancy preventative.

 

There are many health risks which are increased by the use of the oral contraceptive pill. For example, this form of birth control can more than double your risk of fatal blood clots, as well as making your bones thinner and increasing your blood pressure. Some studies claim that it could also increase your risk of developing cervical and breast cancers. Besides the serious health risks, there are also some unpleasant side effects which many women report to suffer from due to the influx of artificial hormones flowing through the body. These include irregular bleeding or spotting, weight gain, mood changes, migraines and nausea, breast tenderness, and yeast overgrowth or infection. Because there are other options for birth control which don’t rely on hormones, many GPs advise choosing an alternative form of contraception. Such methods include barrier methods which are far safer, if slightly less convenient, such as condoms.

 

With these methods there are no side effects and no toxic chemicals or substances flooding your body every day. There is also the natural family planning method, or NFP, which you should learn from a reliable source but that can leave you empowered by understanding your menstrual cycle better. The temperature method is another alternative, which works by you pinpointing your day of ovulation so that you can avoid intercourse for a few days before and after it. You take your basal body temperature every morning with an accurate basal thermometer so that you can note the rise in temperature after ovulation. Although this method can be unreliable by itself, as your body temperature can change for a number of reasons, when it is combined with the mucus method it can be very accurate in assessing your fertility. The two methods used together can provide a success rate as high as 98 percent. The mucus method works by tracking the changes in the amount and texture of your vaginal discharge. As your oestrogen levels rise in your body, your discharge will alter. Other methods also include female condoms, the diaphragm and cervical cap. Each has its set of pros and cons, but they don’t require hormones which means you can avoid the stress and risk of the damaging side effects.

Categories: Birth Control, blood clots, body temperature, contraception, contraceptive pill, Health Risks, Pill, Side Effects

Are You a Believer of These Sex Health Myths?

The internet is a great source of information for whatever you need to know about, but it can also be a risky place when it comes to your health. There are so many conflicting opinions online, as well as plenty of myths that can seem plausible if you’re not sure of the basic facts. A recent study carried out by Stanford University found that online information on adolescent reproductive health is riddled with errors and misinformation, which could mean that many of us are believing the wrong information and risking our health in the process. Here are some of the most common myths around sexual health and safe sex practices.

 

The first myth which many people buy into is that you can catch an STD from toilet seats, but this is a complete lie – most infections and diseases can’t survive outside of the body for very long, particularly on a cold and hard surface. This doesn’t even touch on the fact that urine is usually sterile, so you won’t find any STDs being transmitted through it. The main risks when it comes to the spread of STDs are mistakenly innocent activities such as skin-to-skin or mouth-to-mouth contact, which is a possible risk for those carrying STDs. Kissing can lead to herpes, or even oral gonorrhoea, and skin rubbing can spread pubic lice or scabies.

 

Another one which teens often fall for is the myth that you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. It may seem unlikely, but it’s a risk that’s not worth it – it’s been proven that around 20 percent of people get pregnant within the first month of having sex, and you’re just as likely to get pregnant on the first time as any other in your life. Going sans-contraception also puts you at risk of catching STDs. The same can be said of having sex while a woman is on her period – it’s unlikely that you’ll get pregnant, but it can still happen. Sperm can survive in your reproductive tract for up to 72 hours, so if you have sex too close to the end of your cycle you could still get pregnant.

 

The morning after pill is sometimes thought of as an abortion, but this is not true. If you take the morning after pill when you are already pregnant, in other words when the egg has been fertilised, then it won’t make any difference. There is a difference in the drugs used for post-coital contraception and abortions, which is not always made clear by websites and could lead to a risky misunderstanding. Often, women avoid contraceptive pills as they believe that they will make them gain weight. The truth is that there has been little to no evidence of this, even though people still claim it is true. If you do happen to gain weight whilst on contraception, there is no proof that the pill is to blame. Many teenagers also believe that they are unable to use the IUD as it isn’t safe for adolescents – outdated information used to claim that women under the age of 18 weren’t able to have the IUD fitted as it wasn’t safe, but this is no longer thought to be the case. It’s a safe, effective and long-term solution to contraception that many people now opt for. If you’re looking for something stress-free which means you can put the thought of contraception out of your mind for many years, this is a great choice and offers next to no risks.

