Monday, December 30, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
How to Have a Hormone-Free Holiday and New Year
CONDOMS, GELS, SPONGES and a partridge in a pear tree!
If you are looking to plan a holiday and New Year with hormone-free methods of birth control.. stuff your stockings with barrier contraceptives!
This week's post covers non-hormonal contraceptive options and all but one are available over the counter at any local drugstore.
THE DIAPHRAM
Maybe you remember this as Carrie's chosen method of birth control in Sex and the City? Well it actually exists and is available to you!
The diaphragm works as both a barrier to the opening of your uterus (the cervix) and it holds the spermicide in place to keep sperm from getting inside your uterus to an awaiting egg. In perfect use, meaning if this is the method of birth control you use every time you have sex, it has a failure rate of 6%. This means 6 of 100 women who use it correctly every time they have sex will get pregnant using the diaphragm. If this is a method that isn't used correctly or every time, the failure rate can increase up to 12%.
As previously mentioned this is a non-hormonal method and it also requires the addition of some type of spermicide, either foam, cream or jelly. The spermicide is applied inside of the diaphragm and the user most place it inside her vagina to fit over the cervix.
As you can see here, the diaphragm has to be inserted into the vagina (after spermicide has been applied) prior to any starting of sexual intercourse. In order to make sure the diaphragm fits properly this is something that you will have to get from a doctor. There are different sizes so this is the only barrier method that we will require a visit to your ObGyn.
If it seems like the diaphragm has a higher rate of failure compared to the pill, it does. However you can increase the effectiveness of this method by using it correctly, consistently and in conjunction with latex condoms and/or incorporating the withdrawl method e.g. having your partner pull out prior to ejaculation.
If you've had trouble remembering the pill, or have had consistently troublesome side effects from other hormonal methods.. the diaphragm might be right for you. If considering the diaphragm, its a good idea to take note of some disadvantages.
DONT FORGET The diaphragm has to be inserted with spermicide prior to sexual activity and must stay in place for 6 hours after last vaginal intercourse. It should not be left in place for more then 24hrs.
GOOD FIT REQUIRED As stated above, the diaphragm has to stay in place after intercourse to be effective so its important for the fit to be comfortable. Its important to be mindful if certain sexual positions cause it to become dislodged. Its even possible that initially re-fitting maybe needed, so that could mean another visit to your ObGyn.
IRRITATION MAY OCCUR Whether a sensitivity to the silicone of the diaphragm or the active agent in the spermicide (called nonoxynol-9). Women using diaphragms can experience frequent urinary tract infections, increase in vaginal discharge or vaginal irritation.
SPERMICIDES
These are just some pictures of the different brands of spermicides you might encounter.
USE As mentioned above, spermicides can come in different forms: foam, cream or gel. These can be used with a diaphragm or alone.
How it is used depends on the form it comes in, which can also include suppositories, films and sponges. All of these work in a similar manner to provide both a barrier to the uterus by covering the cervix (opening to the uterus) so that sperm cannot reach the egg and keeping the sperm moving so that they cant join the egg.
EFFECTIVENESS 15 out of every 100 women who use spermicides correctly every time they have sexual intercourse will still get pregnant. This rate of failure can go up to 29% (29 pregnancies out of 100 women) with inconsistent and incorrect use. As mentioned above, spermicides can be more effective if they are used in along with latex condoms and/or the penis is removed from the vagina prior to ejaculation.
DOWNSIDES So we know that inserting any type of gel/foam/cream into your vagina sounds like it could be messy especially when you couple that with having sexual intercourse. One of the major downsides of spermicides are that they can be messy. Depending on the form, some can even leak from the vagina. Another issue that was previously mentioned and that was vaginal irritation, and depending on the partner, irritation of the penis can occur as well.
CONDOMS: HIS&HERS
MALE CONDOMS A tried and true method of birth control dating back to Ancient Egypt, the condom has been used to varying degrees of effectiveness to prevent pregnancy. It serves as a barrier between the sperm and their intended target, the egg. Today most condoms also contain a spermicide but continue to function in the same basic way.Currently male condoms have an effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy of up to 98% with perfect use and a typical-use failure rate of 18%.
