Christmas Loving? High Dose Condoms plus Low Dose Birth Control

I hope Christmas has started wonderfully for you and in ’signing off’ for the festive break myself I just wanted to remind you gals not to leave home without a high dose of condoms, even if your favourite method of contraception is currently low dose birth control pills. An unexpected ‘gift’ that lasts a lifetime could dampen the fun for you this year if you don’t make sure that you’re well protected against pregnancy AND STIs.

Just to whet your appetite a little, check out the fun condoms out there and maybe surprise him with a female one (with the outside rim over the clitoris for extra stimulation)

Look out for these varieties:

• Night Light: Glow-In-The-Dark Condom
• Flavored Condoms  If you are planning to use these condoms for vaginal sex, make sure they are sugar -free as sugar flavored condoms can throw off the pH in the vagina, which can lead to yeast infections.
• Studded Condoms
• Warming Condoms  They contain a warming lubricant that is activated by natural body moisture, so it heats up during sexual intercourse.
• Edible Condoms  – are for novelty use only — they do not provide any type of protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Pleasure Shaped
• Colored Condoms  – fly the flag with tri-colored condoms that feature the national colors of 36 countries, such as America, France, Spain, Russia and Italy.
• Kiss of Mint Condoms
• French Ticklers provide stimulation by “tickling” the inner walls of the vagina. These condoms are considered to be novelty types, so they do not provide prevention of pregnancy or disease. A man can wear a regular condom underneath the tickler to ensure contraceptive protection.
• Tingling Pleasure Condoms

You can find a good selection of novelty condoms at this site.

Safe Loving and a Very Merry Christmas, see you in January,

Kind regards Carole

Can I Tempt You To A Contraceptive Injection Bruce?

Time to overcome that needle phobia guys – ‘ Down Under’ the Aussies have developed a contraceptive injection for men which has been proven to be just as effective as birth-control pills for women. Apart from male condoms, the
only other effective contraceptive for men till now is a vasectomy. The new jab works by suppressing sperm output but does not have a permanent effect.

The male contraceptive injection needs to be administered every two to three months to take the sting out of those little swimmers. Yeay! But hold on a minute gals- I’m about to prick your bubble- research has been hindered by a shortage of government interest and funding (and DEMAND?) Surprise, surprise. Pharmaceutical companies have shown little interest in making it available to the public and you
don’t need to be Einstein to figure out why.

What’s in The ‘Male Version’ of Depo?

An injectable, hormonal contraceptive, in the form of Depo Provera, (containing progestin) has been available for women for several years. Taken every 3 months, it is considered a safe, effective and reversible method of low dose birth control. Irregular bleeding and spotting are typical side effects commonly experienced during the first few months.The male contraceptive injection, however, is made up of a combination of the hormones androgen and progestin – mostly testosterone and guess what? No irregular bleeding and spotting!

While there is no long term data yet as to other possible side effects of the male jab, it may be that they too will have slight weight gain or headaches, a touch of acne and wait for it- loss of sex drive, ( now there’s a controversial side effect if you’re female!) depression, nervousness and tiredness (join the club fellas) If your guy’s proud of his Bonds briefs’ profile, he won’t be too happy about one notable side effect of the jab- a reduction in the size of his testicles. This is reversible, by the way. You can reassure him that this side effect DOES NOT affect his penis or performance! I reckon the testosterone levels in the male birth control products will soon be ‘adjusted’ too – we can’t have men losing their sex drive now can we!

How Reliable is The Male Contraceptive Injection?

The male hormonal injection was found to be a quick and reliable method of contraception for up to 95 per cent of males. Researchers from the ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney and Concord Hospital studied 1756 men aged 18 to 51 and found the combined jab (progestin/mostly testosterone + androgen) was quicker and more effective than an androgen-only version. Chinese and European trials have also been conducted and who knows, IF funding becomes available, a male’s selection of ‘low dose birth control’ could include injections, implants and patches not to mention the PILL. Here follows a whole new topic for the ‘contraception responsibility’ debate, girls.

The World Health Organisation is understood to be planning an international study to test a three-monthly androgen-progestin combination injection for men- maybe if they get on board, we’ll see some progress ‘down under’ or should that be ‘down below’?

NB. Yes, you’ve guessed it- neither female nor male contraceptive injections will protect you against STD’s. So condoms still rule OK? That is until some white coated genius develops a pill that does both. Watch this space folks.

Got questions about your birth control? Get your free e-book here

Low Dose Birth Control Pills

Here are the basics about Low Dose Birth Control Pills -the brands, the ingredients and the benefits.

