Birth Control

Update on Haiti Relief Effort - Help for Orphans International

2010-02-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and New Friends,

This is my personal update that I want to share with you today. If you didn't read my email from 2 days ago it is at the bottom of this one.

Help for Orphans International has a volunteer named Jonathan on the ground in Haiti right now. He is a pilot, personally using his own plane. I hear directly from Jonathan everyday.

He said there is a BIG need for morphine here in the hospitals (or at least oral narcotics). They are doing amputations without it. That might be the single most important item to distribute now. Apparently there are quantities in Port Au Prince but the army has taken over and distribution is very slow. Pass the word.

As I mentioned before, Jonathan has this knowledge because he has the only small aircraft on the ground in Haiti right now, which is shuttling in supplies and help. Due to his tireless efforts he has been able to bring medical personnel, supplies, food, water and medication directly to the people who need it most. It is because of the money we raise that enables him to continue to pay for fuel and supplies.

I want you to think about this for a minute. Can you imagine if your child, your brother, or your grandchild was in severe pain for days on end, with no medical care? Can you imagine your child losing ALL the family they have ever known and left to fend for themselves on the streets, surrounded by decomposing bodies? This is the situation for so many in Haiti.

These children need our help. I realize I may be sounding very dramatic here but this is the honest truth. I need every one of you to understand and pass on how severely help is needed there. Most of us, if not all, take for granted the food and water we have at our disposal. So many lives are being lost in Haiti – today - because they are lacking the simple essentials.

So, please, give whatever you can. A few dollars from everyone reading this will make a huge difference. Give up the Starbucks for just one week.

Text "support orphans" to 20222 to give $5 on your cell bill.

To make a larger contribution go to www.helpfororphans.org and click “Donate now" and most of all PLEASE spread the word to EVERYONE you know!

See our Press release released early this morning: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3505184.htm

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!

Love,

Josie Dobin
917.704.2131 mobile
Help for Orphans International
YouTube Video

"A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the (Enter your charity name) by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code (ENTER SHORT CODE); Reply HELP to (SHORT CODE) for help."

How To Help Haiti

2010-02-03T04:17:00.001-08:00

Hi,

I am urging you to please read this message and respond accordingly and then to please forward this on to all your contacts.

As you may know, I am fortunate to be working for Help for Orphans International, a charity founded by Sarah Ehrlich four years ago. She has done a lot of work helping orphans in Kenya and is now solely focused on helping the orphans affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

I don't like to spread bad news but we have a volunteer from our organization who's been on the ground there since over a week ago. Words cannot describe the devastation that he has described to me. Imagine a little child losing ALL their family, wounded, no place to live and with little food/water. This is TRULY the situation.

Sarah and myself are going to Haiti in the next few days to raise awareness and to strategize HOW we are most effectively going to help. We will also be purchasing food/formula/diapers in the Dominican Republic to bring to the most hard hit areas.

Our volunteer there named Jonathan flew his 4 seater aircraft 2000 miles from Sag Harbor, NY and is shuttling back and forth between neighboring areas bringing supplies and medical personnel to the most desperate areas. Today he texted me that he was enroute to bring saws and morphine to a medical unit there.

The only way we can keep him doing this is to continue to send him funds.

Do NOT think that they have ENOUGH help because they don't. What we are doing IS making a difference! Jonathan says that he has the only small aircraft shuttling that he has seen. Additionally, because his aircraft is so small he has been cleared to land at Port au Prince airport.

We can NOT continue to do what we're doing without more donations! There's just NO way! Sadly, the surrounding areas have taken advantage of this tragedy and the cost of fuel and food etc.. has skyrocketed! All your donations are 100% tax deductible and you can know that we are actually USING your money RIGHT NOW to make a difference! Anything helps!

Here's how to donate:

1. Click this now Help For Orphans, then select "donate now" on the top left navigation.

2. Text 20222 from you cell phone and type "support orphans" and you will be charged $5 on your next cell phone bill.

3. Call me at 917.704.2131.

More about us:

Help For Orphans

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to be kept updated PLEASE email me directly and I will add you to our list!

Love,

Josie Dobin

"A one-time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the (Enter your charity name) by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code (ENTER SHORT CODE); Reply HELP to (SHORT CODE) for help."

Tonight: Trade Secrets of a Multi-Million Dollar Guru

2010-01-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just finished reading the power points for Wednesday's webinar with my friend the ex-fund manager.

And, I've got to say, that in all my years in the trading business, this is the most content rich webinar I have ever seen. No hype, only hard core trading truths that not everyone is going to like.

Things like the fact that he and his hedge fund buddies used to hunt stops. Now he's teaching "civilians" how to make money off those hedge hunters.

If you are new to trading, this hour could save you thousands of dollars over the school of hard knocks.

Those who don't get information like this risk having their whole investment account being wiped out, before they've really had a chance to trade.

Don't miss out - Click here to register for this Free ETF and Money Management Seminar.

Exchange Traded Index Funds

For trading veterans I can guarantee you that the advanced position sizing tip is a golden nugget you'll use for increasing profits and decreasing risks in the years to come. This one tip could double your profits regardless of what your entry system is. The one tip alone can turn any average system into a winning system.

We'll cover:

- How to maximize your winners.

- Why most traders have it backwards when it comes to risk.

- How to eliminate 95% of trading stress and emotion.

- Why most traders have it backwards when it comes to winning percentages.

- Even how to become a professional money manager and raise millions, if you so desire.

That last one really surprised me. Because I know that if you really want to make millions in trading the fastest way is to use leverage with other peoples' money, when you are ready.

There are so many reasons to attend this F.R.E.E webinar Wednesday at 9pm EST. I honestly believe you're missing the boat if you don't take advantage of this opportunity. It won't be a waste of your time! I love sharing high quality content with my subscribers and this is going to be one of the best.

Our host has worked trades as large as $50 million during his money management career. He will share a little of his story, but most of the hour will be spent teaching you how to improve your trading.

See you then,

Exchange Traded Funds

Cheers,

Ave Ramel

P.S. That's right, $50 million advice, f.r.e.e, and a chance to win a free 1 year mentorship with a professional trader just by showing up.

*** Pay attention while our guest explains how you can make more profits with less risk trading the markets.

A Scientific Breakthrough

2010-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hi,

At last, have finished the First VitaPlus Tour that will answer

a lot of your questions about this scientific breakthrough in

Health, Wellness, and Beauty.

You may now proceed to: First VitaPlus

The First VitaPlus Tour answers the ff:

- Five Power Vegetables

- Five Little Things You Should Know About First VitaPlus

- Prevention and Maintenance of Diseases

- Availability and Product Sizes

Cheers,

Ave Ramel

***Trust in the Lord with all your heart***

How The Rich are Debt-Free

2009-11-27T08:20:00.001-08:00

Hi,

===========================================

Crisis ???

The Rich are debt-free and do really have

a lot of options in life.

If you want to be rich, you must know

- what kind of income to work hard for,

- how to keep it, and

- how to protect it from loss.

That is the key to great wealth.

Discover this kind of income in:

Rich Dad Cashflow

===========================================

Cheers,

Board Games | Year 2012 End of the World

Birth Control And Side Effects

2009-05-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

There are different types of birth control pills around. Before you start using any, you should consider the side effects.

Studies have shown that there are only two methods that do not have side effects. First is abstaining however, it may be hard sometimes to control the urge if both of you feel like doing it. The best thing to do then is outercourse or masturbation so the sperm will never come into contact with the egg.

The second is with the use of condoms because it does not release any hormones into the body and it is simply used as a barrier that is disposed off after intercourse.

