Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Birth
Control.
Source: postsecret.com
Myths About Birth Control
FDA Approves New Birth-Control
Pill
A Couple’s Guide to What’s New In Birth
Control
What's New in Birth Control: An Easy-to-Follow
Guide About New Choices
Birth control you don't have to
think about
Birth control pills for
guys could be reality soon
10 years of European
experience
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Newsbytes
Surprising Birth Control Pill Facts
and a registered nurse in maternal health. Here are 10 surprising
tidbits about the pill you may not know, including the effects of
your weight and pill type.FDA Approves New Birth-Control Pill
A Couple’s Guide to
What’s New In Birth Control
In addition, virtually all contraceptives can benefit from a “mutual use” policy, in which both of you understand what’s being used and how to make it work best. How common a problem is unintended pregnancy? Year after year, three million pregnancies fall into this category in the U.S. alone. Up to half of these are due to failures in the use of a birth control method- missed pills, broken condoms, and the like. Note that a single episode of unprotected sex at mid-cycle leads to an 8 percent likelihood of pregnancy. If you value the chance to plan pregnancy, instead of it planning you, read on- together.
Anatomy and Physiology 101: in order to understand contraception, it helps to know how the various male and female parts function to achieve pregnancy. Aside from the obvious male apparatus that dispenses sperm, which is an exposed and therefore relatively familiar organ, we’ve found that many guys- and some women- don’t know much about the corresponding female apparatus. While we don’t wish to make medical researchers out of you, it’s useful to know the following:
At the top of the vagina is the cervix, the lower opening of the uterus, or womb. The uterus, a pear-shaped muscular organ, is linked to the ovaries on each side by the fallopian tubes. That’s pretty much it as far as structures are concerned, for a brief overview. How does conception occur? That’s also fairly simple, although making it happen can be quite complex. Here’s how it works, under normal circumstances:
Sperm swim up through the cervix after being deposited in the vagina during sex. Searching for an egg, they travel through the uterus and then down each fallopian tube. If they find an egg, they will attempt to penetrate it; only one has to be successful (out of millions) for pregnancy to occur. However, an egg is not always available: just once a month, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and picked up by a fallopian tube. “Ovulation” happens two weeks before the next menstrual flow, and the egg only survives for about 36 hours. A woman can get pregnant during the period only when an egg and sperm can meet.
If conception occurs, the developing embryo migrates down the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus. From there, it will develop into a tiny human that, once delivered, will completely consume the lives of two much larger humans for a long time- but that’s another story altogether.
Traditional birth control methods primarily fall into two categories: barrier and hormonal types. The first- the barrier methods- work by simply blocking sperm from entering the cervix. The oldest barrier method is the condom, which aside from some bumps and bright colors, hasn’t changed much for a long time. One recent improvement is the advent of polyurethane condoms, which provide greater sensitivity (i.e. they feel more natural) than typical latex varieties. Other examples of barrier methods include the diaphragm, the cervical cap, and the female condom. Hormonal contraceptives include “the pill,” Depo-Provera injections, emergency contraceptive pills, and hormonal implants like Norplant. These methods all work in a similar fashion, by suppressing the release of an egg from the ovaries, altering the lining of the uterus (thus preventing implantation), or thickening the mucus in the cervix, which blocks sperm.
A third contraceptive category, cleverly referred to as “other,” includes methods like the IUD, the Rhythm Method (no relation to Janet Jackson), abstinence, and permanent sterilization- vasectomy and tubal ligation. IUDs, or intra-uterine devices, are t-shaped plastic devices placed in the uterus that work by blocking sperm transport through the uterus and/or preventing ovulation.
So, what’s new in birth control? There are some advances in traditional contraceptives, and some new technologies as well. Here’s a rundown on what’s available right now and presented her for mutual discussion with the couple and their health care provider.
Intrauterine System: The Mirena IUD: releases synthetic progesterone (female hormone) that decreases menstrual bleeding and cramps- even in women with endometriosis and adenomyosis (inflammatory conditions of the female pelvis). They are extremely effective, preventing pregnancy as well as permanent sterilization. The Mirena lasts for five years, requiring only a brief monthly check by a woman to make sure the device is still in place.
Mirena is an intrauterine system (IUD) that European women have been using for more than a decade. A health care practitioner inserts the IUD in a position very close to the uterine lining. This is a very easy in-office procedure that takes only a few minutes. The Mirena lasts five years and is more effective than the copper containing IUD.
Mirena’s advantages over the copper IUD (the Paragard IUD) go beyond efficacy. The copper IUD can cause heavier, more painful periods. In contrast, the Mirena causes lighter (or absent) periods that are not painful. This is because the Mirena only contains a low dose of the hormone levonorgesterol – a progesterone, therefore it can be used by women who have problems with estrogen. This very dose of progestin acts locally to thin the lining of the uterus, and this accounts for its very positive effects on the users’ menses. Some studies show that anemia and pelvic infection is less common with Mirena than with copper-containing IUDs.
Mirena can cause irregular bleeding or spotting in the first six
months of use. The Mirena costs slightly more than the copper IUD.
