tte Boniol- contraception

[Guest guest]

Fifty-three percent of unplanned pregnancies occur in women who are

using contraceptives. The majority of unplanned pregnancies, 76% of

them in 1994, occur in women over the age of 20 according to a 1999

article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA,

1999;282:1359-1364). Why are so many women getting pregnant while

practicing birth control?

Not following instructions for use of contraceptive correctly. If you

take the Pill, take it at the same time every day and make sure you

follow all directions for your particular pill. If you use condoms,

make sure you are using them properly and that the condoms you use

are in good condition before use. If you use a diaphragm or cervical

cap, make sure it covers your cervix as directed by your clinician.

Women who use the IUD should follow their clinician's instructions

for checking that the IUD is in place each month.

Inconsistent use of contraceptive. Contraceptives must be used

regularly and according to instructions to achieve maximum

effectiveness. If you use oral contraceptives and forget to take just

one birth control pill, you are increasing your risk of becoming

pregnant. Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms, cervical

caps, and diaphragms must be used consistently to be effective. Women

who practice natural family planning must use it precisely and

consistently for effective pregnancy prevention. Remember all it

takes is one unprotected act of sexual intercourse to become pregnant.

Condoms broken during sex. An estimated 2 to 5 percent of condoms

break or tear during use. Most often, this is caused by misuse; not

using enough water-based lubrication can cause condom damage, as can

creating tiny tears with jewelry, fingernails, among other objects.

Condoms that are past the expiration date; that have been stored

improperly; damaged during or after manufacture; or that are

improperly used are other possible causes of condom failure. Vaginal

spermicides should always be used with condoms to help decrease the

possibility of pregnancy should condom failure occur.

Use of antibiotics or other drugs or herbs with oral contraceptive

birth control pills. Antibiotics have been found to interfere with

the effectiveness of combination oral contraceptives by decreasing

steroid hormone plasma concentrations. Women who use combined oral

contraceptives should use an alternative method of contraception

during months that they take antibiotics; the recommendations from

the journal Contraceptive Technologies include the use of an

alternative contraceptive for the longer of either the length of

antibiotic therapy or 14 days, plus 7 additional days. This plan

should be implemented on Day 1 of antibiotic therapy.

Believing that you can't get pregnant on your period, or that it's

not your fertile period and feeling that it is safe " just this one

time. " Pregnancy normally occurs mid-cycle; however, many women have

become pregnant on their periods and at other times of the month you

might normally considered your non-fertile period. Researchers from

the National Institute of Environmental Health found that it is

potentially possible to become pregnant on almost any day of your

menstrual cycle.

By believing this sort of untruth, not only are you taking a chance

that an unplanned pregnancy will occur, but you are also increasing

your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection.

Unless you are in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship,

condoms must be used during each and every act of sexual intercourse

to lower your risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease that

could affect your future fertility or even cause death.

Remember birth control pills and other methods of contraception do

not offer any protection against STDs -- only the consistent and

proper use of condoms provides that protection.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Great deal of information you gave. Are you in the medical field. I will

definitely keep this page. I suppose

because the body's ability to absorb is much greater after surgery just trying

to decide which form is most effective. If you have any more suggestions would

be glad to hear them. Any ideas on the new IUD's like Mirena or the patch.

Thanks

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You can go to Yahoo/Google and do a search on Birth Control Methods

or Contraception and read, read, read up on it so you are aware of

your options when you do talk to your Dr. or Nurse.

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Preventing Pregnancy -the only 100% effective method of preventing

pregnancy is abstinence.

- Contraceptive Choices - Birth Control Methods and Options

Several factors come into play when deciding which method of birth

control is best for you. Your overall health, age, frequency of

sexual intercourse, the number of partners you have, and whether you

desire to have children in the future must all be considered before

deciding upon a birth control method.

The Pill

The pill is the first contraceptive that most women think of when

considering birth control. Today the pill is available as combined

oral contraceptives (COC) which contain both estrogen and progestin,

or in progestin only pills (POP) which contain only progestin.

COCs work by suppressing ovulation and may make periods more regular.

According to an FDA Consumer report, they also offer a protective

effect against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), as well as ovarian

and endometrial cancers. These pills are considered safe for most

women, however women who smoke and are over 35 or who have a

significant family history ofcardiovascular disease should not use

oral contraceptives due to an increased risk of cardiovascular

diseases.Women with a medical history of blood clots, or breast or

endometrialcancers also should not use combined oral contraceptives.

Possibleside effects which may subside after a few months include

nausea,headache,breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding,

and depression.

POPs (progestin only pills) work by reducing and thickening the

cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and by keeping

the uterine lining from thickening to prevent implantation of a

fertilized egg. Because these pills contain no estrogen the risk of

blood clots is not present as with the combined oral contraceptives.

This type of birth control pill is a good option for women who cannot

take estrogen because they are breast feeding or because of headaches

or high blood pressure problems associated with estrogen. The

progestin only pill may cause menstrual changes, weight gain, and

breast tenderness.

Injectable Progestins

Pregnancy can be prevented up to three months by injection of Depo-

Provera. Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation,

changing the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg,

and by changing the uterine lining so that a fertilized egg will be

unable to implant. This method is extremely effective since all

that's required of a woman is to return to her health care provider

for a shot every three months. Benefits and side effects of Depo-

Provera are similar to those of progestin only pills.

