TresSugar

Favorite Birth Control Method of 2008

DearSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

You all voted on your favorite birth control method of '08 and I wasn't surprised to see that the the pill won with 43 percent of your votes. It seems as though most of us have a love/hate relationship with contraception, but I'm glad to see that those of you who are sexually active have found the right method for you!

What Was Your Favorite Birth Control Method of '08?

DearSugar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Over the course of the year, I've given you a plethora of information about contraception; I've even given you brush up tests! Since women have a variety of needs, you know that it can take some trial and error until you find the perfect method to fit your lifestyle, so tell me ladies, what was your favorite form of birth control in 2008?

What's the Deal With the Diaphragm?

DearSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0700

I've been talking a lot about many forms of birth control including hormonal ones like the Pill, the Patch, and Depo-Provera, and about barrier methods like the male and female condom. A diaphragm is another form of barrier method, which prevents sperm from getting to your precious eggs.

It is a shallow, bowl-shaped piece of rubber with a flexible rim that fits over your vagina and covers the cervix so sperm can't reach your uterus. Your vaginal muscles keep it in place.

Advantages:

You need to get fitted for one by your gynecologist, but once you have it, and if you take care of it properly, it should last 1-2 years.
It usually can't be felt during sex by either partner.
You can keep it inside you for up to 24 hours.
It doesn't change your menstrual cycle.
It doesn't affect future fertility.

There are unfortunately many disadvantages so click here to read more

Disadvantages:

It's only 84% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It doesn't protect you against STIs.
You have to use it with spermicide, which can be messy and irritating to some women.
More spermicide has to be added every time you have sex.
You have to leave it inside you for at least 6 hours after intercourse
If the diaphragm is left in place for more than 24 hours, the woman runs the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
It's possible that the diaphragm can become dislodged during sex. If that happens, there's a chance you could become pregnant.
It may cause UTIs.
If you gain or lose 10 pounds, you may need to be fitted for a new size.

If you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone you know is disease free, this could be a great option for you. Although the fact that it's only 84% effective at preventing pregnancy doesn't make me want to jump up and get one! Talk to your gynecologist about whether a diaphragm is right for you.

Dear's Advice: The natural hormones in a female body affect the position of her cervix throughout her cycle. To ensure a proper fit, women should make sure that she is fitted mid-cycle at the time of ovulation, when her cervix is the highest.

Source

Diaphragms and HIV

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

There are all types of methods of birth control out there. The Pill, the Patch, the NuvaRing, the Depo-Provera shot, IUDs, and of course condoms.

Some women like to use a diaphragm. It's a shallow, dome shaped cup with a flexible rim that you place inside your vagina to cover your cervix so no sperm can get into your uterus. It's great because you can insert it up to 2 hours before you think you might be getting it on and that way you don't have to interrupt the mood to deal with your condom, plus most men can't even feel it! That sounds great and all, but I want to know...

Next Up For Male Contraception: Reversible Hormone Injections

TresSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

When it comes to birth control options, women have the pill, the patch, the ring, the diaphragm, IUDs . . . the list goes on and on. Men have the condom. Scientist are working on more convenient ways for men to take charge of birth control, and now couples in Europe are being recruited to test a new form of male contraception: reversible hormone injections.

Men would get the injections every two months, causing their sperm count to drop to levels that make conception nearly impossible. The effects would be fully reversible.

Do you think men will get on board with this? Would you still use contraception yourself, even if your partner received these injections?

Hump Day: Why Do I Get Dry Sometimes?

TresSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. Are you confused about sex? Do you have trouble having an orgasm? Is there something you'd like to try but you're worried it's too weird? Send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:

"I get really dry sometimes when my boyfriend and I are having sex. I know all about lubricants, but I'm having trouble guessing when I might need help." To read Dr. Glickman's response, read more

There are a lot of reasons why women experience fluctuations in how much they lubricate. For some, it’s just part of the menstrual cycle. Some women lubricate more at ovulation, while others say that’s when they’re driest. Lots of women also report that their vaginal lubrication changed when they got pregnant and again, some say that they became much wetter and others say that they got drier. So while we know that changes in hormones can influence it, there’s a lot of variation in how much and in what direction. It’s also worth mentioning that menopause generally reduces how much lubrication your body will produce.

Lots of medications and drugs also affect vaginal lubrication, even if it’s rarely listed on the bottle or box. For example, allergy medications are formulated to dry the mucous membranes in your sinuses, but they can do the same to the vagina. Anti-depressants, antihistamines, anxiety medications, smoking cigarettes or marijuana, and drinking alcohol can do the same. In general, if a medication or drug makes your mouth or sinuses dry, it could also reduce vaginal lubrication. Unfortunately, most doctors are unaware of these effects or they don’t feel comfortable talking to their patients about it.

I think it’s really unfortunate that we have this cultural myth that vaginal lubrication is proportional to arousal. Many women find that they can be totally turned on while being pretty dry and others might be quite wet while barely aroused. The best thing we can do is learn to separate the two things in our minds.