Spermicides come in different forms. There are creams, film, gel, suppositories and tablets. The side effects of using them include the risk of TSS and one of you will experience a burning or itching sensation. It rarely causes a skin rash but when it happens, this will only go away after some time.

Those who choose to use the diaphragm are at risk of bladder and urinary tract infections. If you have had this in the past, you are strongly discouraged to stop using it. There have also been cases of toxic shock syndrome or TSS but is also quite rate. This should not left in the vagina for more than 24 hours because there will soon be a smelly vaginal discharge, an inflammation or an infection could occur.

Birth control pills have a lot of side effects. These include breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, nausea, spotting and weight gain. It may also contribute to blood clots, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, breast and liver cancer.

Apart from conventional birth control pills, there is a new one called Seasonale. Since it has been around for only 5 years, there have only been a few reported cases of blood clots in the legs or lungs, stoppage or rupture of a blood vessel in the heart and other organs, liver tumors and high blood pressure. However, those who have been taking it regularly complain of breast tenderness, weight gain, vomiting and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

The morning after pill is better known as an emergency contraceptive pill or ECP. This must be taken 120 hours after unprotected vaginal intercourse. Its side effects are similar to that of conventional pills but if you happen to vomit within an hour of ingesting the pill, it is advised that you call a doctor. Another thing to keep in mind is that this should not be used as a regular birth control pill.

The patch is another and this is applied to the skin. One patch is good for a week and this has to be placed for three consecutive weeks and can be placed anywhere in the body. On the fourth week, the female doesn't have to stick anything so she can normally go through her monthly menstrual cycle. Side effects include application site reaction, breast symptoms, headaches, mood swings and vomiting.

Injectables are injected into the body every three months. The sides effects include irregular periods, weight gain and vomiting. Something similar to that are implants and those who use it may experience irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, depression, dizziness, nervousness, weight gain or loss and hair loss.

Majority of the birth control methods around have side effects. If you don't want to experience any, perhaps not having sex at all is the answer to your problems.

A Comparison Of Birth Control Pills - Helping You Decide

2009-05-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

In making a comparison of birth control pills, it should be known that oral contraceptives have been around the market for over 45 years. It was first tagged as the pill when it was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA. This form is the most reliable that women turn to when they want to get pregnant.

Weight Gain

But another side to oral contraceptives is how they affect a woman's body to gain weight. It really is dumbfounding because you will hear such stories from many women who have used the pill for the obvious reason of avoiding pregnancy.

But despite the fact that it causes additional pounds, the celebrity status that birth control pills have been know for have not diminished through time. Women still relay on these for such purpose, whether they gain weight or not.

This really depends on the body type of a person. Some women do not have problems of this sort. But the ladies who belong to such lucky classification have also not been fighting over the weighing scale as they were growing old. The ones who are prone to gain weight from the pills are those who accumulate fats easily through food and whatever they intake.

For this reason, when a woman gains weight from the pills, she must also be ready to counteract it by having the proper diet and right amount of exercise. You must treat it like your ordinary weight gain. This is for you to be able to trust the pill and likewise, not to risk pregnancy when you are still not ready for it.

You must not fear the drug because of the side effect on your weight. Those can be worked out on. Unlike with unexpected pregnancy, you have to live with that for the rest of your life.

A Brief Comparison of the Pills

There are actually many types of this pill available for you to choose from. The POP or Progestin-only pills have no estrogen. This is usually called the mini-pill. It primarily works to thicken the cervical mucus so that the sperm won't be able to enter the uterus. This kind must be taken consistently at a certain time everyday to achieve great results.

Combination pills, meanwhile, are those that have estrogen and progestin. The many kinds under this type are said to prevent women from having ovarian cancer as well as endometrial cancer.

The third most popular are the ECPs or emergency contraceptive pills. This must be taken after 120 hours of committing unprotected sex. The drug will prevent you from impregnating as the cause of the act. This shouldn't be taken regularly though. It is only when needed that one should subject herself to this type of pill.

The important thing to remember when choosing the type of pill that will suit your body is to consult your doctor about it. They know about what will work best for you in terms of this condition because they have scientific knowledge about the field.

This is just a brief comparison of birth control pills. There are a lot more available in the market. And for sure, a lot more will be discovered and developed as time passes by.

Birth Control Pill As A Cure For Acne And Ideal To Gain Weight

2009-05-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Birth control pill as a cure for acne has been gaining popularity. But what most women who have been subjected to such treatment will also attest how birth control pills can affect one's body in gaining weight.

Side Effect

This is only one of the many known side effects of using oral contraceptives. Although most women would not like the idea of adding up on their pounds, they cannot help it. That is understandable because they take the meds to avoid getting pregnant.

For the latter, there are still many options a woman and her partner can take to achieve such. But taking the pills is one of the most effective. One must learn to do something to limit the weight that they can gain.

When on pills, you can take note of your exercise and eating habits. This will be good for your overall health. This will also help you ease the burden of putting added weight.

Acne Remedy

Ask your doctors about this. Although this will not be effective for all women, most of them will benefit from such. Most medical practitioners suggest three brands for this purpose. They are Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and YAZ.

Doctors will only prescribe birth control pills to act as a treatment for acne when the rest of the previous meds have failed their purpose. This is actually the last resort. And doctors recommend this to women who would be taking oral contraceptives anyway for the obvious purpose of not being able to conceive.

With such effectiveness, FDA has approved a bunch of list of birth control pills to act as treatment to acne. It is also recommended that to achieve greater results, the pill must be used in combination with other real meds intended solely for acne. This includes benzoyl peroxide. You can also use topical retinoids for this need.

Because estrogen and progestin make up the pills used for birth control, this medicine will change the common reproductive cycle and patterns of hormones of a female. This suppresses testosterone release within a woman's body. And as an effect, it reduces the oil being produced by the glands called the sebaceous. As a result, acne comes out minimal. And it also lessens the pore blockage.

But do not use oral contraceptives to cure acne if you haven't told your doctors about it. They must test you first for possible side effects. The pill must match your body type. And also, other factors must be taken into account.

If proper check-up will be bypassed, the result can be grave. Other oral contraceptives can worsen your acne problems, especially if it doesn't suit some of your characteristics. So be careful and vigilant. It is your body so it is your responsibility to care for it.

While sometimes, the recommended pill will worsen the acne breakout at first. This is a common happening. Acne is known to accumulate before dwindling down. So it really helps to have a doctor by your side to explain such factors.

You will be hearing a lot about birth control as a cure for acne as years go by. This is part of the boom in the medical field that is being developed through time. But before plunging in and using the pill, consider the effect that it has on one's body. If you are sure that you are ready for some added pounds, then you are also ready to take it.

Birth Control Questions - Getting The Correct Answers

2009-05-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

When one decides to go on birth control, it is more than just a decision the affects their lives but rather a decision that affects the life a kid that would be born due to an unwanted pregnancy. If being a parent is not yet in your plans at the moment or if you’re not ready to be one, then I suggest you take this birth control thing rather seriously. There are a lot birth control questions that keep popping out of your mind right now, right?

Those who are new in this area of birth control, it is often good to have questions ready to ask to your doctor or a reproductive health clinic. Being shy about things is not the best way to go. If you feel embarrass to ask questions, you might dealing with a more embarrassing situation in nine months or so, remember that. Better ask now or suffer the consequences later.

Most of the more common questions that people ask about birth control include the following the kinds of birth control, the most effective, the possible side effects, and of course some myths and urban legends that have spread around like bush fire.

When choosing the right birth control method, it is good to first check your body's general health and preferences. An important aspect of birth control being able to remember to take them as often as it is required. So if for instance you prefer taking birth control pills but you know you will forget about taking it in the mornings then another method might be better for you.