So we just described condoms having an effectiveness rating of 82-98%... Confused? Again we go back to perfect use vs typical use. As we mentioned with the spermicides, "perfect" use would describe consistent (use with every occurence of sexual intercourse) and correct use. Situations that would not be considered "correct" include the following:
-using condoms that are either old (past their expiration date) or stored impropperly (in places either too hot or too cold)
-putting the condom on a penis that was not fully erect
-use with the incorrect lubricant, such as those that ARE NOT water based
-failure to put on a new condom after climax has occured and a new session has begun
All of these situations could contribute to decreased effectiveness.
Its important to note that out of ANY of birth control methods currently available, latex male and female condoms are the only form of birth control that also protect from STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV.
FEMALE CONDOM Certainly the less popular of the two, the female condom was approved by the FDA in 2009. It looks very similar to the male condom.
It is inserted prior to intercourse and can be used in both anal and vaginal intercourse, as with the male condom.
Its rates of failure are between 5 and 21%, so like the other methods we've discussed in this post, consistent and correct use can increase effectiveness.
DOWNSIDES Reasons why someone might not like the female condom aren't unlike those reasons associated with male condoms like irritation, decreased sensation and some women might not feel comfortable inserting it.
Again its important to mention that condoms also decrease the rate of transmission of sexually transmitted infections in addition to preventing pregnancy.
We hope that this post has served to fill your holiday with some information about barrier methods of contraception. While all of these (with the exception of the diaphragm) can be found at a local drugstore Target or Walmart its a good idea to talk to your ObGyn about any changes in your method of birth control.
We look forward to your comments and questions. Follow any of our links for more information on these topics from trustworthy and informative sources.
Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!
If you are looking to plan a holiday and New Year with hormone-free methods of birth control.. stuff your stockings with barrier contraceptives!
This week's post covers non-hormonal contraceptive options and all but one are available over the counter at any local drugstore.
THE DIAPHRAM
Maybe you remember this as Carrie's chosen method of birth control in Sex and the City? Well it actually exists and is available to you!
The diaphragm works as both a barrier to the opening of your uterus (the cervix) and it holds the spermicide in place to keep sperm from getting inside your uterus to an awaiting egg. In perfect use, meaning if this is the method of birth control you use every time you have sex, it has a failure rate of 6%. This means 6 of 100 women who use it correctly every time they have sex will get pregnant using the diaphragm. If this is a method that isn't used correctly or every time, the failure rate can increase up to 12%.
As previously mentioned this is a non-hormonal method and it also requires the addition of some type of spermicide, either foam, cream or jelly. The spermicide is applied inside of the diaphragm and the user most place it inside her vagina to fit over the cervix.
As you can see here, the diaphragm has to be inserted into the vagina (after spermicide has been applied) prior to any starting of sexual intercourse. In order to make sure the diaphragm fits properly this is something that you will have to get from a doctor. There are different sizes so this is the only barrier method that we will require a visit to your ObGyn. If it seems like the diaphragm has a higher rate of failure compared to the pill, it does. However you can increase the effectiveness of this method by using it correctly, consistently and in conjunction with latex condoms and/or incorporating the withdrawl method e.g. having your partner pull out prior to ejaculation.
If you've had trouble remembering the pill, or have had consistently troublesome side effects from other hormonal methods.. the diaphragm might be right for you. If considering the diaphragm, its a good idea to take note of some disadvantages.
DONT FORGET The diaphragm has to be inserted with spermicide prior to sexual activity and must stay in place for 6 hours after last vaginal intercourse. It should not be left in place for more then 24hrs.
GOOD FIT REQUIRED As stated above, the diaphragm has to stay in place after intercourse to be effective so its important for the fit to be comfortable. Its important to be mindful if certain sexual positions cause it to become dislodged. Its even possible that initially re-fitting maybe needed, so that could mean another visit to your ObGyn.
IRRITATION MAY OCCUR Whether a sensitivity to the silicone of the diaphragm or the active agent in the spermicide (called nonoxynol-9). Women using diaphragms can experience frequent urinary tract infections, increase in vaginal discharge or vaginal irritation.
SPERMICIDES
These are just some pictures of the different brands of spermicides you might encounter.