Reducing the side effects of birth control pills (cheers in the gallery!) led to the reduction of the amount of synthetic hormones, estrogen and progestin, that they contained and to the development of the ‘new generation’, low dose birth control pills. “Low dose’ won’t have much meaning for you if you don’t know what this term refers to so the basic information below may help.

So How Low can I go with the dose of hormone ingredients and still be effective at preventing pregnancy?

Good question, as not all birth control pills contain exactly the same amount of estrogen and progestin. I thought a useful reference for you would be a list of low dose and ultra low dose pills so that you can at least discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and see if you are a good candidate to move from say, a low dose 0.035mg estrogen pill down to an ultra low dose 0.020mg estrogen pill. You may find you experience fewer or reduced side effects. Generic brands in low dose birth control pills are also available.

Birth control pills with the very lowest amount of estrogen, that is 0.02mg of estrogen (usually ethinyl estradiol) are classed as ‘ultra low dose’ contraceptive pills. 0.02mg of estrogen is sufficient for contraception but the side effects of spotting and breakthrough bleeding are more common with these types of ultra low dose birth control pills than with low dose pills containing 0.030mg or 0.035mg of estrogen.

Here are some brand names of the “ultra low dose” birth control pills on the market, you may find a generic version on line now that you know what amount of estrogen to look for. The estrogen component is listed first and the progestin component second.

Alesse (Aviane,Lessina,Lutera,Sronyx) contains 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.1 mg levonorgestrel

Mircette contains 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel

Pills containing 0.02mg- 0.035mg.of estrogen are classed as ‘low dose’ pills.

Here are some brand names of “low dose” birth control pills :

• LoOvral contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and and 0.3 mg norgestrel
• Nordette contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levognorgestrel
• Ortho-Cept (Reclipsen, Solia) contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Desogen contains 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel
• Levlen21 contains 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel
• Seasonale/Seasonique contain 0.03mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel

If you are a fan of triphasic pills, here are some low dose ones:

Cyclessa
Phase 1: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.1 mg
Phase 2: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.125 mg
Phase 3: ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg and desogestrel 0.15 mg
In a study of 5,654 women, over six menstrual cycles, some used the popular triphasic Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 and others used Cyclessa. It was found that women who used Cyclessa had significantly less breakthrough bleeding or spotting and experienced an average weight loss of 4lbs. versus an average weight gain of 2lbs. with those who took Ortho-Novum 7/7/7.

Ortho Tricyclen Lo : 3 types of pill in the pack
each white tablet contains 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.180 mg of norgestimate
each light blue tablet contains 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.215 mg norgestimate each dark blue tablet contains 0.025 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.250 mg of norgestimate
(Ortho Tricyclen and Ortho-Cyclen, each with 0.035 mg of ethinyl estradiol, contain slightly higher amounts of estrogen in each type of pill than Ortho Tricyclen Lo)

YASMIN and YAZ are two more low dose birth control pills containing 0.03 mg and 0.02 mg respectively of estrogen but they have a different type of progestin from the other pills called drospirenone (3.0 mg). On the down side, since Yasmin/Yaz can increase levels of potassium, it is not recommended for women with liver, adrenal or kidney problems but on the up side, Yasmin/Yaz appear to reduce water retention and therefore bloating and in some women gives a sense of well being. These pills also have a following among acne sufferers as they seem to improve this skin condition in a lot of cases.

As with many other types of birth control pills, Yasmin may not be suitable for you if you also take other over-the-counter pain relievers, potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or specific medications so you MUST check this out with a physician first.

Nursing Moms

You will have heard of the ‘mini’ pill (progestin only pill or POP) which is usually prescribed for women who are breastfeeding or who have an intolerance to estrogen. A ‘Mini pill’ can be started immediately after childbirth or abortion. There is no 7-day break or dummy pills as there are with the combined pill and it must be taken at the same time every day. Micronor contains 0.35 mg norethindrone and NO estrogen whatsoever. In other countries some brand names include: Microlut 28, Microval 28, Locilan 28 and Noriday.

Pills that contain high amounts of estrogen or progestin are used for emergency contraception and are known as ‘the morning after pill’ or Plan B. One common pill is Preven -each blue film-coated pill contains 0.25 mg levonorgestrel and 0.05 mg (that’s MILLIGRAMS not micrograms) of estrogen – usually you take 2 doses, 12 hours apart. Plan B is a ‘morning-after’ pill that contains only one hormone, progestin (Levonorgestrel) Tablets, 0.75 mg.