Other issues include previous pregnancy experiences, issues concerning embarrassing your partner or yourself for that matter, openness of your partner to the method, the risks of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and if there are other concerns or unanswered questions still associated with the method. These are some things that you need to consider when you are deciding which birth control method to use.

Some questions are hard to deal with, others are not, but to protect your health and prevent unwanted pregnancies, these are questions you will have to face eventually, and in this case sooner is definitely better than later.

In general birth control methods can be classified as barrier, mechanical, hormonal, and natural. There are also the emergency and permanent categories. Regardless of the method, all kinds of birth control are aimed at preventing the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg or prevent the from moving to the woman’s womb and grow.

However, regardless of the method, no singular birth control method is 100% effective. Any claims by any medical company or producer of birth control methods are wrong and are thus unethical business practice. The same goes with preventing STDs. No birth control method can correctly say that it can fully prevent infections from STDs.

And then, of course, there are the myths that you need to go over with your health officer for clarifications. These myths began as gossips and spread and spread until they are accepted as truth while otherwise no proof has been provided supporting these claims. One such fallacy is the birth control pills and gaining weight.

Among the birth control questions, this is often asked: will I gain weight if I used birth control pills? The answer is no.

Birth Control Pills And Weight Gain - Setting The Scales Correct

2009-05-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

I cannot say that with this article, the discussion about birth control pills and weight gain will stop. This discussion is pretty much like the epic battle between light and darkness, good and evil, ordinary milk and non-fat milk, it goes on and on and on and on.

Scientifically speaking, there have been no indications in studies and experiments on any direct relationship between birth control pills and weight gain. Given that situation, it is really hard to fathom why most people still think the opposite.

Well we can think of some reasons why this urban legend continues to proliferate. Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones which go straight to the pituitary glands. Once there, the synthetic hormones block the production of LH and FSH hormones. This prevents the body the natural growth of the egg and ovulation.

According to some doctors and medical practitioners, birth control pills can also cause an increase of appetite, at least to some women. But studies have shown that this situation is more of an exception rather than the rule. It has also been found out the said increase in appetite is more coincidental and is no different from what happens in the general populace.

This also brings us to the next point. Some doctors and medical practitioners continue issuing statements that weight gain has been observed or that weight gain is a possible side effect to their patients, adding to the confusion. Oftentimes these statements from doctors are accepted as statements of facts. Instead of clarifying already false information to begin with, they contribute to the continued spread of this myth.

Another perception of feeling bloated or fat when one is taking the pill is that the body is said to hold more water when it is on pill compared to when it is not. This is another fallacy in a string of rumors, gossips, and misinformation.

Women are very conscious of their weight. Ask any man who made the wrong move of commenting on a women's weight. I'm sure it got messy. This consciousness or even subconscious wariness of gaining pounds might contribute to false admittance or observations that birth control pills cause weight gain. Women often fear the added pounds. Because of this fear women don't take or totally avoid taking birth control pills.

This is detrimental to any birth control program. That’s why it is important to squash the myth of weight gain once and for all. The pill is quite an effective method of birth control after all, when used correctly of course.

Because of the weight gain issue, women will tend to go for other means of contraception. Although some other methods are quite effective, the pill is still a batter option with 99.7% chance of preventing pregnancies. Women should stop worrying about something that isn't real or they will really begin to worry about weight gain when they get pregnant and after giving birth. These two situations pack more weight related issues than what they have now with birth control pills.

Weight gain and weight control is all about balance. A balance diet combined with a balanced body work-out. That's the ideal way of living. You prevent any significant weight gain by eating healthy and exercising.

If you gain pounds while you're in the pill, don't lash it all out on the little guy for it is all you. Birth control pills and weight gain are not correlated, and that's that.

Types of Contraceptives: Emergency Contraceptives

2009-03-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

While the most popular and traditional methods of contraception involve female and male devices and medications that are used or delivered prior to intercourse ever occurring, there are some forms of contraception known as emergency contraception. These types of contraception occur after intercourse has actually occurred. The most popular term for this method of contraception is the morning after pill.

This type of contraceptive is most commonly used after another form of contraceptive has been known to fail, such as when a condom breaks or in the event of unwanted sexual intercourse, or following unprotected sexual intercourse.

There are two basic forms of emergency contraceptives; they are emergency contra-ceptive pills and a device known as a copper-T intrauterine device. In the United States, emergency contraceptive pills are not generally available at a pharmacy without a prescription; however, they are commonly available without one in many other countries. There are a few states in the US that allow for the provision of emergency contraceptives by a pharmacy. Those states include California, Alaska, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii and Maine.

Emergency contraceptive pills vary by dosage and the hormones that are contained within them to prevent pregnancy. Some pills contain progestin only and must be taken within 120 hours or 5 days after unprotected or unwanted sex in order for them to work effectively. The most common form of this contraceptive method involves taking two pills within the allotted time period. Other methods are available in packs in which 2 pills are taken within the first 120 hours following unprotected sex and two additional pills are taken twelve hours later.

Emergency contraceptive pills are believed to reduce the risk of pregnancy by about 75%-89%. It should be noted that this method is not completely 100% reliable and is not as effective as continuous methods of birth control, such as the Pill. Some common side effects related to this form of contraception include nausea and vomiting. Mild side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue and breast tenderness.

It should be noted that emergency contraceptive pills will not work if a woman is already pregnant; which is why they must be used within 5 days following unprotected sex in order to be effective. Pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted in the lining of a woman's uterus. This occurs approximately five to seven days after fertilization occurs. Emergency contraceptives work by inhibiting ovulation or the transport of the sperm or egg to the tube.

Emergency contraceptive pills are not the same as RU486, commonly referred to as the French abortion pill. RU486 works after pregnancy has already occurred; not prior to pregnancy. The cost of emergency contraceptive pills vary; generally between $20-$25.

The copper IUD reduces risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex by 99%. This method of emergency contraception works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg or making it difficult for the fertilized egg to be implanted in the uterus. Similar to emergency contraception pills, the copper IUD will only work if a woman is not already pregnant.

One of the major differences between the copper IUD and emergency contraception pills is that the copper IUD can be left in place to continue to provide contraception. It can be left in place for up to ten years. One of the disadvantages to this type of birth control as a long term solution is that it can lead to pelvic inflammation that can cause infertility in some cases. The most common risk factor for pelvic inflammation from the copper IUD are women who are risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

By Jason Petrina

The Holistic Approach To Treating Ovarian Cysts

2009-03-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Ovarian cysts are an increasingly common gynaecological problem, particularly in women between the ages of 30 and 60. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment, but when this does not happen, problems can occur.

An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch that develops in or on the ovary. The contents of the cyst are usually fluid but can also be solid material, or a combination of both. Cysts may grow quietly and go unnoticed until they are found on routine examination. However, if they become large enough, the following symptoms may arise:

- Intense abdominal pain
- Menstrual changes such as late periods, bleeding between periods or irregular periods
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Infertility
- Internal bleeding
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain with sexual intercourse
- Pain during a bowel movement
- Weight gain

The most common way to deal with ovarian cysts is the conventional medical approach.

However, there are limited treatment options, and the resulting stress is rarely taken into account by medical practitioners, and can just be too much for a woman to bear. Therefore, more and more women are turning towards alternate forms of treatments for curing ovarian cysts.

The Conventional medical approach to ovarian cysts is very simple. Firstly, your medical practitioner will try to recognize the symptoms. Those sysmtons listed above are the textbook symptons of ovarian cysts. However, sometimes, ovarian cysts do not give rise to any symptoms, and are only discovered inadvertently during routine gynaecological examination.