USE As mentioned above, spermicides can come in different forms: foam, cream or gel. These can be used with a diaphragm or alone.
How it is used depends on the form it comes in, which can also include suppositories, films and sponges. All of these work in a similar manner to provide both a barrier to the uterus by covering the cervix (opening to the uterus) so that sperm cannot reach the egg and keeping the sperm moving so that they cant join the egg.
EFFECTIVENESS 15 out of every 100 women who use spermicides correctly every time they have sexual intercourse will still get pregnant. This rate of failure can go up to 29% (29 pregnancies out of 100 women) with inconsistent and incorrect use. As mentioned above, spermicides can be more effective if they are used in along with latex condoms and/or the penis is removed from the vagina prior to ejaculation.
DOWNSIDES So we know that inserting any type of gel/foam/cream into your vagina sounds like it could be messy especially when you couple that with having sexual intercourse. One of the major downsides of spermicides are that they can be messy. Depending on the form, some can even leak from the vagina. Another issue that was previously mentioned and that was vaginal irritation, and depending on the partner, irritation of the penis can occur as well.
CONDOMS: HIS&HERS
MALE CONDOMS A tried and true method of birth control dating back to Ancient Egypt, the condom has been used to varying degrees of effectiveness to prevent pregnancy. It serves as a barrier between the sperm and their intended target, the egg. Today most condoms also contain a spermicide but continue to function in the same basic way.Currently male condoms have an effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy of up to 98% with perfect use and a typical-use failure rate of 18%.
So we just described condoms having an effectiveness rating of 82-98%... Confused? Again we go back to perfect use vs typical use. As we mentioned with the spermicides, "perfect" use would describe consistent (use with every occurence of sexual intercourse) and correct use. Situations that would not be considered "correct" include the following:
-using condoms that are either old (past their expiration date) or stored impropperly (in places either too hot or too cold)
-putting the condom on a penis that was not fully erect
-use with the incorrect lubricant, such as those that ARE NOT water based
-failure to put on a new condom after climax has occured and a new session has begun
All of these situations could contribute to decreased effectiveness.
Its important to note that out of ANY of birth control methods currently available, latex male and female condoms are the only form of birth control that also protect from STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV.
FEMALE CONDOM Certainly the less popular of the two, the female condom was approved by the FDA in 2009. It looks very similar to the male condom.
It is inserted prior to intercourse and can be used in both anal and vaginal intercourse, as with the male condom. Its rates of failure are between 5 and 21%, so like the other methods we've discussed in this post, consistent and correct use can increase effectiveness.
DOWNSIDES Reasons why someone might not like the female condom aren't unlike those reasons associated with male condoms like irritation, decreased sensation and some women might not feel comfortable inserting it.
Again its important to mention that condoms also decrease the rate of transmission of sexually transmitted infections in addition to preventing pregnancy.
We hope that this post has served to fill your holiday with some information about barrier methods of contraception. While all of these (with the exception of the diaphragm) can be found at a local drugstore Target or Walmart its a good idea to talk to your ObGyn about any changes in your method of birth control.
We look forward to your comments and questions. Follow any of our links for more information on these topics from trustworthy and informative sources.
Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
What does your birth control say about you?
You chose your method of contraception, but what does that birth control method really say about you? Selecting the perfect birth control is not just any ordinary feat. It can even be more frustrating that finding that perfect pair of jeans. It must fit with your personality, your lifestyle, your daily activities, and even your mood. See if these popular birth control methods are right for you!
 |
| www.babble.com |
IUD: You like long-term commitment. You're a no-fuss kinda gal, who can't be bothered with daily alarms to take your pill. Maybe you're a busy mom, who doesn't have time for baby #5. You're spontaneous, care-free, and responsible to check your strings monthly.
