TresSugar

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?

Disadvantages of the Depo Shot

DearSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 08:00:00 -0700

There are many forms of birth control out there. The pill you have to think about every day, the Patch you think about once a week, the NuvaRing once a month, and condoms you think about just when you have sex, and then there's the Depo-Provera shot that you think about once every 3 months.

Sounds great, right? Well, it may not be as wonderful as it sounds.

What are the disadvantages? To find out read more

Many women complain of irregular bleeding

You must visit your doctor every 3 months to get the injection

It may cause weight gain

It does NOT protect against STIs such as HIV

What? There's more?

It may take a while for you to become fertile again after going off Depo-Provera.

Once you do decide to get pregnant, some women resume regular menstrual cycles right away, but for many women, it may take up to 6-12 months after her last injection to become fertile. A woman must really think about her future when deciding to take this method of birth control.

This form of birth control is only recommended for women who are not planning on having kids for at least 2 years, and only if other forms of contraception are not right for you.

What? It gets worse?

Using Depo may cause you to lose calcium stored in your bones.

The longer you use Depo-Provera, the more calcium you are likely to lose. This could lead to osteoporosis. The awful part is that the calcium may not return completely once you stop using the shot.

So there you have it. If you are interested in this form of birth control, talk to your doctor about the risks associated with Depo-Provera, to see if this is right for you.

Source

The Period That Won't Quit

DearSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Now that we've delved into what is and isn't normal when it comes to your period, I thought we could take a closer look at what can cause a period that lasts longer than an average of seven days. If you're experiencing this frustrating change in your cycle, a trip to your gynecologist is a necessity. But in the meantime, it's a good idea to educate yourself on possible explanations in order to prepare yourself for your exam. Here are some of the general possibilities:

For women on the pill, spotting or extended bleeding may be solved with a simple change in prescription to a pill with a higher dosage - not all pills are created equal when it comes to hormones. Or if you're chronically tardy when it comes to taking your pill, you may just need to be more diligent.
If you're not on the pill, hormonal issues can still play a role. If you're having any other strange symptoms outside of your period, be sure to mention them to your gyno; she may want to make sure your thyroid gland is functioning properly.
Both IUCs and Depo-Provera can cause irregular bleeding. If you've started experiencing spotting after trying out either of those methods of contraception, and it lasts for an extended period of time, you may want to discuss the possibility of trying out an entirely different method.

To see other reasons that may account for heavy, prolonged bleeding, read more.

If you're experiencing excessive bleeding, persisting over two weeks or more, there are more significant issues that could be at fault, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any kind of pain or physical discomfort accompanying the excess bleeding.
Heavy bleeding post-period can also be a symptom of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, both of which are very serious. Even if you feel sure you can't possibly be pregnant, it's important to be seen by your doctor.

Dear's Advice: Every woman's different, so don't panic if your cycle differs from your peers. However, if you've noticed a change in your cycle, it's always a good idea to make an appointment to see your gynecologist and make sure that everything is functioning as it should. And don't be afraid to let her in on any other issues you may be experiencing, including emotional ones, as they could be related.

Source

What's the Deal With Depo SubQ Provera 104?

DearSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0700

I'm sure many of you have a form of birth control that you love, and for those that swear by the Depo shot, you might be interested in learning that there's now a lower-hormone dose version called Depo SubQ Provera 104. It's still estrogen free, but instead of 400 mg of Medroxyprogesterone acetate (the hormone) per shot, it only contains 104mg (that's 31 percent less). You still need to go to your gynecologist every three months to get the shot, but it's just as effective as regular Depo-Provera. Even though it contains less hormones, it can still cause side effects such as weight gain, loss of calcium (which puts you at risk for osteoporosis), and irregular spotting. Also, a disadvantage with Depo SubQ Provera 104, just like with original Depo, is that it may take a while for you to become pregnant after discontinuing the shot (could take as much as one year or more).

This method would be great for someone looking for estrogen-free birth control, or for a woman who doesn't want to pop a pill every day. Unlike other methods of hormonal birth control, this isn't an option that's recommended for long-term use (more than two years), because of the loss of calcium it may cause. If this sounds like something you're interested in, I'd make an appointment to talk to your gyno.

Source

You Asked: Why Aren't I Getting Pregnant?

DearSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I have been with the same guy for five years and never once got pregnant and we have unprotected sex all the time. Why have I not gotten pregnant? I'm worried that I can't have kids, and if not, what do I do? I really want to be a mom.

-Not Prego Patty

To see Dear Sugar's answer read more

Dear Not Prego Patty,

I totally understand your concern, and there could be several reasons why you haven't gotten pregnant. I assume that you weren't on any kind of hormonal birth control for those five years, but if you were on something like Depo-Provera beforehand, sometimes it can take a while for your body to get back into its normal cycle. If you were not using anything like that, it could be that you haven't had sex on your fertile days. An egg needs to be present in order for you to get pregnant, so if you had sex way before or after ovulation, his sperm wouldn't have an egg with which to unite.

