The Latest on Birth Control

Birth Control: How to Decide? There are so many options when it comes to choosing birth control. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to choosing the right birth control method. *Protection against STDs? *Important cost and convenience? *Effectiveness? However, abstinence is the only 100% effective method, but others come close, as you can see from evidence chart. After reading this, you should check with your doctor as well for the best option for you and your partner. Fertility Awareness Also known as family planning, this means avoiding sex when women are at their most fertile. You can watch for changes in cervical mucus and body temperature, however, it is best to seek a professional in order to do this correctly. The pros to this method is no drugs, no devices, and it's inexpensive. The cons are that it limits spontaneous sex; an average of 25% of typical users end up pregnant. Spermicide This method contains a chemical that kills sperm. It comes in a foam, jelly, or cream and placed inside the vagina before sex. Some types can be place 30 minutes ahead. Frequent use can cause tissue irritation, a risk of infectious diseases or STDs. It is usually used along with other birth control methods. The pros are easy to use and inexpensive (about $1 per use). The cons are an increase risk to STDs--29% of users get pregnant. Male Condom The latex condom, a classic barrier method, prevents sperm from entering a woman's body, protecting against pregnancy and most STDs. 15% of couples who rely on male condoms get pregnant within a year. The pros are that it is widely available, protects against STDs and inexpensive (under $1 each). The cons are effective if used correctly, it is not reusuable. Female Condom A thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina, is put in place up to 8 hours before sex. Users can grasp the flexible plastic ring at the closed end to guide it into position. It is somewhat less effective than the male condom. The pros are that it is widely available, and some protect against STDs, it also conducts body heat better than the male condom. The cons are that it is noisy and 21% of users get pregnant, it is not reusable and not to be used in conjunction with the male condom to avoid breakage. Diaphragm A rubber dome that is place over the cervix before sex, it is used with spermicide. The effectiveness (compared with the male condom) is 16% of users get pregnant, including those who don't use it correctly the first time. The pros are it is inexpensive ($15 - $75 and lasts up to 2 years). The cons are it is fitted by a doctor and has no STD protection. It can't be used during the menstrual cycle and there is a risk of toxic shock syndrome. Cervical Cap It is similar to a diaphragm but smaller. The FemCap slips in place over the cervix, blocking entry into the uterus. It is used with spermicide and has a failure rate of 15% of women who have never had children; 30% of those who have. The pros are it can stay in place up to 48 hours and is inexpensive. The cons are it must be fitted by a doctor and has no STD protection. It can't be used during the menstrual cycle. Birth Control Sold as the Today Sponge, it is made of foam that contains spermicide. It is placed against the cervix up to 24 hours before sex. It is about as effective as the cervical cap with a failure rate of 16% for women who have never had children and 32% of those who have. Unlike the diaphragm or cervical cap, it does NOT need to be fitted by a doctor. The pros are no prescriptions and is effective immediately. The cons are that it is difficult to insert correctly, has no STD protection, and can't be used during the menstrual cycle. Birth Control Pill The most common birth control method, the pill uses the hormones, estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation. If taken on schedule, it is highly effective. 8% of typical users get pregnant, even those who skip a dose. Like hormonal contraceptives, the pill requires a prescription. The pros are it is the user has more regular, lighter periods, or no periods depending on the type of pill used, and there may be less cramping. The cons are it costs $15 - $50 per month and does protect against STDs. It can cause side effects of breast tenderness, spotting, serious blood clots, and raised blood pressure. Some may not be able to use birth control pills. Birth Control Patch For women who have a tendency to forget the daily pill, this may be an option. The Ortho Erva patch is worn on the skin and changed once a week for three weeks, with the fourth week patch-free. It releases the same types of hormones as the birth control pill does and is just as effective. The pros are more regular, lighter periods, with less cramping, and there is no need to remember the daily pill. The cost is about %$15 - $50 per month and can cause skin irritation, and other side effects similar to birth control pills. There is no STD protection. Vaginal Ring The NuvaRing is s soft, plastic ring that is worn inside the vagina. It releases the same hormone as the the pill and the patch and is just as effective. It only needs to be replaced once a month. The pros are lighter, more regular periods and is replaced once a month. The cons are a cost of around $30 - $50 per month and can cause vaginal irritation among other side effects similar