Categories: contraception, gain weight, health, Information, Myths, Pregnant, sexual health

Contraceptives to Consider Over the Age of 30

There are a number of reasons why you may want to make a change to your birth control – maybe you’ve realised that you’re not one for remembering to pop a pill every day, or you’re worried about the side effects of whatever contraceptive you’re currently using. Whatever the reason, it can be daunting knowing where to begin, with so many options on the market. Here are some popular choices among women over the age of 30 which could prove effective for you too.

 

The combo pill is a surprising choice, as there a number of myths surrounding the side effects for this particular medication. However, there is a growing body of research which suggests this might not be the enemy as we once thought, with 99 percent success rate and the fact that it can ease some of the symptoms of perimenopausal women, such as mood swings and irregular bleeding. Worried about the increase in cancer? New studies claim it could actually help to prevent ovarian and uterine cancers. If you suffer from migraines, though, it’s probably best avoided, as it is thought to trigger headaches and even raise the risk of a stroke in those who suffer with migraines. The same can be said of women over the age of 35 who smoke, as the oestrogen and smoking can increase the risk of blood clots. Women who are breastfeeding may want to try to progestin-only pill, as this won’t affect the milk supply in the mother – this choice is also popular amongst people who have to avoid the oestrogen pills due to blood clot risks or cardiovascular disease. Smokers are also safe with this particular option, but it’s worth remembering that this is slightly less successful than the combo pill. As with anything though, there are downsides – if you struggle to remember things or don’t stick to a routine, this isn’t the best option. It needs to be taken at the same time every day to be effective.

 

The IUD, or the Intrauterine Device to give it its full name, is great for women who don’t want to think about birth control for a long time. This is 99 percent effective and lasts for up to 12 years, meaning you could get one fitted when you’re 40 and be set until menopause. The IUD is a T-shaped device which is fitted by a GP into the uterus to stop the egg becoming fertilised. There is a risk of mild discomfort for some women, but it doesn’t last and not everyone gets it. The downsides are that your periods and menstrual cramping may increase, but a newer model has potentially put a stop to that. Although Mirena, the new device, only lasts five years it means you can expect lighter bleeding. The implant has a shorter shelf life at just three years, but is a great no-fuss option for women who want a longer-term contraceptive without the fuss of getting it removed – the implant can be removed very easily. It’s a matchstick-sized rod which is inserted into the upper arm to release hormones which curb the release of an egg. It’s also nearly 100 percent effective, so there’s less to worry about. However, if you’re significantly overweight, there is a chance that the implant won’t work for you as well, so you may want to speak to your GP.

 

There are numerous choices for contraception – these are just a selection of the most popular. Speak to your GP about the options which are suitable for you, and they will be able to advice which route you should take.

Categories: Birth Control, combo pill, contraception, Device, effective, percent effective, Pill, sexual health, Women, years

Why are GPs not Sharing Information with Teens?

A recent study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, suggests that doctors fail to provide important information about sexual health to sexually active teens on a regular basis, which could be leading to them making the wrong choices with regards to safe sex practices. The report states that doctors refrain from providing this vital information despite the fact that one in five sexually active teenage boys isn’t given information about condoms and birth control, by doctors, parents or teachers. This could be having a detrimental effect on the rising levels of teenage pregnancies in the UK. Laura Duberstein Lindberg, from the Guttmacher Institute in New York, states that previous studies have shown that well-informed sexually active teens have safer sex and show better health conditions than those who have no education on safe sex practices – it’s for this reason that parents and teachers, in addition to health professionals, need to be taking an active role in educating teens about sex.