Interuterine Devices (IUD)

The IUD has experienced some bad publicity in the past when the

Dalkon Shield was associated with a high incidence of pelvic

infections, infertility, and some deaths. However, today's IUDs have

one of the lowest failure rates of any contraceptive method. An IUD

is a T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a health

care professional. There are two types of IUD available, the Paragard

CopperT 380A which protects against pregnancy for 10 years, and the

Progestasert Progesterone T which must be replaced every year. The

IUD is an appropriate choice for those in long term monogamous

relationships who are not at high risk for sexually transmitted

diseases or infections.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is available by prescription and is sized by a health

care professional to ensure a proper fit. The diaphragm works by

covering the cervix with a dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible

rim to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. A spermicidal is

applied to the diaphragm before insertion to kill sperm. The

diaphragm may be left in place for 6 hours, however for repeated

sexual intercourse or intercourse after 6 hours spermicide should be

inserted into the vagina while the diaphragm is still in place.

Diaphragms should never be left in for more than 24 hours due to risk

of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Cervical Cap

The cervical capis similar to the diaphragm. It is a soft rubber cup

with a roundedrim and is sized to fit, by a health car professional,

tightly around the cervix. Like the diaphragm, spermicide is required

with the cervical cap. It protects against pregnancy for 48 hours and

for multiple acts of sexual intercourse during this time. Prolonged

use (over 48 hours) may increase the risk of TSS and can produce a

foul odor or discharge.

Vaginal Spermicides

Vaginal spermicides are available over the counter in the form of

cream, jelly, foam, film, vaginal suppository or tablets. These

products contain a sperm killing chemical. There is debate about the

effectiveness of using vaginal spermicides alone but it is thought

that they have a failure rate of approximately 21% per year. Women

who choose this method of contraceptive should be sure to follow the

package directions exactly as each product is different. Allow the

spermicide to remain in the vagina for 6-8 hours following

intercourse and do not douche or rinse the vagina during this time to

ensure that all sperm are killed. Natural Family Planning

Being aware of your fertility is another way of reducing your chances

of getting pregnant. Natural family planning is the only method

accepted by some religions and it requires extreme attention and a

highly motivated couple for it to be successful. It works by not

having sexual intercourse on the days when you are most likely to

ovulate. These methods estimate a woman's fertility based upon

changes in the cervical mucus or changes in body temperature.

Withdrawal

The effectiveness of withdrawal depends upon the man's ability to

withdraw his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates. This method

does not guarantee that pre-ejaculatory sperm has not been released

into the vagina and does not provide protection against AIDS,

sexually transmitted diseases, or infections.

Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)

Women who are breast feeding exclusively may be protected against

pregnancy for up to 6 months after the birth if her period has not

returned. This method is highly effective when used correctly. LAM

works by preventing an egg from being released from your ovary. Once

you begin to feed your baby food other than breast milk, or when your

period returns you need to choose another method of birth control.

Surgical Sterilization

When you are sure that your pregnancy days are over for good,

sterilization is an option that may be considered. Either partner may

choose surgical sterilization--tubal ligation for the woman, or

vasectomy for the male. It's important that you do not consider this

a temporary means of contraception that can be reversed if you change

your mind. Sterilization reversal is major surgery which is often

unsuccessful.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception works by preventing pregnancy within a few

hours or days of unprotected sex. Methods used for emergency

contraception include combined oral contraceptives, progestin only

pills, and insertion of an IUD.

When Unplanned Pregnancy Occurs

When birth control methods are practiced faithfully, most methods of

contraception are highly effective against an unplanned pregnancy

occurring. However, sometimes other factors come into play and

contraception does fail. If you find yourself faced with and

unplanned pregnancy you will need to make a decision about how you

will proceed. Will you choose abortion, adoption, or parenting? It's

a decision that no one can make for you and one that you will have to

live with for the rest of your life. Be sure to choose what feels

right for you, and don't let yourself be influenced by others

feelings.

An Important Message About Condoms

Condoms should always be used, in addition to any other birth control

methods, by anyone who is not in a long term monogamous relationship.

Care should be taken not to use oil-based lubricants (petroleum

jelly, lotions, or baby oil) with latex or lambskin condoms as they

can weaken the material.

Women today have the choice of using the traditional male condom, or

using the female condom. The Reality® condom is approved by the FDA

and is shaped similar to the male condom. The closed end has a

flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, up to 8 hours before

sexual intercourse, while the open end remains partly outside the

vagina. The female condom should never be used at the same time your

partner is using a male condom.

Condoms, whether male or female, are intended for one-time use and

should never be reused. If the cost of condoms is an issue for you,

visit your local family planning clinic. Many family planning clinics

will happily give you as many condoms as you need.

Don't Be Fooled

Maybe you have heard that you cannot get pregnant on your period, or

if you don't have an orgasm, or if your partner pulls out before

ejaculation that pregnancy won't occur--these are not true! Perhaps

someone has told you that douching will wash away the sperm before

pregnancy can occur. Not only does douching not work to prevent

pregnancy, it can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and

increase your risk of other STDs and infections. Don't be fooled--the

only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy is abstinence.

Children are a blessing, and a gift from the Lord. -Psalm 127:3