to the pill and patch. It also has not protection against STDs. Birth Control Slot Also known as Depo Provera, it is a hormonal injection that protects against pregnancy for up to 3 months. For the typical couple, it is more effective than the birth control pill with 3% of users getting pregnant within a year. The pros are it is injected 4 times a year and is highly effective. The cons are it costs around $240 a year and can cause spotting as well as other side effects. It has no STD protection. Birth Control Implants Known as Nexaplanon, it is a matchstick-sized rod that is place under the skin of the upper arm. It releases the same hormone in the birth control slot against pregnancy for up to 3 years. The failure rate is less than 1%. The pros are that it lasts 3 years and is highly effective. The cons are it is more expensive upfront costs from $400 - $800 for exam, implant, and insertion), and can cause side effects, including irregular bleeding. It also has no STD protection. IUD The IUD (Intrauterine Device), it is a t-shaped plastic that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. The copper IUD, ParaGuard, works for as long as 10 years. Mirena, a hormonal IUD, is replaced every 5 years, can lighten periods and ease cramps. Lilletta/Skyla, another hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy up to 3 years. Both types make it more difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg. Fewer than 8 in 1,000 women get pregnant. The pros are it is long-lasting and low-maintenance. The cons are irregular and heavier periods with ParaGuard. It is more expensive up front, may slip out, and cause side effects. Tubal Ligation A permanent form of birth control, you should make sure you don't want any more biological children before deciding on this one. A traditional method, it is often referred to as "having your tubes tied." The surgeon closes the fallopian tubes, preventing the eggs from making the journey out of the ovaries (Banding Method). The pros are it is permanent, nearly 100% effective. The cons are it requires surgery and is not reversible and expensive. It does not protect against STDs. Tubal Implants A newer procedure, it blocks the fallopian tubes without surgery, small implants of metal silicone is placed inside each tube. Scar tissue grows around the implants blocking the tubes. X-rays shows the tubes are blocked, so no other birth control is needed. The pros are it is permanent and does not require surgery and almost 100% effective. The cons are it becomes effective in a few months, there is a risk of pelvic infections, is irreversible and expensive. Vasectomy Except for condoms, it is the only birth control method available to men. It surgically closes the vas deferens--the tubes that carry sperm from the testes through the reproductive system. It prevents the release of sperm and doesn't interfere with ejaculation. The pros are it is permanent and cheaper than a tubal ligation and nearly 100% effective. The cons it requires surgery and is not effective immediately and may not be reversible. Emergency Contraception This method works after sex to help avoid pregnancy. It is the only option when no birth control is used or the woman suspects her usual method failed--Plan B. Plan B is a one-step generic version of Plan B (Next Choice) and contains a high dose of the hormone found in birth control pills. It must be used within 72 hours of having sex. Ella uses a non-hormonal drug and requires a doctor's prescription and can be taken up to 5 days after sex. Options for Older Women Age and lifestyle are important factors for choosing birth control. If you're over 35, smoke,are obese, a combination birth control pill, patch, or ring may not be recommended. For better consults, see your doctor for safe alternatives. If you're approaching menopause, the birth control shot may have an added benefit by relieving symptoms of periomenopause. Withdrawal 6 in 10 women report their partner "pulling out"--an age-old method that relies on the man withdrawing his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. New reviews show that if done correctly every time, 4% of users get pregnant in a year. With a more typical use--18% get pregnant. The pros are it's free, no need for devices or hormones. The cons are it is hard to do correctly. It does not protect against STDs. Least Effective Methods Without using a form of birth control, 85% sexually active couples get pregnant in a year. Even the least effective birth control options reduce the number considerably. How many women get pregnant per year? *No birth control: 85% *Spermicide only: 29% *Fertility Awareness: 25% *Female condom: 21% *Withdrawal: 18% Most Effective Methods Although barrier methods (condom, diaphragm) are moderately effective with typical use, hormonal contraceptives are better to track record effectiveness. There are several options couples prefer to the lower the odds of getting pregnant: *Two reversible - IUD/hormonal implant *Abstinence is the only 100% effective form of birth control Effectiveness: *Abstinence: 100% *Implant/IUD/Vasectomy/Tubal methods: 99% *Birth control shot: 97% *Birth control pill/vaginal ring: 92% *Condom/diaphragm/cervical cap/sponge: 84 - 89% Source www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/ss/slideshow-birth-control-options.

How Much Do You Know About Headaches?