You say that you know about lubricants, but for the folks who don’t, here’s a little info.

There are pros and cons to the lubricants on the market, and it can take a little experimenting to find one that will work for you. You might also find that a lube that worked great for a long time isn’t working so well anymore. It’s kind of like shampoo or skin lotion - after a while, you might need to change brands as your individual chemistry changes.

Water-based lubricants can be thin and slippery, or they can be thicker gels. They rinse away really easily, making cleanup a snap, but they do dry out after a while. The glycerin-based lubes last a bit longer, but they tend to get sticky when they dry out. You can add a little water or saliva to freshen them up. While glycerin doesn’t cause yeast infections, it can make one worse if you get one for some other reason, so if you’re prone to yeast infections, avoid these lubes. The glycerin-free lubricants don’t get sticky, but they usually don’t quite last as long. They soak in like hand lotion, so adding water doesn’t work; you need to add some more.

Silicone lubricants don’t dry out (so if you spill some on the kitchen floor, be sure to wipe it up) and are hypoallergenic. They’re also waterproof, which is a plus if you want to have sex in the shower but it can make them a bit trickier to clean up and they sometimes stain sheets. They’re also hypoallergenic and have no taste or scent.

Some people like to use oils as sexual lubricants. If you want to give them a try, use something organic and vegetable-based, such as coconut or almond oils. Mineral oils like baby oil or Vaseline actually dry the skin since the body can’t absorb them or break them down. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so it doesn’t go rancid. Keep almond oil in the fridge. And never use oils with latex condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps. Oils will make them dissolve: a condom will break in about 30 seconds if it comes into contact with oil.

A few tips for using lubricants. First, keep the bottle near the bed. You’ll want to be able to grab it when you need it. Second, pump bottles make it a lot easier to add more without fumbling to get the bottle open. Third, if you accidentally get too much lube out of the bottle, don’t put the extra back in. You don’t want to contaminate the bottle with anything that might be on your hand. And lastly, many lube makers offer single-use packets or small bottles. While they cost more per ounce than larger bottles, you can stick them in a pocket or purse pretty easily, not to mention your carry-on bag.

So I think that the best thing for you to do is to keep lube handy and use it when you need it. It takes about 5 seconds to apply and it’ll make sex a lot more fun. And don’t stress about whether it means anything that you sometimes need a little extra slipperiness.

Don't forget to send your questions to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman will offer his sound advice!

The How-To Lounge: Finding the Right Birth Control for you Part 3

DearSugar — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I'm back with the last installment of the How to Lounge on birth control. If prescription birth control isn't right for you and you don't want to use condoms, there are other methods on the market that could be a better match for you.

Click here to read more

The IUD

The IUD, otherwise known as the Intrauterine Device, is a T-shaped, 1.5 inch plastic device which is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD must be inserted by a physician
There are now 2 types of IUDs, the ParaGard and the Mirena
Both kinds of IUDs protect against pregnancy by affecting the way the sperm moves in addition to altering the lining of the uterus
Both kinds of IUDs have strings attached to the device that hang through the cervix into the vagina providing a way to make sure it is properly in place
The ParaGard IUD contains copper which is known to have spermicidal effects and can be left in place for up to 12 years
The Mirena IUD releases small amounts of progestin, similar to the hormones from the pill, the patch, and the ring, preventing the uterus from releasing eggs. The hormones released through this kind of IUD stay in the uterus and are not systemic, therefore will not cause many of the side effects of oral contraception. The Mirena can be left in place for 5 years
The IUD does not stop you from ovulating so you will still get your period, although it could alter your flow and even stop it altogether over time
When an IUD is inserted, your body produces white blood cells to help fight off the foreign object that your body doesn't recognize, which in turn will attack the sperm
The IUD is 99% effective, the most hassle free and most recommended form of birth control for women

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a latex or silicon dome shaped cup if you will that is personally inserted in the vagina to cover the cervix before intercourse
Diaphragms are made in a variety of sizes and can be fitted by your physician. They are recommended to be used with spermicide for added protection
To insert a diaphragm, pinch the device so it bends in half, find a comfortable position and push it as far back and up the vagina as possible. Tuck it behind the pubic bone to make sure the cervix is covered. Do not leave the diaphragm in for more than 24 hours
The diaphragm must be inserted before intercourse and left in place for 6 hours after the last act of intercourse
Women who use a diaphragm run the risk of frequent bladder infections, so remember to urinate before inserting the diaphragm and after intercourse
The diaphragm has a failure rate of 18%-20%

While finding the right form of birth control takes trial and error, one thing to always remember is the only way to protect yourself against disease is to abstain from sex altogether or to use condoms. Since sometimes things do not go as planned, and not every form of birth control is 100% effective, you now have a second chance to prevent against pregnancy. While Plan B should not be used as a form of birth control, it is a safe way to prevent unintended pregnancy. Plan B contains a high dose of hormones, similar to those found in the pill, and must be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex. For more information about Plan B click here. Good luck and be safe!

