TresSugar

How Does Hormonal Birth Control Prevent Pregnancy?

DearSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Many women use hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy because it is considered to be the most effective method. The Pill is just one kind - the Patch and the NuvaRing contain hormones too.

The NuvaRing, the Patch, and some types of oral contraceptives contain a combination of 2 hormones - estrogen and progestin. Some pills can contain only progestin, but these tend to be less effective.

Estrogen and progestin are hormones that are already found in the female body but when a woman uses hormonal birth control, her body sees that there is already enough hormone in the bloodstream, so it decides that it doesn't need to produce anymore.

These kinds of birth control give your body a stable dose of hormones each day, so the levels in the body don't change. It's the fluctuation of hormones that make ovulation happen. The reason hormonal birth control works so well is because the stable levels of hormones prevent you from ovulating. If your ovaries don't release any eggs, then sperm can't fertilize them and you can't get pregnant.

Dear's Advice: If you're using hormonal birth control and you don't want to get pregnant, be responsible and remember to use it properly and consistently. Missing pills, or forgetting to change the NuvaRing or the Patch can cause you to ovulate resulting in an unplanned pregnancy.

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Yaz and Yasmine: Are These Birth Control Pills Safe?

TresSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Anne Marie Eakins, a 34-year-old history teacher in Grafton, OH, developed blood clots in both lungs in 2007 and even lost partial use of her right lung. The cause, as she sees it? The newish oral contraceptive Yaz, the top-selling birth control pill in the US, which she switched to after a decade of using different kinds of birth control pills without incurring health problems. She is now suing the makers, Bayer HealthCare pharmaceuticals.

Like 74 other plaintiffs against the makers of Yaz and its sister pill, Yasmine, which was introduced a few years before, Eakins decided to make the switch in part because of the added benefits touted in multimillion dollar ads that ran on television. Yaz, which contains even less estrogen than low-estrogen Yasmine, is advertised as a product that could reduce acne and severe PMS, in addition to preventing pregnancy. How do Yaz and Yasmine differ from other birth control pills? To find out, read more.

Although both Yaz and Yasmine come with the standard warning that the hormones in birth control pills (estrogen plus progestin) can increase the risk of stroke and blood clots in a woman's legs or lungs, lawyers representing the plaintiffs and regulatory agencies claim that Bayer's ads overstate the products' effectiveness and don't adequately warn of possibly higher risks of clots unique to Yaz and Yasmine.

They say Bayer doesn't take into account research that indicated that a hormone unique to the products (drospirenone) increases the likelihood of clots compared to birth control that has the standard levonorgestrel hormone. (Lawyers claim Bayer relied on its research findings in Germany that concluded there is the same risk, over Dutch and Danish research that had the opposite conclusion.) Other criticisms are equally troubling: that the manufacturing plants in Germany responsible for the hormones in Yaz and Yasmine differ in quality control from what is required for US products; that studies conducted were performed with an ethnically homogeneous group, not taking into account blood-clot risk factors in a more ethnically variable US market; and finally, that Yaz and Yasmine are marketed for conditions like PMS, for which the drug is not approved.

I considered switching to these kinds of birth control pills because of the claim that they prevented severe PMS. Do you believe the marketing for products like Yaz and Yasmine or do you do your research before you buy?

Pros and Cons of the NuvaRing

DearSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:30:00 -0800

When it comes to preventing pregnancy, many women opt for hormonal birth control because it's easy to use and extremely effective. Aside from the pill, the NuvaRing is one of the more popular options. If you're considering switching to this form of birth control, you'll want to know the pros and cons, so read more.

Pros

Cons

When used correctly, it's 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. That means you can be spontaneous and have sex without worrying about getting pregnant.
It's simple to use because you only have to think about it twice a month.
Most women say they can't feel it once inserted.
Since it releases a steady amount of hormones, women will notice fewer mood swings than if they were on triphasic birth control pills (where the hormone levels change every week).
If you decide you want to have children, once you stop using the NuvaRing, ovulation should return within 13 to 28 days.