Drinking alcohol can trigger headaches in some people because sulfites, that are used as prescribed in some types of alcohol, like red wine (not white) bother some people. Alcohol causes more blood flow to the brain, triggering a headache. How the body metabolizes alcohol in red wine, beer, whiskey, scotch, champagne are the most common alcoholic headache triggers. Sinus Headaches: Sinus headache causes head pain with nasal discharge, congestion, post-nasal drip, and a sore throat. Treat a sinus headache with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or accetaminophen (Tylenol). Taking a warm shower may help with congestion too. If you have fever, it may signal sinus infection. You should call a doctor. The ice-cream headache, or "brain freeze" is definitely real. Drink something warm and hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth to warm up and feel better. Cluster Headaches: Men are 6 times more likely to get cluster headaches than women. Cluster headaches are the least common headaches but they can be severe. They usually feel pain behind one eye, and can be so bad you can't sit still. They usually happen around the same time every day--the attacks can last a couple of minutes to several hours. To find relief, talk to a doctor who would know the best medication to stop or prevent the headache(s). Cluster headaches can last a few minutes, but usually last a couple hours like sinus headaches. Tension or migraine headaches can last several days. Rebound Headaches: Although ironic, rebound headaches are triggered after taking headache medication frequently. It becomes a vicious cycle--take medicine to feel better--then get a rebound headache after medication wears off. Remember: take medicine as directed--how much and how often taken. Getting a lot of headaches, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent headaches, including medication. Remedies to relieve headaches: To relax a tense neck, shoulder, or back muscles, use a heating pad or ice pack where it aches--try it on the neck, forehead, or temple. Gently massage the temples and neck. Or take a soothing shower. "Weekend Headaches": "Weekend headaches" are changes in routine that bring pain. To relieve a "weekend headache", get more sleep, drink less caffeine (caffeine headaches), or more active on the weekend--all symptoms that can trigger a headache. To avoid pain, stay with a schedule and stay off the caffeine during the week or weekend that triggers the headache. Cause of Headaches 9 out of 10 times, most diagnosed headaches are caused by tension. They are caused by tight muscles in the back of your neck or head. The pain goes across your forehead and back of head. Stress is often a trigger. If you're not sleeping enough, or you have poor posture from sitting at your computer all day, it can also make it worse. Depression is also linked to tension headaches. If tension headaches affect your day-to-day activities, talk with your doctor. He can prescribe medications like anti-depressants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) can prevent them. How Doctors Diagnose Headaches Doctors diagnose headaches based on how they are described. Describe the pain, how you act during headache, and what you do to relieve the symptoms. Warning Signs Sometimes headaches signal warning signs--something that may be serious going on inside your body. Seek medical help right away if there is a sudden, severe, stiff neck and vomiting. This may be a sign of meningitis or bleeding of the brain. After hitting your head, there may be symptoms of a concussion. If they are accompanied by numbness, tingling in the arms or legs, or confusion--it can be a symptom of a stroke. Alcohol and Headaches Alcohol dehydrates the body, blamed for all kinds of things, from the throbbing headache after tossing a few drinks the night before. Hangover headaches are blamed for the hormonal changes that are caused by alcoholic or toxic affects that alcohol has on the body. To avoid dehydration, drink non-alcoholic beverages before or after you drink the harder stuff. Acupuncture and Headaches Research is mixed on whether acupuncture actually helps headaches. Some studies shown may be just as effective as painkillers for relieving tension or migraine headaches. Two large studies have showed that real acupuncture had the same effect as "sham" acupuncture--inserting needles incorrectly at non-acupuncture points on the body--easing headache pain. Sex and Headaches Some say the rush of chemicals in the brain from sex my provide sexual healing for headaches. Others say sex--just like other types of physical exertion--can trigger headaches. Migraine sufferers in men over 40 are more likely to get them. Sex headaches may be rare, but worth talking about with your doctor. Seek help if the pain hits like a thunder-clap at climax. Medical professionals can rule out anything from ruptured blood vessels and help with pain. Sex headaches are usually harmless, but is a good idea to have them checked out. Chocolate and Headaches While some people may get migraines after eating chocolate, researchers are not sure. Two studies show that chocolate rarely triggers headaches, and others show no link. They suggest it may be due to the caffeine in chocolate that leads to headaches. Chocolate has some caffeine, almost 1.5 ounces, milk chocolate has half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. In some cases, caffeine can help relieve headache, as ingredients may be in some headache pain relievers. The best strategy is to figure out what triggers them and avoid them. The most common personal triggers are foods and fragrances. Source www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/rm-quiz-headaches.