 

The study involved data from 2006 to 2010 National Survey of Family Growth, where researchers evaluated responses from nearly 1,900 sexually active children aged between 13 and 19 years. All of the participants were asked a series of questions about whether they’d received information about sexual health, including birth control and STIs, from parents, teachers or their local health provider. 55 percent of females and 43 percent of males said that their parents and teachers had discussed birth control with them, and 59 and 66 percent of females and males respectively said that they could cite these sourced for information regarding STI and HIV information. However, only one-third of all participants said the same of their health care providers.

 

Because health care providers have less time with teens, they have a limited portion of time in which to discuss the various options and risks. However, national guidelines call for them to offer contraceptive information and counselling to all sexually active teens as a routine procedure – this study has found that these processes aren’t taking place. As with parents and teachers, some physicians aren’t always comfortable discussing these topics with teenagers, but the alternative is that teens are left at risk of unplanned pregnancies and infections.

Categories: contraception, Doctors, sexual health

7 Ways for a Woman to Take Control of Her Sexual Wellbeing

Health is often about more than simply the physical and this is especially true for women. Our wellbeing – mental and emotional as well as social – is every bit as important as being physically well for all of us. And crucially, all those elements are essential too for women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Here are 7 ways for a woman to take control of her body and improve her wellbeing in every way.

1. Know your body: Examine and explore every single part of your own body so if there are any unexpected or unexplained changes, you spot them right away and, when necessary, consult a doctor.

2. Maintain good personal hygiene: This a basic but important message. Washing your private parts regularly is essential to stop any bacterial or urinary infections. When you are menstruating, it’s even more important to wash properly and thoroughly and to change sanitary ware regularly.

3. Take charge of your own reproduction: Prevent unwanted pregnancy by using contraception such as the pill or intra-uterine devices such as the coil. Find the contraception that suits both your physical needs and your lifestyle – some women find it a bind to take an oral contraceptive daily and so look for more long-term contraception such as an implant. When you are in control of your own reproduction, you can decide when is the right time for you to have a child.

4. Always practice safe sex: Always use a condom to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, HIV, hepatitis and HPV. Using a condom will also help prevent unwanted pregnancies and this form of protection has a higher success rate than other forms of contraception such as the pill.

5. Go for regular smear tests: In the UK, women between 25 and 64 undergo a cervical screening to test for abnormal cells in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. Those aged 25-49 are invited for testing every three years with older women invited every five years. Regular screening can protect you against cervical cancer.

6. Go for regular breast screening: Women over the age of 50 are routinely screened via a mammogram to test for cancer-female/">breast cancer. The screening programme works as an early warning system for the disease. All women, regardless of their age, should examine their own breasts regularly and if you feel anything different or unusual, please consult with your GP immediately.

7. Enjoy your sex life: An active, healthy sex life is one of life’s joys so don’t be embarrassed by your physical desire. It’s perfectly natural and it’s supposed to be fun!

7 Ways for a Woman to Take Control of Her Sexual Wellbeing

Categories: body, cervical cancer, contraception, prevent unwanted, regularly, screening, sex life, sexual wellbeing, Tips, Women

What Is The Contraceptive Pill And How Does It Work?

The contraceptive pill is very common today. It’s an effective form of pregnancy prevention but a lot of people don’t know very much about it. If you’ve ever wondered about the pill, what it does and how exactly it does that then worry no more. We’ve put together a detailed fact sheet on almost everything you could ever possibly want to know on the contraceptive pill.

• Protection
  
  The contraceptive pill is the most reliable way to avoid pregnancy during intercourse. It’s over 99% effective but please remember it doesn’t protect you from STD’s at all. A condom is recommended as well as the pill if you don’t know the person you’re sleeping with very well, or even on some occasions if you do!


• Brands
  
  There are a broad variety of contraceptive pills on offer and these vary wherever you happen to be in the world. It’s important that you take the right pill for you and as such you need to discuss your needs with your doctor or health professional.


• Dosage
  
  Most contraceptive pills need to be taken for 21 days out of the month, with a week missed to allow for proper menstruation. Newer pills can be taken all month-long, it depends on which pill you’re taking and the instructions you’re given for them.