Secondly, he will confirm his diagnosis. There are different ways of diagnosing ovarian cysts. A conventional doctor will use some or all of: endovaginal ultrasound (using a probe inserted into the vagina), CT scanning (a method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays), laparoscopy (a procedure that allows your surgeon to examine the fallopian tubes, ovaries and womb), blood tests and many other forms of tests to confirm his suspicions. Even before treatment, the diagnosis process itself can be very traumatic.

Thirdly, the treatment. The treatment for ovarian cysts will depend upon the type of the cyst and its nature. The 3 conventional options available are:

1. Wait and see: Provided that the cyst is benign (non-cancerous) and the patient is not suffering pain, a wait and see approach will be adopted. Monitoring of the condition will continue using some or all of the standard diagnostic tests.

2. Birth control pills: Some doctors believe birth control pills repress ovarian cysts, and can also reduce the size of the follicles and so help to reduce the size of existing cysts.

3. Surgery: If the cysts are persistent or increasing in size, then surgery is likely to be recommended. Surgery will again depend upon the type of cyst and the resulting complications. Usually, the cyst is all that is removed. In some cases, it may be considered necessary to remove the ovaries also.

The conventional medical approach to ovarian cysts has several problems. Birth control pills have many potential side effects, including weight gain, mood swings, nausea, and headaches. Also, the effectiveness of the birth control pill as a treatment for an existing cyst is greatly disputed, particularly outside conventional medicine.

Surgery obviously always carries its own risks, and there can be particular risks associated with any surgery on the reproductive organs. Also, conventional treatment does not fully cure ovarian cysts and the surgery may actually increase the chances of ovarian cysts in the long run.

For these reasons, conventional medical treatment is often not considered to be an appropriate form of treatment for ovarian cysts. A multidimensional approach is required to deal with the disease. This can be provided only by a holistic approach. The holistic approach targets the root causes of the disease rather than the symptoms, and so is a much more effective cure for ovarian cysts.

Since the holistic approach targets the key causes of the condition, the woman can recover quickly. The approach is comprehensive and rather than a generic solution, it treats every case individually. Because of this, no matter how severe the problem or the complications, any woman suffering with ovarian cysts can be cured.

Conventional medical treatment often fails in this respect. The underlying problem must be solved for any lasting remedy. Until this is achieved, the problem will remain. The holistic approach is the best form of treatment for permanently removing ovarian cysts.

By: Val Wilson

How To Survive Breast Cancer Isn't All About What You Thought

2009-03-20T01:18:00.000-07:00

Do you know that those birth control pills you pop can cause you breast cancer? Birth control pills increase the estrogen level in a woman's body. Increased estrogen has been linked with the development of breast cancer as tested patients show high estrogen content. Using other modes of contraceptives like condoms will lower the risk of increasing your risk level with respect to breast cancer.

Since breast cancer occur at cellular level, occurrences that degenerates the cell to the level of malignant growth can be termed as cancerous. Stress can degenerate the body cells by causing them to be depleted of adrenaline and oxygen and causing them to be high in sugar. This can cause the growth of these cells to be abnormal thereby leading to cancer. Although stress is not an accepted cause of cancer, with this being said you will not be paranoid whenever you go for clinical breast cancer examination anytime you believe you are over stressed.

The cancer tumor present in the breast over time forms a lump within the breast. When this happens it can be noticed by physical examination of the breast. This is why it is being stressed that women should constantly examine their breast for presence of lumps and should report it immediately it is noticed.

It doesn't matter whether breast cancer has affected your mother and grandmother and they both died from it, you don't have to die from it too. You see, modern science has advanced so strongly that the diseases that used to kill people in the past no longer kill. If your breast cancer is discovered very early on, you can be sure you won't die. So, always ensure you examine your breasts for any signs of tumor. That can save your life.

Small cells cancer is the type of breast cancer that characterized small tumor cells. These small cells develop rapidly and can spread pretty quickly over the breast and nearby regions. This has further emphasized the need for clinical breast cancer examination.

Small cells cancer is the type of breast cancer that characterized small tumor cells. These small cells develop rapidly and can spread pretty quickly over the breast and nearby regions. This has further emphasized the need for clinical breast cancer examination.

Breast cancer survival rate depends on the degree of the cancer's metastasis. If the breast cancer is not timely diagnosed it can cause a spread to other parts of the body and organs. Constantly check your breast for cancer lumps and avoid the spreading of the tumor if it is there.

Nutrient Resveratrol has being showed by studies to reduce the risk associated with breast cancer. Resverratol is a naturally occurring antioxidant present on the outer skin of red or purple grape. So if you indulge in taking of grape fruit and wine you may be doing yourself some good with respect to breast cancer.

By: JanetJonespapp

Are Birth Control Pills Safe While Breastfeeding?

2009-03-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

Are you concerned about the safety of using birth control pills and breastfeeding? If you are a new mother, you may wonder what your options are for birth control while breastfeeding and whether pills are safe and effective.

However, before we can truly understand if birth control pills are indeed safe for breastfeeding mothers, first we need to know what they really are, what they contain, and how they work.

About Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that are used to control pregnancy by inhibiting the normal fertility process. There are two types of birth control pills. The first type is the combination pill, which has two synthetic hormones, the progestin, and estrogen. The second type is the minipill or the progestin-only pill, which contains only the progestin component.

How They Work

The synthetic estrogen component, which is only present in the combination pill, works by preventing the ovaries from ovulating or releasing an egg. It also works by suppressing the body's hormonal pattern.

On the other hand, the synthetic progestin component, which is present in both types of pills, works by inhibiting the egg from traveling through the fallopian tubes and suppressing the sperm's ability in uniting with the egg. It also works by thickening the cervical mucus, which aids in hindering the movement of the sperm. One mechanism of action that is unique to synthetic progestin is its ability to alter the lining in the uterus, making it impossible for a fertilized egg to implant to the uterine walls.

Are they really safe to be used while breastfeeding?

Whether you choose to use the combination pill (estrogen and progestin) or the minipill (progestin only), they are safe for use in breastfeeding mothers. Both of these components have been approved by the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP).

However, it is recommended that contraceptives that contain estrogen (combination pill) should be deferred until the baby is six months old and has established well on solid foods because estrogen can cause loss of breast milk supply. On the other hand, minipills don't cause milk supply to dcrease, making them the preferred choice for breastfeeding mothers.

The effects of birth control pills on the mother's milk

The effects of these birth control pills differ due to the components present. For the combination contraceptive pills, since they contain estrogen, they suppress the mother's milk production leading to a low milk supply. Not all breastfeeding mothers who take these kinds of pills experience a low milk supply, but it is only in very rare cases.

The minipills or the progestin-only pills do not cause any milk production problems if given at normal doses and if started after about 6-8 weeks after the birth of the baby. However, there have been reports made that these pills can also cause the same milk suppression issues.

Effects of birth control pills on the baby

There have been no evidences found that it can cause side effects and endanger the baby's health. In fact, studies revealed that there have been no long term problems found in babies and children whose mothers have been taking contraceptive pills while still breastfeeding.

According to one study, the hormones caused a minimal decrease in the lactose, nitrogen, and protein content of the mother's milk, which lead to fussiness in the baby. But once the mothers stopped taking the pills, a marked improvement of the degree of fussiness of the baby had been seen.

The best choices to make

Now that you know that these synthetic hormones can cause a suppression of the milk supply, it is best to wait until the baby is about 6-8 months before you start using the pill. You don't have to worry because breastfeeding alone during the first six months can cause a delay in the normal ovulation process, a method called lactational amenorrhea.

Some alternative options that you can use

Other methods that you can use are the calendar method, cervical mucus awareness method, intra uterine devices (IUD), condoms, spermicides, diaphragm, cervical cap and injections such as depo-provera.