Women who are at risk for sexually transmitted disease or ectopic
pregnancy should not use the Mirena. Women who have never had a child
are able to use the Mirena. 
Ortho Evra a skin patch that works like a birth control pill. The patches contain synthetic estrogen and progesterone, and may be used by almost all women who can take oral contraceptives. Ortho-Evra requires a woman to change patches once a week for three weeks, with one week off after to allow for a period- perhaps easier than remembering to take a pill each day. The 1 3/4-inch-wide square skin patch is placed on the skin weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a week of not wearing a patch. You will get a period the week you don’t wear a patch. Because you use it weekly rather than daily, this method may lead to fewer mistakes and better results than with the Pill. Problems with skin irritation and detaching patches appear to occur rarely. (Those who do lose a patch should replace it with a new one rather than tape over it.) Ortho Evra contains less estrogen than some other contraceptives and it doesn’t have to go through the digestive tract–so it causes less nausea (and fewer headaches). It also offers users a rapid return to fertility—women are able to become pregnant soon after they stop using the patch.
Breast discomfort and irregular bleeding may occur in the first two cycles of use. The patch may be less effective for women who weigh more than 200 pounds.
Post-Coital or "Emergency" Contraception (Preven and Plan B) the names of new emergency contraceptive (EC) pills that not only works better, but causes less nausea and vomiting (traditional EC’s are somewhat tough on the stomach). Although it’s only meant to be used as a backup (for instance, after a condom breaks), EC’s will prevent pregnancy up to 89 percent of the time. They should be in the medicine cabinet of all sexually active couples, just in case.
Two specific products give women the option to use birth control after sexual intercourse-the oral contraceptives Plan B and Preven. Plan B has a better rate of success and a lower rate of side effects than Preven, and costs about the same. Women who have an established pregnancy should not use either. (Note: On December 16, 2003, an advisory panel recommended to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that "Plan B" should be available to women as an "over-the-counter" product available in such places as pharmacies, supermarkets and other similar locations. The FDA now needs to act on the recommendation. Plan B has been on the market since 1999 and has been used by more than 2.4 million women, the manufacturer of Plan B was quoted in newspapers. (Ourgyn will post a more comprehensive story when and if the FDA acts on the drug.)
Vaginal Ring (NUVARING) is a plastic ring placed in the vagina that works by releasing hormones similar to a birth control pill. Each ring lasts for three weeks, and a new one is placed a week later, after a period. An interesting choice for those who don’t want to take a pill each day, but not for those women with vaginal abnormalities or irritation.
The monthly contraceptive NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring
about 2 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. It is inserted in the
vagina for 3 weeks out of the month, then replaced with a new ring
every month. Like the Pill and Ortho Evra patch, the Nuvaring
contains both an estrogen and a progestin. Like Ortho-Evra the
hormones diffuse through the skin – in this case the mucosa of
the vagina. Because no hormones go through the gastrointestinal
tract, users may have less nausea. But if you do experience nausea,
soaking the ring in water overnight before using it can help prevent
nausea. You do not have to place it in an exact position for it to
work. You and your sexual partner are not likely to feel it during
sexual intercourse, though you can remove it for up to 3 hours.
Possible side effects may include increased vaginal discharge and
headaches. Like the patch, the NuvaRing uses less estrogen than OCs
but is not recommended for women who shouldn’t take estrogen.
Monthly Injection: Lunelle: a contraceptive given as a once-a-month injection that works like a birth control pill. Unlike Depo-Provera (the other injectable contraceptive), fertility returns quickly once it’s no longer in use. Some women will also learn to do their own injections, making it even more convenient. Discuss with a health care provider it’s availability. Women can now get a monthly injection of Lunelle, which has been on the market in Europe and other countries for years and is basically similar to a combination of oral contraceptives (OCs). You must go to a medical office for this procedure, although you may be able to give yourself this injection in the future. Lunelle should be taken every 28 days, with a five-day grace period, which means that it can be taken any time between days 23 and 33 of the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy is possible for women two to three months after they stop using Lunelle (a shorter time than with Depo-Provera, the other injectable contraceptive).
The disadvantages of Lunelle are: It is not an option for women who cannot take OCs because they contain estrogen. It can cause more spotting and irregular bleeding than OCs do (which users can reduce by taking doses every 28 days). Lunelle may cause some women to gain weight.
Filshie clip: This clever 1/2”
device obstructs fallopian tubes, blocking the passage of sperm and
thus preventing fertilization. Made from titanium and silastic
rubber, the Filshie can be easily applied during “open”
surgery (such as a C-section), or via laparoscopy, as a quick
outpatient procedure. Failure rates are extremely low- as good or
better than other sterilization methods- although long-term data
aren’t in yet. Finally, for the rare couple that changes their
mind after surgery, re-opening the tubes once they’ve been
Filshie-clipped may be easier than with other methods.
including a video.
Ok, couples, you want to know what’s on the horizon? We may soon see replacements for Norplant, the once-popular implantable contraceptive. The new implants, Implanon and Jadelle, have only one and two hormone-containing rods, respectively, instead of six like their predecessor. Although they won’t last as long, they will be much easier to insert and remove.