Sources; Donnica Moore, M.D.www.drdonnica.com/faqs/00005246.htm,www.mydr.com.au

For A FREE E-BOOK that answers all your common birth control
questions,for lighthearted videos and a ‘no nonsense’ website that
tells it like it is, visit: my main website

How To Start Using Birth Control Pills For The First Time

OK so you are thinking of using a contraceptive pill for the first time. What do you need to know to help you to make that final decision? These few facts may bring you up to speed so that you can trot off to the doctor and discuss which pill is best for you at this point in your ‘contraception career’.

The Pill affects Ovulation, Your Cervical Mucous and the lining of your Uterus

First of all, let’s assume that you already know that the contraceptive pill contains synthetic hormones (estrogen and progestin) that prevent you from becoming pregnant 99% of the time (if used correctly and consistently) by stopping you from ovulating each month (releasing an an egg from your ovaries). If there no egg for a little male sperm to penetrate/fertilise then no baby can develop. The other ‘action’ that occurs each month as a result of taking a contraceptive pill is that the mucous around your cervix (neck of your womb) is THICKENED by the progestin ingredient in the pill. Why does this help to protect you from getting pregnant- because that little sperm finds it a heck of a lot harder to swim through thick stuff than thin stuff so even in the event of an egg ‘escaping’, the poor little guy is exhausted even before he ever gets to that egg of yours! The third way in which the contraceptive pill affects your body is to THIN the lining of your uterus which makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant and grow there should it get that far. This action is a controversial one for some women who view this ‘back up’ effect as abortion.

When does ovulation occur?

Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of your cycle (a woman is fertile when she is ovulating and ovulation usually occurs mid cycle) most women know exactly when this happens but it can vary by about a week, depending on the length of your cycle. Ovulation almost always occurs 14 days before the next bleed. The process itself requires a maximum of thirty-six hours to complete. In general, women do not ovulate until at least 10 days after stopping birth control pills.

If an egg IS fertilized by a sperm, it may implant itself in the uterus 6-12 days later if ‘conditions are receptive, if you take the pill every day the conditions are NOT receptive.

Starting birth control pills the first time- on which Day do I take the first pill?

IMPORTANT: Use ‘back up’ such as condoms, diaphragm, or foam during the first month of pill taking.You can choose which day to start your pill taking regime:

• on the day your period begins OR
• on the first Sunday after your period begins. This will result in your period almost always beginning on a Tuesday or Wednesday every 4 weeks OR
• on the fifth day after your period begins OR
• you can start your pill today if there is absolutely no chance that you could be pregnant. Use a backup method of contraception until your first period.

Take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Then:

If you are using a 28-day pack, begin a new pack immediately. Skip no days between packs.
If you are using a 21-day pack, stop taking pills for 1 week and then start your new pack but you must not forget to start again 7 days later as extending the ‘gap’ between packs is one of the main reasons why women get pregnant while on the pill!

I’m worried about having to remember to take a pill every day

You will soon get into a routine- but it helps if you link your pill taking to another action you carry out daily such as cleaning your teeth or having a glass of water at bedtime. Keep you pill pack next to your toothbrush or in your bedside table drawer.The pills work best if you take one at about the same time every day (this is especially important for the ‘mini’ pill). Check your pack of pills each morning to make sure you took your pill the day before.

For more facts about the ‘what if’ scenarios when you are on the pill, read instructions HERE on HOW TO TAKE CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS and also find out what is involved IF pills are missed .

For A FREE E-BOOK that answers all your common birth control questions,for lighthearted videos and a ‘no nonsense’ website that tells it like it is, visit: my main website

Vomiting and Birth Control Pills

Will the effectiveness of my birth control pill be affected if I vomit?

It depends. If you took your pill two hours or more before you vomited, then it is unlikely that you will need a replacement pill. If you vomit within two hours of taking your pill, you should consider that pill ‘missed’ and take another from a separate pack as soon as you can keep things down. The risk of pregnancy increases if vomiting prevents your body from absorbing a high enough ‘quota’ of estrogen that month to prevent pregnancy. You may want to contact your health care provider anyway in case there are special instructions you need to follow.

If you vomit or have diarrhea due to illness or consumption of too much alcohol while you are taking an oral contraceptive, play it safe and use a back up method of birth control. Use this method of birth control for 7 days after vomiting or diarrhea, even if you have not missed any pills.

If pills are missed due to vomiting bouts and a backup method is not used, emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy, although if you’ve used this method before, guess what, be prepared for nausea and vomiting as side effects of this too-we just can’t win can we, except maybe avoid the one type of nausea we don’t want- ‘morning sickness’.

If, like most women, you forget to take one of your contraceptive pills, then take it later in the day and then take another at bedtime, when you normally would take one, thus causing you to take two pills in one day (which is fine) this also can make you feel a bit queasy.