By: Kassie Charles

How to Buy Birth Control Online

2009-03-12T01:04:00.000-07:00

Millions of sexually active men and women around the world benefit from using the various birth control methods available today. Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancies, different forms of birth control or contraceptive also provide health benefits as well as prevent users from acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.

Aside from the fact that most forms of birth control have high efficiency rates, these can also be easily acquired and are very convenient to use. Most forms of contraceptive under the barrier methods are the ones that can be purchased and used even without recommendations or prescriptions from doctors or physicians. On the other hand, hormonal methods such as the pills generally require prescription from health practitioners.

Meanwhile, with the popularity of contraceptives and the advancements in today's technology, people can now buy birth control online. As this option not only makes purchasing birth control easier and faster, it also saves one from the hassle of going out just to buy the needed birth control product.

In line with this, below is a helpful guide on how one can buy birth control online:

1. The first thing you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the different types of birth control methods available today. See, birth control methods come in many forms and variations. Becoming aware of the differences of each form of contraceptive will help you decide on which method is best to use in the future.

2. Consult your doctor to know which type of birth control is best for your present health condition. This way, you are now aware which form of birth control to purchase via the Internet. Never decide to buy and use any type of hormonal birth control, especially birth control pills, online without recommendations and prescriptions from authorized physicians or doctors.

3. Upon knowing which birth control method to buy via the Internet, try to look for as more than one website that sells contraceptive products for comparison. The Internet has numerous websites that feature different types of birth control products. Hence , it wouldn't be a problem for you to create a list of prospect websites to choose birth control products from.

4. Compare the product and price ranges of each prospect website to know which ones fit well to your budget. If you asked your doctor or physician about the price of the recommended birth control, then that's better since you already know the estimated price of the prospect birth control products.

5. If there are featured product reviews on each website, read them before deciding which birth control product to purchase or order. These product reviews will definitely help you in choosing for the right brand of birth control product to purchase. Not only will these help you determine the price differences of every products, but you will also get to read the feedbacks of other buyers on your prospect birth control product.

6. Check the privacy statement of each prospect website to ensure safety and privacy in placing orders. Also make sure that every site is legal, meaning the websites' selling and packaging procedures are certified and acknowledged by Hacker-Safe and trustE.

Source by http://www.articlegold.com/profile/Rcon-Franchesca/5793

Pregnancy - Birth Control Methods After Pregnancy

2009-03-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

For you and your child's wellbeing, you have to take an informed decision regarding birth control after pregnancy. There are many types of birth control methods available in the market today; however, only some of these methods will suit your body. It thus becomes imperative that you weigh the pros and cons of various birth control methods before you choose one.

After the pregnancy period is over your hormones will undergo dramatic changes. Some women will not show any interest in sex, while others will witness an increase in their sex drive. Physically most women are fit to have sex two weeks after giving birth, as the vagina typically takes two weeks to heal and the cervix also closes by this time.

If you are interested in sex after pregnancy, you should understand that there is a huge chance that you could get pregnant again even two weeks after giving birth. Therefore, you have to choose your contraception carefully. Ask your doctor if it is absolutely okay for you to have sex.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method

There are basically four types of birth control after pregnancy methods that women can choose from. Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), also called the breastfeeding method, can be used by women who are nursing and have not had their menstrual cycle after pregnancy. For this method to be effective you need to breastfeed your baby from both breasts every four hours and in the night every six hours. This method of birth control while breastfeeding works for six months after the baby is born and then you would have to shift to contraception.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods for birth control after pregnancy include condoms, female condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields. They would not cause any harm to your nursing infant.

Hormonal Methods

The hormonal methods for birth control after pregnancy should be taken after careful considerations. If you are nursing, you should not take combination hormone treatment that has estrogen or ethinyl estradiol in it. You can pass on the estrogen to your baby via the breast milk. Progestin-only methods of birth control, like mini-pills, Depo-Provera, etc. are often said to be safe for both you and your baby; however, some doctors claim that progestin can also be passed on to your baby.

IUD

Intra Uterine Devices, like Copper IUD, are safe and effective birth control devices. An IUD will not have any affect on your breast milk, so you can use it even while nursing.

Besides the above mentioned methods you can do what many other women do - keep track of your fertility cycle. Your doctor can help you learn about your fertility cycle. Then all you need to do is abstain from sex on your unsafe days.

Birth control will ensure that you do not get pregnant again soon after giving birth. This will give you time to properly look after yourself and your baby. Most importantly this will also give you time to get back into shape so that you look good after pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about birth control after pregnancy and decide accordingly.

By Brain

Birth Control Pill for Acne

2009-02-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

There are quite a few prescription medications used to combat acne, but one of the most frequent choices for women is the use of a birth control pill for acne. This approach can be used with teenagers as well as adult women, but if you're a guy, you are out of luck. Using the birth control pill for acne on a man is a recipe for disaster. The female hormones would wreak havoc on a man's system.

For women though, the birth control pill for acne can be a minor miracle. And if your acne is severe enough to require use of the most dangerous acne drug, birth control is an absolute necessity. You will not be able to take the risky drug without also using the birth control pill for acne.

Why does using the birth control pill for acne work?

Teen girls and women often experience outbreaks of acne just before their menstrual periods. This is especially true with teens because their hormones are often surging out of whack and haven't settled into a more even production yet. The birth control pill for acne works by evening out those hormonal surges. When a woman's hormones are regulated by using the birth control pill for acne, they often find the breakouts lessen in both frequency and severity.

Is taking birth control pills for acne right for you?

The hormones estrogen, progestin and testosterone can be wildly unstable in the first few years after a girl enters puberty. The fluctuating levels of these hormones can really irritate the acne nearly all teens are prone to suffer. For girls experiencing moderate or worse breakouts, and the embarrassment that comes with them, using birth control pills for acne can be a miracle. Not only do their systems calm down, the breakouts become milder. Adult women often appreciate the clearer skin that comes with the pill, even though they weren't using birth control pills for acne in the first place.

If you are suffering severe acne problems, your doctor may choose to put you on very effective medication called isotretinoin. This drug, sold under the name Accutane, is very powerful, highly effective and absolutely not to be used during pregnancy. This is where birth control pills for acne are most often prescribed.

Accutane can cause such damage to a fetus that if a doctor prescribes it for you, he is required by law to make sure you have two negative pregnancy tests no more than a week before you start taking the drug. You have to be using birth control, so most doctors prescribe birth control pills for acne as well, and you must have a negative pregnancy test before each month's refill of Accutane.

These regulations have been in place for some time, but because pregnancies while on isotretinoin are still happening, new federal regulations have been added. If you take the drug, you are required to sign into a national database so doctors, pharmacists and the government can track users of the drug and make sure all the anti-pregnancy precautions are being taken, including birth control pills for acne and a second form of birth control.

What are the side effects to taking birth control pills for acne?

If your doctor prescribes birth control pills for acne and you take the correct dosage, using the medication according to instructions, then the side effects are very minimal.

The standard but generally low risks of birth control pills for acne or other uses include weight gain, nausea, irregular or breakthrough (during the month) bleeding. In very rare cases, this medication can cause problems with blood pressure, blood clots and perhaps even heart attacks or strokes.

One important thing to know about taking birth control pills for acne is that if your doctor also prescribes antibiotics, and you're using the pill for pregnancy protection as well, you'll want to add a backup method of birth control. The birth control pill for acne will still help manage your skin, but can fail to protect you from pregnancy while you're also on antibiotics.

