Hormonal Regulating Birth Control is it Right for You?
One of the more misunderstood elements of women's health is subject of birth control. Misconceptions abound, and misinformation circulates freely among teenagers and adults alike. So how do you know which portions are true vs. which are false? There is a wealth of information available for the woman who is willing to overcome her embarrassment and simply ask.
This is intended to be an overview: to give you some basic details and options. However, only you, in conjunction with the recommendations of your doctor, can determine the best birth control solution for you based on factors including your age, family history, menstrual cycles, and any relevant health conditions.
The best place to start is to give a brief overview on the most common types of female, hormone regulating, birth control available.
- Patch: OrthoEvra, "the patch" is a thin patch which needs to be applied weekly for full effectiveness. Instances of the patch coming loose are only about 3%, but you should check it daily to make sure it is still firmly in place.
- Shot: Depo Provera, the "birth control shot", is a shot administered only once per month, and is effective for the full duration of your cycle, however prevents menstruation. When using another shot, Lunelle, menstruation still occurs, and there is a window of flexibility for shot administration allowing a few days on either side without losing effectiveness.
- Morning after pill: Clinically known as Plan B, the pill pack contains two tablets of levonorgestrel that contain .75 mg of contraception. The pills should be taken twelve hours apart within 72 hours of intercourse. Plan B pill pack pill which can be taking the morning after sex to prevent pregnancy. Thus far it is by prescription only, however legislation is in the works to make it available over-the-counter.
- Pills: The most commonly used form of female birth control; prescription pills offer a variety of solutions in the forms of different brand names, hormone dosages, and percentages of estrogen and progesterone.
When going on birth control, it is important to discuss your particular needs with your doctor, as well as any specific issues you might encounter on a monthly basis. If you suffer from irregular menstrual cycles, experience severe cramps, have certain medical conditions, or are on certain medications, your best birth control match may change. If you have previously taken birth control of any type and have experienced negative side effects, chances are a simple change in prescription will make all the difference. There are certain pills which containing a significantly lower hormone dosages that can eliminate a lot of the complaints most women have about their pills.
A note of caution: It is far more important that lower hormone dosages be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness. While they have the same 99% effective rate as all pills, you just want to be a bit more diligent about timing.
Birth control forms that involve hormone regulation can be extremely effective at relieving certain common female ailments. Some of the more common reasons for prescribing, besides preventing pregnancy, include regulating inconsistent menstruation and relieving severe menstrual cramps, but also often exhibit the added benefit of preventing acne.
It is also critical to clear up some of the birth control myths. A lot of the confusion about birth control stems from the fact that many women are embarrassed to simply ask, so information travels in whispers among women young and old, based more on urban legends than medical facts.
Myth: All birth control protects against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Fact: Condoms are the only form of birth control that offer any measure of protection against
STDs, however the only 100% failsafe prevention is abstinence
Myth: Missing one pill increases the risk of getting pregnant
Fact: Simply missing one pill will not increase your risk of pregnancy. On the following day after
missing a pill, simply make up for it by taking two. Read the instructions that accompany
your pill to see if any danger exists for additional missed pills during a given month.
Myth: Becoming pregnant is more difficult if you were on birth control
Fact: Birth control in any form does not harm your fertility. If you do experience difficulty getting
pregnant consult your doctor for testing as to the potential causes of the problem.
Myth: Birth Control makes you gain weight
Fact: While birth control can potentially cause an increase in appetite, the only weight gain directly
controlled by the hormones would be a pound or two tops of water retention. If you experience an increase in appetite, be conscious of it, and talk to you doctor about switching to a lower hormone dosage.
Some of the more common side effects include headaches, bloating, nausea, increased breast tenderness, occasional bleeding between periods, or decreased sexual drive. If you experience any of these symptoms, usually a simple change in prescription can solve your issues, particularly switching to a lower hormone dosage. If you experience more severe side effects, discontinue use. People who have a history of blood clots, severe migraines, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, or who have heart disease are at higher risk for severe complications, as well as those who smoke. Discuss any and all options with your doctor to figure out if hormone regulating birth control is a viable option for you.
Overall, hormonal birth control can be an extremely liberating, and reassuring means of preventing pregnancy, as long as you make informed decisions, and consult the proper resources first. If you are uncomfortable dealing with your physician, branches of Planned Parenthood exist all over the country, and specialize in women's health. They are used to women being nervous or uncomfortable, and have a high degree at being supportive and discrete.
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