Want more information? Ask your health care professional.
Remember, contraceptives work best when both of you understand them,
and share responsibility for their consistent and correct use.
Source: Bruce Bekkar, MD, www.ourgyn.com/article_retrieve.php?articleid=35
What's New in Birth
Control: Here is an Easy-to-Follow Guide About New Choices
These new contraceptives require less frequent doses and put less responsibility on the user. The result should be less improper use and fewer unintended pregnancies- and as a bonus fewer side effects. This overview presents basic information about these new contraceptives and highlights advantages and disadvantages.
Non-Surgical Tubal Sterilization (Essure Permanent Birth Control) - Women who desire a permanent form of birth control now have an alternative to “having their tubes tied,” or tubal ligation. The Essure PBC is a small metallic implant placed into the fallopian tubes in a quick medical procedure that does not involve an incision or general anesthesia. The result is a blockage that causes irreversible sterility. Women must use an additional contraceptive for a 3-month waiting period after insertion and must undergo a simple second procedure to confirm blockage of both tubes.
Some positive aspects of this method are its low cost, the avoidance of surgery and anesthesia, and its purported 100% effectiveness. The most common side effect is cramping. Possible problems include expulsion, in which the device moves out of place, and perforation of the uterus- this is very rare. It is important to remember that long-term studies of the Essure PBC have not been done yet. Therefore, a few physicians have some concerns about its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Contraceptives of the Future Learn about birth control methods that may or will be available in the future:
Continuous oral contraceptives require women to skip or change the week they take placebos, which are normally prescribed and taken in rotation with the Pill. Seasonale is a continuous OC that should be on the market in late 2003 or early 2004. Future studies may show that it is safe to use some regular oral contraceptive or the Ortho-Evra patch so that your periods come only every 3 months.
Contraceptive rods that are implanted in the skin may soon be available in the U.S. once again. Earlier versions were Norplant, which caused some difficulties with removal, and Norplant 2, which is not widely available in this country due to manufacturing difficulties. A new two-rod system lasts for 3 to 5 years and can be removed more quickly and easily than the standard Norplant.
The so-called abortion pill, RU-486, can also work as a contraceptive after intercourse for women who are not pregnant.
Male hormonal contraception is still in the very early stages of development. This method uses hormones to suppress sperm production and has only worked irregularly and required frequent injections.
Researchers are also working on an anti-sperm contraceptive
vaccine, smaller IUDs that are “frameless,” longer-term and
progestin-only vaginal rings, and other non-surgical sterility
procedures.
Source: Andrew Goldstein, MD, www.ourgyn.com/article_retrieve.php?articleid=36
Birth Control Methods
Contraceptive Guide www.mjbovo.com/Contracept/
Website created and maintained by a physician on all currently available birth control options for both men and women, includes a "What's the right birth control for me" questionnaire
www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/
Info fact sheets on all methods of birth control, very thorough, well organized and up to date, partly available in Spanish.
It's your (sex) life - Your Guide to Safe and responsible Sex
Source: www.mtv.com/thinkmtv/sexual_health/
Website by the Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation, offers general info on Birth Control, STDs and Communicating about Safer Sex for Teens
Contraceptive Choices
Website maintained by a professor at Emory University on many
contraception methods.
Source: www.google.com/u/emoryuniversity?q=contraceptives&domains=emory.edu&sitesearch=emory.edu
Not 2 late - The Emergency Contraception Website
Information on EC by the Office of Population Research at
Princeton University, lists EC providers, has a Q & A, News,
References. Partly available in Spanish Source:
ec.princeton.edu
;
The feminist women's health center www.fwhc.org
Newsbytes
US OKs wider access for Barr "morning-after"
pill
Younger girls still need a prescription for Plan B, Barr said in a statement. The Plan B pills may prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.
The Food and Drug Administration approval follows more than three years of controversy. Backers and opponents of wider access had fiercely lobbied the agency, and the feud stalled the nominations of two FDA commissioners.
Plan B will be kept behind pharmacy counters, Barr said. The pills should be available in a dual nonprescription and prescription package by the end of the year.
"While we still feel that Plan B should be available to a broader
age group without a prescription, we are pleased that the agency has
determined that Plan B is safe and effective for use by those 18
years of age and older as an over-the-counter product," Barr Chief
Executive Bruce Downey said in a statement.
Source: tinyurl.com/zojfv
Wal-Mart Must Stock Contraception in
Mass.
The unanimous decision by the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy comes two weeks after three women sued Wal-Mart in state court for failing to carry the so called ``morning after'' pill in its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in the state.
The women argue state policy requires pharmacies to provide all ``commonly prescribed medicines.''
The board has sent a letter to Wal-Mart lawyers informing them of the decision, said health department spokeswoman Donna Rheaume. Wal-Mart has until Thursday to provide written compliance.
Dan Fogleman, a spokesman for Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart, said the company hadn't heard about the decision, but would comply with any order.
Wal-Mart carries the pill in Illinois only, where it is required
under state law. The company has said it ``chooses not to carry many
products for business reasons,'' but declined to elaborate.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5618503,00.html
Birth control only works if you use it. Same is true for abstinence.
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