By Rodel Garcia

Ways of Birth Control After Pregnancy

2009-02-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

Practicing birth control immediately after your pregnancy period is a good idea if you want to lead a healthy life and have a happy family. It is important that you continue being on the alert once your pregnancy gets over. There are various ways of birth control to opt from but it is best to read journals, magazines, websites etc. and gather as much information as you can before you decide the method most effective for you.

It is normal for a woman to not feel sexually inclined soon after her pregnancy period. Nonetheless, the vagina heals within two weeks of giving birth putting you at the risk of becoming pregnant while still nursing. Beware of this when getting involved in sex after pregnancy. You must avoid getting pregnant at such an early stage which can be done by exercising birth control while breastfeeding. This method of birth control after pregnancy is called the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and is said to be helpful in postponing fertility simply by feeding your baby. Following are the conditions required for this method to work:

- You have to feed your baby from both breasts every four hours during the day and every six hours during the night

- You must not have had a period since your child's birth

- You can use this method only for six months from your baby's birth

There are other methods of controlling birth after pregnancy that you can choose from while you are still nursing.

Two of them are:

Barrier Methods
IUDs: IntraUterine Devices

Barrier methods of birth control post pregnancy include condoms, female condoms, and sponges and help in making sex after pregnancy safe. Some are even spermicidal. Spermicidal methods should be used only when the vagina has healed completely. Prescription barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields require waiting for six to eight weeks after delivery. While using IUDs is a method of birth control while breastfeeding that will not have any change on your breast milk, thus neither on your infant. You cannot conceive as long as an IUD is inserted in you by a professional. Wearing a ring, using a patch and taking a combination of hormonal treatment are best avoided while you are in the process of feeding your baby.

Another method of birth control after pregnancy is to be aware of your menstrual cycle after pregnancy and refrain from sex on days that are "unsafe". Once you have had your first period post delivery, you can keep a track of your fertility with the aid of a doctor and avoid sex on the days your body is more receptive to sperms.

The above mentioned methods are used before intercourse. But once you have had sex and a pregnancy kit tests you positive, you can turn to the Emergency Contraceptive pill for an urgent rescue! It can be used within 120 hours of intercourse but the sooner it is used, the better. Even if it does seem like the last resort, it is effective in birth control after pregnancy.

By Apurva Shree

Octuplets Fallout: Should Fertility Doctors Set Limits?

2009-02-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

Just about the time that eight babies began growing inside a California woman's womb, some nationwide policies about fertility treatment were being codified. In June, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) issued updated "Guidelines on Number of Embryos Transferred." Women under age 35 - the octuplets' mom is reportedly 33 - should attempt to transfer no more than two, and preferably only one, fertilized embryo at a time. Women over age 40 should attempt no more than five.

"I think the word cowboys comes to mind," says Robert Stillman, medical director at Shady Grove Fertility Center in Rockville, Md., the country's largest fertility clinic.

But fertility doctors counter that reproductive medicine is among the most regulated specialties in the U.S. Clinics must report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the number of embryos transferred in each IVF cycle - in which sperm and egg are fertilized outside a woman's body, then transferred to her uterus - as well as the number of babies born as a result of that treatment cycle.

This requirement was originally set up to empower patients, who can now assess their chances of getting pregnant on the basis of a particular clinic's success rate. But the reporting system has evolved into being a way to monitor a clinic's number of multiple births, which are more dangerous - and more costly - for mother and baby.

In the past decade, the number of multiple births resulting from IVF cycles has declined even as the number of IVF cycles has increased. As the science of IVF has improved, the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, an affiliate of the ASRM, has progressively lowered its recommendations regarding how many embryos should be transferred in each cycle. According to the group, IVF-facilitated births of three or more babies dropped 69% from 1996 to 2005. That's no coincidence: in the same period, the average number of embryos transferred went from 3.9 to 2.4, a 38% drop.

Single-embryo transfers are now the name of the game in many cases. A recent article in the journal Fertility and Sterility generated controversy when it suggested recasting how fertility clinics view outcomes. A singleton birth should be considered a success, triplets a failure.

But in the U.S., where fertility treatment is often scoffed at by insurance companies, women paying for the costly procedures out of pocket want to wind up with a baby as quickly - and cheaply - as possible. One IVF cycle can cost upwards of $10,000. Often, women decide their best shot is by increasing the number of embryos transferred.

Physicians may advise a patient to transfer only one or two embryos, but the patient may insist on double the number - or more. "Doctors' attorneys are advising them, 'You have to do it,' " says Sean Tipton, spokesman for the ASRM. "The courts have made clear that decisions about what to do with embryos are in the hands of patients, not in the hands of physicians."

A doctor, after all, is not the same as a judge.

If women who already have a bunch of kids were to approach Stillman for help conceiving more, he says he'd be obligated to help. "As a parent of two kids, I may think they're crazy, but I'd tell them what I always tell patients: our goal here is as many children as you want, but preferably one at a time."

Richard Paulson, director of the fertility program at the University of Southern California, helped write the original professional recommendations regarding embryo transfer. Although he decries the birth of triplets, he's irritated at calls to legislate assisted reproduction. Doctors aren't the problem, he contends; laws are. Some European countries limit the number of embryos transferred, but that doesn't allow for physicians to take into account individual medical histories; generally, the older the patient, the less likely embryos will implant.

The California octuplets are only the second set to be born in U.S. history. "We're picking out this incredibly rare event, and all of a sudden, we want to pass laws," says Paulson. "Would we write laws limiting the size of someone's family to six? Would we write laws mandating selective reduction?" he asks, referring to the option of aborting some embryos if a high number successfully implant in the uterus. "Restricting reproductive rights would be a minefield."

In the meantime, the subject of how the California woman came to deliver eight babies - 10 years after a Houston woman gave birth to the first-known living octuplets - is preoccupying fertility doctors across the country. The ASRM is caught up in the craziness too. "If this resulted from an IVF treatment, we can say that transferring eight embryos in an IVF cycle is well beyond our guidelines," the group's president, R. Dale McClure, said in a statement issued four days after Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Bellflower, a Los Angeles suburb, announced the babies' birth. "We have a process for looking into these kind of matters and taking appropriate action."

But at most, all the group can do is revoke society membership from a clinic gone astray. "We have no legal authority to stop someone from practicing," says Tipton, the group's spokesman.

Over the weekend at Duke Fertility Center in Durham, N.C., the extraordinary birth was on everyone's mind. Fertility clinics are round-the-clock operations, and women came and went for fertility monitoring. Susannah Copland, who oversees the IVF program at Duke University, was on call and noticed that "everyone was buzzing about the octuplets." Some were shocked, others unnerved. "I don't want eight babies," they told her.

"And we don't want you to have eight babies," she responded.

"I will continue to counsel patients that one embryo is the way to go," says Copland. "What does Mother Nature usually give us? One baby at a time."

Yet she worries that some patients may be inspired by news of the octuplets. "It's a pebble dropped in the pond," she says, "and who knows where the ripples will go?"

Source by http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090204/hl_time/08599187623200

Common Chemicals May Delay Pregnancy

2009-01-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

Chemicals known as perfluorinated chemicals, which are pervasive in food packaging, pesticides, clothing, upholstery, carpets and personal care products, may delay pregnancy, a new study suggests.

These chemicals are being phased out in the United States because of their toxic effects, and are expected to be completely gone by 2010. However, they remain in the environment and in the body for decades, and have been linked to developmental problems.

"These widespread chemicals apparently lower the fertility in couples trying to get pregnant," said lead researcher Dr. Jorn Olsen, chairman of the Department of Epidemiology at UCLA's School of Public Health.

Danish women in the study who had with high levels of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) took longer to get pregnant, Olsen said.

"If this finding can be replicated, one would have to look for other chemicals to replace these," he said.