Implant: You're hip, you're cool, you're down with the times. You're always up to try something new, and also enjoy long-term commitments. You like discrete and hassle-free. You are one busy lady. Ain't nobody got time for that.
 |
| birthcontroltab.com |
The Pill: You are responsible, disciplined, and predictable in a good way. Nobody better mess with Monday night meatloaf or Tuesday night tacos. You are organized and have a list for everything. Reminder alarms are your best friend. Your friends characterize you as reliable and dependable.
 |
| www.theguardian.com |
Condom: "Tried and true" that is your motto. You won't eat a restaurant unless it has 4 stars and at least 100+ reviews on Yelp. You love a good deal. Lazy does not define you, and you put 100% effort into everything you do. Variety is the spice of life.
 |
| www.womenshealthspecialists.org |
The Shot: Good things come in 3! Being the social butterfly that you are, you enjoy seeing your doctor and the office staff every 3 months. They are even looking forward to your holiday cookies at your upcoming visit. You enjoy your privacy and spontaneity. You are one brave lady, shots don't bother this tough woman!
 |
| www.allbirthcontrol.com |
Withdrawal: You love tradition. You make the same side dish at Thanksgiving, you enjoy visits to Santa at the mall, and you always seek out the oldest bar on vacation. You are very trustworthy and appreciate convenience. Who doesn't enjoy gratis?
 |
| www.jillstanek.com |
Abstinence: You are disciplined and demonstrate much self-control. You have great communication skills and a good support system to back you up. You are focused on your goals. Things still get interesting since you are one creative lady.
 |
| www.millerandzois.com |
The Ring: You are comfortable in your own skin. You like to be in control. Easy, convenient, and relatively little effort is your mantra. You have dibs on the plates and cups at your company's potluck lunches.
 |
| familytreeclinic.org |
Fertility Awareness: Channeling your inner hippie, you don't want any hormonal side effects. Your body is your temple, and you want only natural. You have total self-discipline. You are detail oriented. Math was you favorite subject in school as you thrive on calculations.
 |
| www.oops-planb.com |
Emergency Contraception: You like options, and you like to be prepared. You're a passionate person. You like dancing in the rain and midnight strolls along the beach. Accidents do happen, and sometimes you just get caught in the moment.
 |
| www.essuredr.com |
Sterilization: You like certainty and leave little room for error. You are a planner. Your thinking is straightforward and to the point.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Demystifying Contraception
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! We are thankful for birth control!
http://twitchy.com/2013/11/28/check-out-25-people-who-are-thankful-for-birth-control-bonus-norman-rockwell-update/
Think you know the facts about contraception? Let's us DEBUNK your misconceptions about birth control. Learn the truth about common misconceptions.
Do you have any burning questions about staying safe in the sack? Send us things you've heard about birth control from your friends or family, and we will set you straight. The TRUTH will set you free!
http://www.perpetualkid.com/birth-control-gum.aspx
http://twitchy.com/2013/11/28/check-out-25-people-who-are-thankful-for-birth-control-bonus-norman-rockwell-update/
Think you know the facts about contraception? Let's us DEBUNK your misconceptions about birth control. Learn the truth about common misconceptions.
Do you have any burning questions about staying safe in the sack? Send us things you've heard about birth control from your friends or family, and we will set you straight. The TRUTH will set you free!
http://www.perpetualkid.com/birth-control-gum.aspx
Monday, November 25, 2013
Shooting into the stands – Pull Out and Pray
The
withdrawal method of contraception, also known as coitus interruptus, is the
practice of withdrawing the penis from the vagina and away from a woman's
external genitals before ejaculation to prevent pregnancy.
http://owaahh.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/philosophical-musings-on-the-withdrawal-method/
While it may
seem like a perfectly good alternative – make sure you know what you’re doing! Sperm may enter the vagina if withdrawal isn't properly timed or if pre-ejaculation fluid contains sperm. Men who use the
pull out method must be able to know when they are reaching the point in sexual
excitement when ejaculation can no longer be stopped or postponed. If you
cannot predict this moment accurately, withdrawal will not be as effective.
Why some do it?
-It’s Free.
-No
prescription, no fitting.
-No medical
or hormonal side effects.
-Enjoy
praying.
Why some shouldn’t?
-No
protection from STDs/STIs – HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.
-Disrupts
sexual pleasure – can leave you sexually frustrated or dissatisfied
-Less
effective way to prevent pregnancy (As many as 22 out of 100 women who practice
the withdrawal method for one year will get pregnant.)
Studies have
found actual failure rates of 15–28% per year. In comparison, the pill has an
actual use failure rate of 2–8%, while the intrauterine
device (IUD) has an
actual use failure rate of 0.8%.The condom has an actual use failure rate of 10–18%.