• Missed Pill
  
  As long as you take your next pill within 12 hours of the missed one the efficiency of the pill is unaffected. If you’re more than 12 hours late, bleeding may occur and you may lose protection. Consult a doctor if you’re concerned.


• Lighter Periods
  
  You should expect lighter periods while you’re using the pill. This is because the pill thins the lining of the womb which is the cause of the bleeding during menstruation. It’s nothing to be concerned about.

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What Is The Contraceptive Pill And How Does It Work?

Categories: contraception, Facts, The pill

Why At Risk Groups For Diabetes Are In Serious Danger

Diabetes isn’t a condition you should ignore. If you’re in a high risk grouping for contracting the disease then it should become your life’s work to get out of that grouping. There’s plenty which you can do to achieve this and providing you never let things get too out of hand there’s nothing to stop you from being entirely healthy again. The largest risk grouping for type two diabetes are the obese. People who are overweight or obese stand a much higher chance of contracting the condition than anyone else. This is evidenced in the fact that around ¾ of type two diabetics are actually obese.

Being in a high risk group, on your way to contracting diabetes is known as being pre-diabetic. Huge amounts of research have been put into tackling and treating pre-diabetics before their condition becomes the disease itself and it becomes incurable. A lot of pre-diabetics have their trajectory reversed and go on to live normal, healthy lives. By targeting this group, doctors are trying to curb the massive rise in the levels of diabetics in the world today.

Even though obesity is such a massive risk factor there are others too. Eating certain foods or a general lack of exercise can put you at risk too. For ladies who are both obese and using long-acting reversible contraception which contains progestin (a hormone), the risk is much greater. Ladies who regularly take this contraceptive pill should consult their doctor’s for alternatives as soon as they can. This is only necessary if they’re obese too, the additional risk factor is only really dangerous to these women.

There have never been more contraceptive options on offer than there are today. If one doesn’t work or is potentially damaging, there are still plenty of others which could work perfectly for you!

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Why At Risk Groups For Diabetes Are In Serious Danger

Categories: contraception, Diabetes, Pills

Does Your Contraceptive Method Make You Gain Weight?

If you’ve noticed that your birth control method has made you look a little bit bigger, you might have put it down to bloating or the whole thing being just in your head, but findings from a new study show that certain types of contraceptive methods do lead to actual weight gain in new users.

About one-third of women report that they seem to gain weight when using a new birth control method, and Gina N. Secura, PhD, MD, from the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, and colleagues found that after one year of using a new contraceptive, women who perceived weight gain had actually put on an average of 8.8 pounds. Those who reported weight gain had a 74.6% sensitivity and a 84.4% specificity for identifying actual weight gain, the researchers discovered.

The team reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ‘Self-reported weight change is easy to obtain and in most women represents true weight gain. Understanding that some contraceptive methods have higher rates of perceived weight gain could prove helpful to clinicians when counselling their patients.’ Very few studies have, like this one, assessed how women perceive the effect of various contraceptive methods on their weight and whether this perception is accurate, but others have noted a consistent association between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and weight-gain.

For the study, the researchers examined data from 4,133 new contraceptive method users participating in the Contraceptive CHOICE Project. This was a prospective cohort study to assess the use of long-acting reversible contraception, and the researchers utilised its data to see if self-reported weight gain was useful as a screening tool for actual weight-gain. Via telephone survey, weight change was assessed at three, six, and 12 months.

They found that 34% of the women had perceived weight gain, and this was more likely to occur in participants using the implant method (relative risk=1.29; 95% CI: 1.10–1.51) or DMPA (RR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.14–1.64) than copper intrauterine device users. Of the 114 women who actually gained five pounds or more, 85 had perceived it, whereas of the 167 who did not gain this level of weight, 141 perceived no weight gain.

The researchers concluded, ‘It may be useful, as well as simple and cost effective, to have women report perceived weight changes to their primary care provider at regular intervals. This perceived change may be a trigger for an objective assessment. If validated, the clinician may suggest weight loss strategies or consider screening for diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes or hypertension.’

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Does Your Contraceptive Method Make You Gain Weight?

Categories: contraception, Research, weight gain