Low dose pills like Alesse, Yaz and Mircette are just as effective as high dose pills for preventing pregnancy but missing a low dose pill puts you at greater risk of getting pregnant than missing a high dose pill.

Crazy isn’t it, that one of the side effects experienced by some women who take birth control pills is nausea and vomiting, (this side effect usually goes away after the first few months of use) and if you DO suffer severe vomiting when on the ‘pill’ you’ve defeated the whole purpose for taking them in the first place! Taking your pill with food or taking it before bedtime may help to alleviate nausea.

Severe vomiting should be reported to a physician IMMEDIATELY (and a condom used if you still feel like sex under these circumstances!) as this is not a normal side effect. The contraceptive pill continues to be a popular choice because it is easy to use, convenient and is a reversible method of birth control.

Carole Pemberton is committed to researching and presenting the latest information on contraceptives, including Alesse and Mircette to empower women to fully experience their sexuality and knowledgeably manage their birth control.

For a FREE E-BOOK that answers all your common birth control questions please drop by HERE

Oral Contraceptives For Treating Medical Conditions

Oral contraceptives (the “birth control pill”) and their synthetic hormone cocktail of estrogen and progestin have many health ‘benefits’ beyond just preventing pregnancy. Whether to use them for this purpose or not though, can be a dilemma, especially for some teenagers who are not sexually active. To be able to function ‘comfortably’ without taking days off work or school due to severe period pain is often the clincher for any women when her physician suggests a course of oral contraceptives for treating
medical conditions such as:

• Painful periods/cramps
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Acne (“zits” or “breaking out”) – more likely to occur in teenagers
• Too much hair growth- caused by producing too many male hormones. Oral contraceptives may prevent new hair growth but will not get rid of existing hair growth.
• Ovarian cysts
• PMS, mood changes or migraine headaches

What do I need to know if I’m taking the pill for something other than birth control?

The active ingredients, estrogen and progestin come in different types, with different side effects, depending on which oral contraceptive is prescribed. Some pills contain lower doses of these hormones than others and some medical conditions require a pill containing higher doses to be effective.You may be told to take the pills in a different way from ‘normal’ (as they were initially designed to be used only for birth control and taken one pill each day) which may mean taking more than one pill each day -so
depending on the medical condition being treated, you should always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dose and not those printed on the package leaflet. For treating the medical conditions listed above with oral contraceptives, see more detailed information HERE.

For a FREE E-BOOK that answers lots of common questions about birth control, some lighthearted videos and a ‘no nonsense’ website that tells it like it is, visit:www.contraceptivereviewer.com

Who Do You Turn To For Information On Contraceptives?

2 out of 3 women (63%) who use the internet, research contraceptives and birth control options on line. In January of this year, comScore Inc. a leader in measuring the digital world, released results from a study that looked at how women choose their method of contraception, what their opinion is of alternative contraceptive methods and whether the information they gather from their ‘net’ research influences their actual ‘practising’ methods of contraception.

921 women were surveyed (ages 18-44) who had been heterosexually active over the past 6 months and had used a form of prescription or over-the-counter birth control.

• 82% of the women surveyed consulted their doctor, pharmacist or health care worker about contraceptive options
• 60% researched on the internet and web sites
• 51% consulted friends, family and ’significant others’

“Traditionally, women have relied on friends, family or a significant other for health-related information, including sexual health and contraception,” said Carolina Petrini, comScore senior vice president. “But today, with the influx of newer-generation birth control methods and non-traditional pill regimens, more and more women are turning to the Internet to sort through the clutter and organize their findings. As is true in many other areas of healthcare, the consumer has become much more proactive. She wants to be informed of all of her choices, and she is relying on the Internet for answers.”

35% of the women surveyed had already used birth control related ‘user generated content’ from blogs, forums and chat rooms, while 42% said they were open to the idea.

Factors that influence a woman’s choice of contraceptive

Not surprisingly, the main factor was EFFECTIVENESS although only 9% gave ineffectiveness as a reason for not choosing specific types.

The main reasons for NOT choosing a specific type of contraceptive were:

• perceived SIDE EFFECTS (45%)
• INCONVENIENCE (42%)

These perceptions about side effects and inconvenience varied according to the type of contraceptive eg. some women said they would not consider switching to the birth control pill, hormonal injections, patches and implants because of perceived side effects. Vaginal rings and diaphragms were perceived to be the most inconvenient or difficult to use form of contraceptive.

Source:http://www.comscore.com To read report on this survey CLICK HERE

Further information on Alesse, Mircette and other oral contraceptives.