It doesn't protect against STIs.
If you are uncomfortable touching yourself, you may have an issue inserting and removing the NuvaRing.
Some guys complain that they can feel it during sex.
It can slip out while straining to go to the bathroom or during sex, so you have to check it frequently to make sure it's still inside you.
If you smoke while using the NuvaRing, the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects is increased.
The risk of blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing.
Combination hormonal contraceptives, like the NuvaRing, that contain both estrogen and progestin, can worsen conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and problems with cholesterol.
Hormonal contraceptives may increase your risk of stroke.

Can Birth Control Pills Affect Your Cholesterol?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

If you're like me, you don't give your cholesterol much thought. I always thought your cholesterol levels were based on whether or not you ate a lot of high-fat foods like cheese, meat, and ice cream, but you can also inherit high or low cholesterol from your parents. And I also just learned that taking birth control pills can affect your levels too.

To found out how, read more.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the estrogen found in birth control pills can cause an increase in HDL ("good" cholesterol), a decrease in LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and an increase in your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The other hormone found in combination birth control pills, progestin, has the opposite effect. The changes aren't drastically significant, but if you do have high cholesterol, taking birth control pills that have a higher concentration of estrogen probably isn't the best form of contraception for you. And remember, a diet that's high in fiber and low in cholesterol and saturated fat, combined with regular exercise, is the best way to combat high cholesterol.

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NuvaRing and Blood Clots - How Likely Are They?

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800

I've been receiving shocking emails lately, forwarded from friends about the NuvaRing causing ER visits and deaths due to blood clots. I'm not sure if you've heard any of this, but I thought it'd be a good idea to do a little research and set the record straight.

To find out if you should stop using the NuvaRing, read more.

You should know that with the use of all hormonal birth control, there's the possibility of some serious side effects; one of them being blood clots which can lead to a fatal stroke or heart attack. This is a huge concern for women who have a history of blood clots or cardiovascular disease. With the NuvaRing, the risk may be greater because of the type of progestin hormone used in the Ring. It's different than the type used in other low-dose forms of birth control, such as the pill. This doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get blood clots from using the NuvaRing - it all depends on your body and how it reacts to certain types of hormones. Your risk for these serious side effects may be increased if you smoke cigarettes, are over 35, or have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. If you're a faithful NuvaRing user or know someone that is, I'd set your mind at ease by speaking with your doctor - he or she will be able to determine if the NuvaRing is a healthy option for you, or if you should switch to another form of birth control.

Myths About the Pill: First Five

DearSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Just about every woman I know is on, or has been on, the pill. And even if it's not your preferred method of birth control, we can all agree on two things: it prevents us from getting pregnant, and it can regulate our periods. I'm sure you've heard other "facts" about the pill too, but not all of them are true. So here's a list of the top five myths about birth control pills:

The pill makes you gain weight: Some women may put on a few when taking the pill, but research shows that the pill isn't directly the cause. The estrogen contained in the pill can cause a bloated feeling, but not an actual weight gain. The progestin in the pill may increase a woman's appetite, so she'll eat more and gain weight, but it's because she's increasing her calorie consumption. The pill may also cause water retention, but switching to a lower dose pill often helps.
You should take a break from the pill once in a while: While it seems like a good idea to give your body a rest from the pill, it isn't necessary. Birth control pills are considered safe and they even offer you health benefits, such as a decreased risk of ovarian cancer if you've been on them for a while. In fact, occasional breaks can actually cause problems. Remember all the side effects you had when you first started the pill? Well, they're likely to show up again as soon as you go back on the pill - hardly sounds worth it to me.

To see the other three, read more.