The report is published in the Jan. 29 online edition of Human Reproduction. And it follows on the heels of a report linking another common plastic chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), to developmental problems in fetuses and infants.

For the study, Olsen's team collected data on 1,240 women who participated in the Danish National Birth Cohort. The researchers took blood samples from the women and interviewed them on how long it took them to become pregnant.

The researchers found that blood levels of PFOS ranged from 6.4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) to 106.7 ng/ml. For PFOA, levels ranged from 1 ng/ml to 41.5 ng/ml.

Olsen's group then divided the women into four groups, depending on how much of the chemicals was in their blood.

Women in the three groups with the highest levels of PFOS took from 70 percent to 134percent longer to get pregnant than women with the lowest PFOS levels, the team report. It took women with the highest PFOA levels 60 percent to 154 percent longer to get pregnant compared with women with the lowest levels of this chemical.

Why these chemicals would delay pregnancy isn't known, Olsen said, but they may affect hormones involved in reproduction.

Recent animal studies have found these chemicals may have a variety of toxic effects on the liver, immune system and developmental and reproductive organs, he noted.

In addition, previous studies by the same researchers found that PFOA may affect the growth of fetuses. In addition, two other studies linked PFOA and PFOS to impaired fetal growth, Olsen said.

However, Dr. Jamie Grifo, director of reproductive endocrinology at New York University Medical Center in New York City, believes the study is missing a cause-and-effect relationship.

"There are probably things in the environment that are affecting us in ways we don't know about, but you have to get to the basic biology of what's the mechanism of action -- that's the missing link," Grifo said. "The problem with the study is, it creates more anxiety and fear, but it doesn't answer the question."

Any danger with these chemicals may soon become moot, since in 2006 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had commitments from eight manufacturers of PFOA to voluntarily reduce emissions and product content of PFOA and related chemicals in the United States and overseas by 95 percent by 2010, and to work toward eliminating emissions and product content of these chemicals by 2015. This action was brought on because the chemical was associated with "systemic and developmental toxicity."

In addition, 3M, the only manufacturer of PFOS in the United States, had agreed to phase out its production and use of the chemical nine years ago, according to the EPA's Web site.

By Steven Reinberg Common Chemicals May Delay Pregnancy

Effective Birth Control: "It's Better To Have It And Not Need It Then Need It And Not Have It"

2009-01-22T04:12:00.000-08:00

A subject very near and dear to my heart is the subject of birth control in all its forms. Condoms are the oldest form of effective birth control (second only to abstinence of course), but of course there are many others, most of them for women. This seems to be a source of tension between the sexes as I have met many women who are displeased with the fact that most birth control methods place the responsibility on them. To this I say: what's your point? I'll admit it's unfair, but there's not much else we have to work with at the present time. We've been hearing talk of a male birth control pill for many years and it still isn't here so we have to do the best with what we have. And hey, if and when that male pill comes out I'll be first in line to get that sucker.

The responsibility, however, is shared by all of us to some degree. As a man I feel it is my responsibility to wear a condom to prevent both pregnancy and the transmission/contraction of disease. As a woman your job is to make sure the man is wearing a condom for the aforementioned reasons, or to be taking some type of birth control measures yourself. Quite honestly, in this day and age there is really no reason why there should be any unwanted pregnancy. Birth control methods are proven and tested for both sexes, they are readily available, and for the most part very affordable. At this point I can not stress enough that "pulling out" is about as effective at preventing pregnancy as driving with your eyes closed is at preventing an accident. Also, forget all the little stories and rumors you've been told or hear around the gymnasium: If you have sex unprotected you will eventually get pregnant. Here's some "tales" I have heard in my life:

Rumor: If a woman is on top she cannot get pregnant
Verdict: FALSE

Rumor: If it is a woman's first time she cannot get pregnant
Verdict: FALSE

Rumor: If a woman is on her period she cannot get pregnant
Verdict: FALSE

Rumor: A woman cannot get pregnant from pre cum (the fluid that comes out of the penis prior to ejaculation)
Verdict: FALSE

Rumor: Mountain Dew lowers your sperm count
Verdict: Seriously, do people still think this one? FALSE

Rumor: Having unprotected sex for a long time (multiple sessions) reduces the risk of pregnancy/means you cannot get pregnant
Verdict: Nothing can be further from the truth. Unless you have been told by a doctor that you cannot get pregnant: you WILL get pregnant. Having unprotected sex for a year with your boyfriend and not getting pregnant doesn't mean anything other then you've been lucky and haven't gotten pregnant YET.

In addition to these I should stress that 9 times out of 10 when a guy insists on not wearing a condom because he claims that he's sterile he's lying. And double that if he's under 25. He just doesn't want to wear the condom. Girls please do not be fooled by this. Your average 16 year old guy is very stupid and very hormonally driven. Try to imagine a realistic reason why a 16 year old guy would A. Be sterile, and more importantly B. Have ever had a reason to have that checked out in the first place. Men ( and typically women as well) only figure out they're sterile when they're having a difficult time trying to conceive and seek out a fertility specialist who will then run tests to determine fertility/sterility. (1)

One form of birth control that I feel gets very little attention is emergency contraception, often called "the morning after pill." This pill, (and there are a few different kinds), works by preventing ovulation so that fertilization never occurs. It is NOT an "abortion pill," although there are types of emergency contraception that are essentially just that. If you're opposed to that - make sure you get the right one.

Having the morning after pill around "just in case" is like having jumper cables in your car. You may never need to use them but if you're ever stuck without it you'd wish like hell you had them. In my personal opinion the morning after pill should be kept in your medicine cabinet just the same way you'd keep jumper cables in the car or a fire extinguisher in the closet. Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. If. Check with your doctor for proper storage techniques and effective life span of the pill.

Other methods of female birth control available include: "The Pill," which can be any number of pills typically taken once a day, Depo shots (typically taken once every few months), IUD's, the patch, etc.. there are more and more all the time that you hear about. Perhaps it is simply easier to develop birth control methods for women as opposed to men. Not being a doctor I cannot say for sure.

I've spent enough time talking to the ladies, now it's time for me to dig into the men for a sec.

Guys: Keep a condom handy. Don't be an idiot and keep it in your wallet, the condom can and will (often) overheat thereby decreasing its effectiveness and making it more prone to breaking.

Guys: Do NOT be a jackass and refuse to wear a condom because "it doesn't feel good." First off I never understood that argument. I've worn plenty of condoms in my lifetime and have never found a condom to feel bad. Of course sensitivity is decreased but in my experience it's never been decreased by much and never enough to make me want to roll the dice and take a chance without wearing one.

And trust me guys, if you think a condom is uncomfortable that's nothing compared to the discomfort you'll experience when you realize you just got someone pregnant, or the discomfort your bank account will experience when your earnings are garnished for child support for the next 18 years because you were worried about having 10% more sensation in your penis. Doesn't sound so great when you say it out loud like that, does it? Roll it down over the head of the penis and down the base of the shaft. Always hold it securely when pulling out to prevent "slipping out" of it and spilling. Yes there is a risk of pregnancy even then. Oh, and condoms are like eggs: they have an expiration date. Don't push it!

So in short, my friends, Birth Control = Good. I'm not going to sit here and espouse the virtues of remaining abstinent until marriage (though it's not a bad idea, just sayin'). Odds are most of you reading this are too late for that and that's not my personal viewpoint either. Go out and have fun, but do it responsibly. Birth control is everywhere, it's readily available, and in most cases very affordable. Sometimes your insurance will cover it.

Oh and please no one give me that "I'm against birth control due to my religion" argument. If your religion prohibits birth control it probably also prohibits pre-martial sex and marital sex for any other reason than contraception. Don't tell me your religion prohibits you from wearing a condom but is okay with you having sex in the backseat of your dad's Buick after the Junior Formal. Hypocrisy abounds with that argument.