Age and health matter too. If you or your boyfriend has a chronic illness, or if you are over 35, you may have a more difficult time conceiving. There's also a possibility that there's a problem with either your fertility or your guy's sperm. Before jumping to any conclusions, the best plan of action is for both of you to see a doctor. They can ask questions and do tests to help you figure out what may be preventing you from having a baby. They'll also be able to guide you in what the necessary steps would be once you figure out what's going on, and if you do figure out you can't get pregnant, please remember adoption is always an option. I hope this helps. Good luck Patty.

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...

The How-To Lounge: Finding the Right Birth Control for you Part 2

DearSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:35:00 -0700

I'm back with more information to help all you ladies find the right birth control method for you. Thanks for all your helpful comments in my first installment, and please feel free to offer up your own advice and experiences in the second installment as well! Let's just jump right in.

Click here to read more

The Ring

The ring, otherwise called the NuvaRing, is another prescription form of birth control. It is a flexible rubbery ring that is inserted in the vagina and left alone for three weeks out of every month
The ring releases hormones similar to the pill and the patch, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs, in addition to thickening the lining of the uterus making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate
While this method is convenience free for three weeks at a time, if the ring is inserted improperly or if it falls out of place for more than three hours at a time, you run a risk of getting pregnant
Like the patch, it is important to not keep the ring in for longer than the prescribed amount of time, but it must be kept in for the entire three weeks. When it is time to remove it, make sure you take it out on the same day of the week in which you inserted it
The ring must stay inserted during intercourse
The week in which you are ring free is when you will menstruate. If that week is up and you are still bleeding, insert the new ring regardless
Side effects for the ring are the same as the pill and the patch, including but not limited to: possible change in your sex drive, possible change in your weight, breast tenderness, depression, nausea, spotting and the possibility of blood clotting especially if you are a smoker over the age of 35

The Shot

The shot, otherwise known as Depo-Provera, is a monthly progestin-only prescription form of birth control that keeps you safe from pregnancy for 12 weeks at a time
The shot is considered to be the most effective prescribed birth control method and is effective immediately if given within the first seven days of your period
One disadvantage of the shot is if you have an adverse hormonal reaction, the hormones will stay in your system for the full life span of the shot
Another downfall to the shot is it can take longer to get pregnant after discontinued use, sometimes 9-12 months
On the flip side, if the shot is a good fit for you, it is a big plus to be birth control care free for 12 weeks at a time

The Insert

The insert, otherwise known as Implanon, is a new form of birth control, approved in July 2006, that prevents pregnancy for up to three years and is immediately effective if inserted within the first 5 days of your period
Implanon is inserted through a needle under your skin in your upper arm by the elbow
The insert slowly releases hormones throughout a three year period and when removed, pregnancy can happen anytime
The insert has been known to cause irregular periods and often missed periods all together as well as irregular bleeding. The first 6-12 months is when you would experience most side effects from the insert

I will be back tomorrow with more information to help keep you safe and protected. Stay tuned!

Source

What Is The Best Birth Control For Me?

DearSugar — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:33:02 -0800

Dear Sugar
About six months ago I went on the birth control patch but am having a hard time keeping it attached to my body. I change it once a week but the ends keep peeling and eventually the whole patch falls off. I have tried taking the pill before but I am so bad about remembering to take it everyday.

I am seriously considering the Depo Shot but I've heard that approximately 70% of its users gain weight. I am comfortable at my current weight and I really don't want any unwanted weight. Can you help me figure out my options?

To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more

Dear Protect Me Priscilla
Choosing the right contraception method for you may take a little bit of trial and error. If you like the effect the patch has on your body then maybe you can try to attach it to another part of your body and see if it sticks better. If that still doesn't work, make an appointment with your Gynecologist about trying out some other options.

All women are different when it comes to the side effects of birth control; including gaining weight. To lower your chances of weight gain, chose a birth control that has a low amount of estrogen in it, such as Yasmin. Keeping your pill right next to your toothbrush in the morning seems to help a lot of women. You certainly won't forget to brush your teeth, right? Soon this just becomes second nature.

However, if you just don't even want to deal with remembering to take a pill, there is always option of the Depo Shot or the Birth Control Ring. The Depo shot (Depo Provera) is an injection given to you by your health care provider every three weeks. You should be informed that this method of birth control is not recommended for long term use and has been associated with bone loss. Please remember to take in lots of calcium if you choose "the shot."

The birth control ring (NUVA RING) is similar to the patch. It gets changed every three weeks and is as reliable as the Pill at preventing pregnancy (98%-99 effective). It is easier to apply than a diaphragm and can be done in the comfort of your own home. The Ring has very similar side effects to The Pill, most of which are not serious but include breast tenderness, nausea, cramping, and bloating.

There are many options out there for you to try. Please remember, not all contraceptive methods protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so please keep in mind the importance of condoms as well. Good luck.