The pill is not safe and it causes birth defects: Birth control pills are one of the most researched prescription drugs on the market. While it's true that there are health risks involved (just as there are with all drugs), overall, the pill is safe. There's no need to worry about it causing birth defects, even if you accidentally take the pill while being pregnant.
Long term pill use can affect fertility: The pill will prevent pregnancy while you're on it, but there is no connection between the pill affecting your future fertility. Once you do decide to stop taking the pill to have a baby, it may take your body some time to get back on its normal cycle. If a woman experiences problems conceiving after going off the pill, she may have always had a fertility problem but was unaware of it because she wasn't trying to get pregnant.
All birth control pills are basically the same: While it's true that all birth control pills have the same goal - to prevent pregnancy - there are hundreds of different kinds. Not only do they contain different combinations of medications, but some are estrogen-free, and some contain lower doses. Some will even prevent you from getting your period all together, and some can decrease PMS symptoms. A woman may have to try out a few types of pills in order to find the one that works best for her body.

Tune in tomorrow to see five more myths about the pill.

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Birth Control Pills: How Do They Compare?

DearSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I don't know about you, but just about every woman I know has been on or is taking birth control pills. There are so many different brands out there and they all offer different amounts of hormones, so I made this handy chart to help you figure out which one may be right for you. These pills are combination pills, which means they contain a type of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol), and a type of progestin (levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norethindrone). The pills with the least amount of ethinyl estradiol tend to offer the least amount of side effects, and the ones that offer the same hormonal dosages each day (monophasic pills) will help to ease PMS symptoms (mainly mood swings). With so many different options out there, it's important to know what's actually in these pills, since every woman's body reacts differently to hormonal birth control. Check out my chart below:

Birth Control	Hormone Dosage
Alesse	.10 mg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Brevikon	.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 35 mcg estrogen per pill
Cyclessa	Phase 1: .1 mg desogestrel and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 2: .125 mg desogestrel and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 3: 15 mg desogestrel and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Jolessa	.15 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Junel 21 Day	1.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Kelnor	1 mg ethynodiol diacetate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Loestrin 21	1 mg norethindrone acetate and 20 mcg estrogen per pill

Don't see yours on the list? To see the others, read more.

Birth Control	Hormone Dosage
Lybrel	.09 mg levonorgestrel and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Nordette	.15 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Orthro Tri-Cyclen	Phase 1: .18 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 2: .215 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 3: 25 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Orthro Tri-Cyclen Lo	Phase 1: .18 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol (type of estrogen) per pill Phase 2: .215 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 3: 25 mg norgestimate and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Reclipsen	.15 mg desogestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Seasonal	.15 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Seasonique	.15 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Solia	.15 mg desogestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Trivora-28	Phase 1: .5 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcgethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 2: .075 mg levonorgestrel and 40 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 3: .125 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Velivet	Phase 1: .1 mg desogestrel and 25 mcgethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 2: .125 mg desogrestrel and 25 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill Phase 3: .15 mg desogestrel and 24 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Yasmin	3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill
Yaz	3 mg drospirenone and 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol per pill

Pretty interesting information, huh? So ladies, if you're on the pill, which one works best for you?

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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

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!

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Will "The Pill" Make Me Fat?

DearSugar — Mon, 08 May 2006 05:24:08 -0700

Dear Sugar
I have been on Yasmin (birth control pill) for a couple of weeks due to an irregular period. I feel OK, but I am nervous about gaining weight. I've always been a skinny girl and I love it. Some say gaining weight is a myth, others say it's true! To put this controversy to rest, can you tell me ... which is it? And if so...what causes you to gain the weight? On The Pill Jill

Dear On The Pill Jill
It's true that birth control pills may cause you to gain weight, but like anything else, it's not a hard and fast rule for everybody. The hormones in "The Pill" are progestin and estrogen. Since your appetite may grow, the estrogen part of the pill is what makes you feel like you are bloated because your body is reacting to the excess of sodium. By reducing your salt intake and by choosing a pill with a low level of estrogen, you can help control bloating. You may even be one of the lucky few that experience weight loss. Generally women's weights fluctuate by a few pounds here and there so don't be super sensitive to it once you start the pill. Control your diet and continue to exercise regularly even at first when you may experience feeling achy ness or tenderness (very common symptoms when you begin taking birth control) to help control the weight. Also, just so you know - we are talking a few pounds of water weight at most, nothing excessive.