Source

What's the Deal With: The Cervical Cap?

DearSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Barrier methods of birth control are great options if you don't want to take hormones to prevent pregnancy. They work by blocking sperm from entering your uterus, which prevents fertilization.

The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm, it's just a little smaller. It's made of latex and is shaped like a thimble. When you insert it into your vagina, it fits snugly over your cervix and suction and your vaginal muscles keep the cap in place.

Advantages:

After you get fitted for one by your gyno, you can keep it for up to a year or more.
It's reusable.
There are no hormones involved, and it won't affect your menstrual cycle.
It won't affect future fertility.
Unlike a diaphragm that you can only keep in place for 24 hours, a cervical cap can be left in place up to 48 hours.
There's a latex-free version called the FemCap.

Want to hear the Disadvantages? Then read more

It's only 86% effective at preventing pregnancy.
It can be difficult to insert or remove.
You must keep it in place up to 8 hours after intercourse.
It doesn't protect you from STIs.
You have to use it with spermicide, which some women have a sensitivity to.
It can get dislodged during sex, and if that happens, there's a chance you could get pregnant.
Your cervical shape changes after childbirth or an abortion, making it harder to fit. If you use a cervical cap after either of these instances, the effectiveness drops down to only 71%.
It may cause UTIs, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), or yeast infections.

Just like with the diaphragm, I'm not too keen on the efficiency and using this form of birth control would make me too nervous. Since condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs, I think condoms are a much better option when it comes to barrier methods. What do you think?

Source & Source

What's the Right Birth Control For You? Part Two

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:00:00 -0700

If you're sexually active, choosing the right method to prevent pregnancy and protect you from STIs can be a tough decision. I've already told you about some popular methods of birth control, but here are some other options you may want to consider.

To see them read more.

Method	Pros	Cons
The Patch	You only have to think about it once a week and it's discreet (you wear it on your upper arm, upper torso, belly, or bum). You can bathe, shower, work out, or swim with it, and it's 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.	Some women don't like taking hormones since there are serious risks involved such as blood clots and stroke. It may leave a sticky mark on your skin, and you have to check it every day because some women complain that it peels or falls off.
IUCs (previously called IUDs)	It's inserted in your uterus, so it can't be felt during sex. Also, it can be left inside you for up to five or 10 years (depending on the kind you get), so it's great if you know it'll be a while until you're ready to start a family or if you've already had children and aren't planning on having anymore. You can get IUCs that are with or without hormones and it's 99.4 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.	It has to be inserted by your gynecologist, which some women say can be very painful. After it's inserted, you may experience irregular bleeding and cramps.
Diaphragms	Once you get fitted, if you take care of it properly, your diaphragm should last one to two years. It doesn't change your menstrual cycle or affect your future fertility. It usually can't be felt during intercourse, and it can be kept inside you for up to 24 hours.	It's only 84 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and it doesn't protect you against STIs and using one may cause a urinary tract infection. You also have to use spermicide with it, which some women find irritating to their lady business. It may become dislodged while you're having sex, which would make it even less effective at preventing pregnancy. If your weight fluctuates by 10 pounds, you'll need to be refitted for a new size. Also, if you have a latex allergy, this method isn't for you.
Cervical Caps	Once your gynecologist fits you for one, you can keep it for a year or more. It's reusable, and it won't affect your menstrual cycle or your future fertility. If you're allergic to latex, there's a latex-free version called the FemCap.	It's only 86 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and won't protect you against STIs. Some women have a hard time inserting and removing it. Also, you have to use it with spermicide, which can be messy and irritating.

These are just some of the methods that are available to women. Stay tuned for part three.

Source

Are Occasional Breaks From the Pill a Good Idea?

DearSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Since the pill has such a long list of benefits, it's no wonder so many of us have been on it for as long as we have. But with that said, I'm sure you've wondered if you should take a break to give your body a chance to be pill-free for a while. While it's popular to think that a break from the pill is beneficial for your body, it's actually not necessary. It's a myth that may have started a while back with older pills that contained high doses of hormones, but today's pills contain a much lower, safer amount. Some women also feel like they should stop the pill for a while to preserve their fertility, but there's no evidence that being on the pill has any effect on a woman's future ability to have a baby - it merely prevents pregnancy while a woman is on it.

There's more, so read more.

If you're contemplating taking a break only to go back on the pill shortly thereafter, you should know that professionals think it's healthier for your body to remain on the pill. The fluctuations in hormones can have a negative effect, both physically and emotionally. Plus, all the side effects you experienced when you first started the pill, which subsided after a few months, may show up again, so you'll have to deal with moodiness, depression, sore breasts, or yeast infections. The only reason a woman should take a break from her pill is if it's not agreeing with her body, or if she's trying to become pregnant.

Dear's Advice: Even though there are many health benefits associated with taking the pill, I completely understand that you may want to take a break because you don't like the idea of putting chemicals in your body. If that's the case, then you may want to consider going off the pill entirely, and ask your doctor about hormone-free choices like the diaphragm or the ParaGard.

Source