Birth control pills have come a long way since their introduction in the early 60s. The entire industry has exploded with all kinds of methods of contraception-sponges, diaphragms, IUDs, condoms and more.
But, for as many different kinds of contraception available today, there are as many different formulas for The Pill as well. How do you know what is best for you? Here are some questions you should ask your gynecologist before starting oral contraception:
1. There are so many advertisements for different pills, what is the difference?
* Monophasic-Estrogen and progesterone are equal in each active pill.
* Multiphasic-The levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate depending on the day of the month. It mimics your body’s natural fluctuations and helps keep everything on an even keel.
* Progesterone-only-Inhibits ovulation, blocks sperm and stops fertilized eggs from attaching themselves. Reduces PMS symptoms.
* Low-dose-Lower estrogen and progesterone levels reduces PMS and lowers the risk of clotting and weight gain.
* Extended Cycle-These are taken so that you only have four periods a year instead of every month.
2. Which is best for me?
Pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle are big determinants in which oral contraceptive your gynecologist will recommend. If you smoke, have heart or liver disease or certain types of cancer, birth control pills are not recommended. Also, if you are not in a monogamous relationship, you should use additional protection as oral contraception does not protect against STDs.
3. What are the risks and side effects? Depending on the kind of tablet and preexisting health conditions, blood clots, stroke, weight gain, mood changes, nausea, breast tenderness and spotting may occur.
4. Can I get pregnant on the pill?
The tablet is up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. But, you must take it as directed and pay attention to other medications such as antibiotics and migraine medicines that may reduce the efficacy. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If you miss two or more, follow the instructions on the package because it may differ depending on the type of pill. It is best to use back-up protection until you get back on schedule just in case.
5. What signs indicate a problem?
Leg pain and numbness, chest pain, severe headaches, blurred vision and abdominal pain are all indications that you may need to reevaluate your birth control pill. Be sure to tell your gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or anything that is not normal for you. You know your body better than anyone.
The most important thing is that you discuss all of your options with your gynecologist. It may take some trial and error to find the pill that works best with your body.
In Hobart, womens health expert can guide you on various contraceptive methods, there benefits and associated risks. Get answers to your common questions related to birth control methods at http://www.gamahealthcareforwomen.com
Article Source:
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Changes During a Woman’s Menopause
by: Dawn Olsen
As baby boomers move into midlife, a woman’s menopause does not have quite the alarming effect that it did some years ago. However, it remains a time of change in her life, as the ovaries start shutting down causing hormones to fluctuate. When this occurs, her childbearing years come to an end. A woman’s menopause is a perfectly normal process that occurs over several years, but the physical and emotional changes associated with this “change of life” will vary from woman to woman. Some women experience symptoms that include hot flashes, mood swings, memory difficulties, vaginal dryness, and insomnia, while other women experience no symptoms whatsoever.
Too often, women even confuse natural aging changes with menopause. The few symptoms actually associated with menopause can usually be handled with a few minor lifestyle changes. Contrary to what most women have heard about menopause, it can be an exciting and challenging time. All women should know that they will experience menopause at some point in their life, whether it be premature or natural menopause. So many times, it is easy to blame other factors on menopause but it should be understood that not all symptoms a woman experiences are necessarily related to menopause. For instance, a number of women will undergo a different stresses in midlife, causing moodiness and anxiety, but these factors do not mean that a woman’s menopause causes depression.
There is a myth that most women will lose their desire for sex during the menopausal years when in fact, the midlife years can be a time of enhanced sexual desire because of the freedom from having to use birth control and concerns over possible pregnancy. If a woman experiences vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, lubricants or creams can be used. A woman’s desire for sex usually has more to do with feelings for her partner than with her body’s hormonal changes. Another factor that might be blamed on a woman’s menopause is weight gain, but some women may actually lose weight. It is important to be wise, eating healthy food and exercising regularly to maintain optimal health.
A couple of important things for women to remember while going through this time in her life is that she should be open in her communication by sharing thoughts and concerns about the changes in her body and mind. Open communication helps bring couples closer instead of creating distance. Another consideration in helping a woman feel better about going through the change of life is to connect with female friends, reminiscing about the past and possible changes to be made in the future. Additionally, women going through menopause need proper sleep. If she has trouble going to sleep, she could try taking a hot shower before bedtime or drinking a glass of warm milk or a glass of wine (just one). Even an occasional sleeping pill is recommended if nothing else seems to work, but only when recommended by her doctor.
Maintaining optimal health by eating healthy and exercising regularly is important for anyone not just for a woman going through menopause. Some other suggested ideas include dressing in layers during the winter and cooler clothing during the summer for hot flashes. As mentioned earlier, not all women will have the same menopause process, so if a woman is experiencing symptoms that are uncomfortable or if she is just plain curious, she should consult her doctor. The doctor can perform a blood test for FSH levels to determine if a woman’s menopause is nearing. Menopause is the doorway to a new life, closing one chapter in life and moving on.
About The Author
Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women’s Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of “Menopause A to Z – A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause” available online now at http://www.MenopauseAtoZ.com.