Moral of the story? – Don’t be afraid to aim for
the net, but make sure you get a goalie!
Don’t listen
to all the rumors you hear, and find out for yourself. Modern methods can vary
from condoms, to IUDs, pills, injections, or subdermal implants. Schedule a visit with your OB/GYN physician
and discuss all your options to see what works best for you and your partner.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
True Life: I use a ParaGard IUD
Curious about this copper IUD? Listen to Christina as she shares her personal experience about the ParaGard IUD!
Just a quickie: ParaGard is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is placed into your uterus for long-term birth control (contraception).
This T-shaped plastic frame is wrapped with copper wire coils that continuously release copper to bathe the lining of the uterus.
It produces an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm! If fertilization does occur, ParaGard keeps the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.
100% hormone free and doesn't alter your periods.
Just a quickie: ParaGard is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is placed into your uterus for long-term birth control (contraception).
This T-shaped plastic frame is wrapped with copper wire coils that continuously release copper to bathe the lining of the uterus.
It produces an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm! If fertilization does occur, ParaGard keeps the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.
100% hormone free and doesn't alter your periods.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
NuvaRing -a reintroduction
Taking the
Pill everyday becoming hard to swallow?
-A NuvaRing© that is.
Over
50 years since it was first introduced, the pill is the most popular method of
birth control in the US
Today's
post is dedicated to reintroducing the NuvaRing, another method of hormonal
birth control, which works in a way very similar to the pill.
First
released over 10 years ago, the NuvaRing offers the same effectiveness of the
pill but without the commitment of remembering to take it everyday around the
same time. It is a soft, flexible, small plastic ring filled with hormones that
you insert into your vagina once a month.
Yes
that's right, vaginal insertion. While it may sound "technical," ladies
who regularly use tampons should have no problems managing this with no extra
special skills required. In fact they sell applicators to keep things simple.
Like
the pill, the ring works by giving off two hormones to prevent the ovaries from
releasing eggs (a process called ovulation).
Also like the pill, the NuvaRing comes with similar risks. The pill and
the ring both carry increased risks of forming blood clots. Women who smoke are
at even more of a risk of getting these clots which can lead to stroke, heart
attack and potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism.
The
best candidate for the NuvaRing is a woman who is comfortable with the variety risks
and benefits of using hormonal methods of birth control. In fact a woman like
this might be pretty much happy with her pill but at the end of each pack always seems to wonder..
Did I miss any days? or Why do I have extra
pills left (in addition to the sugar pills)?
and ultimately: Could I be pregnant?
After
the NuvaRing is inserted its left in for three weeks, removed for one week
(where you should have your period) and then a new ring is inserted at the end
of the 4th week. A new ring every month, it can be as simple as that!
So
now that we've reintroduced the NuvaRing, lets recap:
Vaginal Insertion?
We mentioned the risks&benefits of using
the ring would be essentially the same as using the pill. Unlike with the pill,
the most common side effect with the NuvaRing is an increase in vaginal secretions
and vaginitis. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal tissue that can cause
itching & pain. In a study of 2500 women(done by makers of the NuvaRing),
5-14% experienced side effects like this.
No Smoking Allowed
As with the pill, the hormones in NuvaRing increase the risk of forming
blood clots that can cause stroke, heart attacks or a pulmonary embolism.
Smoking cigarettes (e-cigs too) makes the blood even more likely to form these
clots. Don't forget ladies, its always a good time to quit smoking!
Expulsion! Its
possible for the NuvaRing to come out on its own, during sex or even in the
bathroom. If this happens, simply rinse and reinsert. In the first 2 weeks
after insertion, if the ring is left out of the vagina for more then 3 hours, a
backup barrier method (like condoms) should be used.
Always Protect
Yourself!
As with
any other non-barrier method (like the pill) the NuvaRing will not protect you
against STDs such as HIV.
Now
that you know the NuvaRing a little better, perhaps you will find it's right
for you or someone you know!
Post any comments or questions you have about this or
other methods of birth control here or on our other social media outlets. We
promise prompt responses so follow us at Speculumdiaries on Instagram and on facebook.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)