In addition, I don't want to hear any woman tell me they don't want to go on the pill because it'll make them gain weight so they'll just not use ANY form of birth control. Weight gain is a potential side effect of some of the female birth control pills however I would just like to point out that while you MAY gain weight on the pill it's nothing compared to the weight you WILL gain if you become pregnant. Don't want to go on the pill? That's fine. But make sure someone's using something. Don't just do nothing.

By Dave Trouson http://www.isnare.com/?aid=220213&ca=Family+Concerns

Diaphragm Birth Control

2009-01-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

There are different types of birth control devices in the market today. Women who don't want to use pills can use something called a diaphragm.

A diaphragm is a shallow, dome shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that fits nicely within the vagina as it is able to cover the cervix which prevents the sperm from every reaching the uterus. It should be inserted prior to intercourse and covered with spermicide. The spermicide works by killing the sperm thus making it impossible to fertilize the egg.

Women who choose to use the diaphragm may keep it in there for 24 hours. You just have to make sure to insert spermicide every two hours or before engaging in sexual intercourse again.

The general rule for using this device is that it must be kept in place for the next 6 hours after intercourse before it is removed.

Before you insert the diaphragm, it is best to empty your bladder and wash your hands with soap and water. The device itself should be checked for leaks by filling it with water or holding up in the light. If everything looks good, this is the time that you apply spermicide on the inner and outer layers of the diaphragm. The most important is around the rim.

The user will then insert this by standing with one food elevated using a chair or step, while lying down or squatting. The diaphragm must be folded inward towards the middle and inserted into the vagina as far as possible.

The diaphragm birth control device cannot protect you 100% from getting pregnant. It also cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes or HIV.

There are advantages and disadvantages of using the diaphragm.

The advantage of using one is that it is easy to insert and remove and your sexual partner will not even feel it during sex.

Read more Diaphragm Birth Control

Best Birth Control Options

2008-12-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

The birth control pill is a commonly known contraceptive. The controversies over the pill have been a major issue for the last 40 years. Birth control pills work by using estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones are synthetic versions of the female hormones that occur naturally. They prevent conception by preventing ovulation.

Taken daily as prescribed, birth control pills are said to be 98 percent to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Some known side effects include blood clots, high blood pressure, liver tumors, increased risk of breast cancer, and an increased risk of cervical cancer. You should check with your doctor, and give him a complete family history if you decide to try these pills as a method of birth control. Having a family history of any of the above illnesses may be reason to look into other forms of contraceptives.

Barrier methods of birth control include the diaphragm, cervical cap, and condoms. These methods work by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. Although they don't carry the same side effect risks as the pill, these methods must be used each time that you have sex, and so are considered to be less convenient. You must see your doctor to begin using a diaphragm or a cervical cap, and diaphragms have been known to cause urinary tract infections.

Along the same lines as the birth control pill is the birth control patch from Ortho Evra. This patch uses estrogen and progestin to prevent conception. You can apply it to either the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso, or your outer arm, and you wear a new patch each week for three weeks. During the 4th week of the cycle, you do not wear the patch, and you will start your period. Side effects of the birth control patch are much like those of the birth control pill. If you use either of these methods, it is recommended that you do not smoke, as this increases your risk for heart problems, blood clots, and certain cancers.

Another form that works much like the pill and the patch is the hormone shot. Depo-Provera and Lunelle are the brand names of the hormone shots used. These shots work like the pill, and have much the same side effects. Other side effects include headaches and risks of mood changes, period changes, and weight gain. The shots work for one or three months, depending on which one you choose.

Intrauterine Devices or IUDs are placed inside your uterus by a doctor, and is made of a flexible plastic. They seem to stop sperm from reaching the egg or they prevent the egg from attaching to the uterus. It is currently not known how the IUD prevents pregnancies. Side effects of the IUD include heavy bleeding and severe cramping during periods. IUDs are mostly used in women who have already had a baby.

Probably the safest form of birth control is abstinence. If you don't plan to practice abstinence, and you are not ready to become pregnant, then you should discuss with your doctor the best form of birth control for your own unique situation.

Alex Olson wrote a number of highly popular articles which concern health problems. In them she pays much attention to birth control options.

The Different Forms Of Birth Control

2008-11-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

Although there are many different forms of birth control, some women are afraid to take any of each because they are scared of the side effects. The most common that these pills have as an effect relates with the issue of gaining weight.

Ask a woman who is not afraid of getting fat. You will not find so many. But if indeed there is a case wherein a woman chooses to gain more weight for health related issues, they will resort to other means. This is especially true if the person involved is not sexually active and don't have a dependence on birth control pills.

But if the person who wants to gain weight and has also used the pills, she may just continue doing so for the purpose of adding up more pounds. There is nothing wrong with that especially if she is only doing what she thinks is right.

A woman knows her body better than anybody else. But to get a scientific truth to the claims, she may also opt to see a doctor to ask for advice on what pills to take for the purpose of adding more weight. If that is not what she wants to happen, she may also ask for a suitable birth control that will match her body type.

Other Forms of Birth Control

If you don't want to depend on the pills to avoid getting pregnant, there are other types of contraception that you can choose from. For whatever reasons, may it be because you don't want to add on to your weight or whatever else, here are some of the other types that you can choose to avail.

Implant Contraception

Through this method, a rod will be inserted under a woman's skin. This rod will release small amounts of progestin, a type of hormone, into the bloodstream. This is not so popular because it causes heavy bleeding.

Read more The Different Forms Of Birth Control

Understanding the Female Condom

2008-11-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

A female condom is not a new concept in the market though it is not as popular as the male condom. However, this flexible, thin, loose-fitting tube worn inside the vagina is slowly but surely gaining popularity. The device which is female controlled, the only of it's kind, has two soft rings. One ring holds down at the cervix in the time of intercourse while the other one stays outside the vulva, partly or partially covering the lipped area. It is a form of protection that bars sexual fluids including blood, semen or saliva from being shared between partners. It has a good record of effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. It is available as an over the counter product with instructions for the user.

A female condom is quite user-friendly though they might appear awkward with a first timer. They get easier with practice whereby you can insert them even eight hours before sexual encounter. Do not be in a rush when inserting this wonderful devise into your vagina but take time. You can lie down or stand up with one foot resting on a chair or better still, sit with your legs spread apart. With the condom in place you can decide to use lubrication during pumping to hold the condom in place. Addition of spermicide prior or after insertion can be an added advantage as it reduces the risk of pregnancy. However, a male condom and a female condom should not be used concurrently!

Always be cautious not to twist the condom during or after insertion. At least one inch of the open ended condom side stays outside the vagina. Spread out the lips using one hand while inserting the other squeezed part into the vagina. Push it using the inner ring a few inches after passing the pubic bone and past the now accessible cervix. During intercourse, the outer most ring should be held in place to avoid the female condom from slipping. The hand holding the condom in place can be used to stroke the clitoris to increase stimulation and heighten pleasure. After you are through with intercourse, twist and squeeze the outer most ring to arrest all the fluids inside the female condom inclusive of sperms. Do not be hasty but pull out gently and dispose it away.

There is no device that is as flexible as a female condom. It also doubles up as a dental dam. This is a counter measure taken to prevent transmission of sexual infections during the time of oral sex. The condom is simply cut at the closed end and then down one side. This results into a rectangular sheet that is then placed over the mouth of a partner or spread over the genitalia. A female condom harbors no side effects. However, there are chances it might break or slip during sexual intercourse. In case of such an accident happening, a woman can quickly take an emergency pill to prevent a pregnancy from occurring.

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