Keep Your Vagina in Good Nick

Even though this site is focused on reviewing birth control methods, I know there are many of you who struggle with vaginal problems or know someone who could benefit from some practical but lighthearted vaginal reassurance. Vaginal problems can affect intercourse which indirectly can affect your ‘contraception career’ , use of condoms and the way you feel about or enjoy sex overall.

 I mentioned this little book as a handy gold mine of information in  a previous post but with many copies selling to MEN (surprise!) I thought it wouldn’t hurt to post a reminder for those who may have missed it. One issue per page is dealt with in a lighthearted manner with no ‘medicalese’.
You can check yourselk out in the privacy of your own home and find out if really need to see a doctor or if you can treat the symptoms yourself.

My inexpensive guide “ Happy Vaginas for the Over 40s”- ($11.95) is packed with self help information and tips on all the major vaginal problems we goddesses face so it’s a ‘must have’ for anyone who wants to keep their ‘lady garden’ in good nick!

Please let me know if you have any further vaginal issues and I’ll do my best to get you the latest, accurate information.

Low Dose Birth Control and Blood Clots

There is much discussion going on about the ‘blood clots’ issue with a low dose birth control pill called Yaz (and Yasmin).  A report is expected out this Summer on the findings of a study of 800,000 women who take Yaz. I shall post these findings as soon as they become available, in the meantime those of you who are happy with this brand of low dose birth control be especially vigilant about possible symptoms of clotting such as any chest or leg pain.

I have posted details on my main website but just to be clear- estrogen does not cause clots– it has been thought to make blood more likely to clot. Since it is the progestin ingredient,  called drospirenone, in Yaz  and similar low dose birth control pills (Beyaz/Safyral )  that is under survey, one has to ask if this would create a ‘double whammy’ of a risk in a combination, low dose birth control pill?

What is Your Opinion of this Amazing Book?

This is a gentle nudge to remind you to check your monthly supply of low dose birth control pills and to pop a couple of fresh condoms into your purse. I also want to focus on bringing a new book to your attention which could literally change your life and the way you view the most intimate part of your body. The book of yonis is 164 full colour pages, designed exquisitely and bound beautifully in a hardback cover. It is a beautiful gift or addition to your bookcase or coffee table, and the perfect way to celebrate the heart of the flower that is woman.

Ordinary women have been courageous enough to share their bodies in this exquisitely photographed collection – these are not air brushed models who have been selected for their touched up ’beautiful bits’.
Watch this short video about the book, ‘Heart of the Flower’.

Read what others say about ‘Heart of the Flower’:
“You have created something really special with this book. It is a spiritual experience every time I sit down and read/look at it. I feel blessed to have known of it when it is first released. Thanks for letting me be part of that. A book to pass down and around. Much love.” — Di

”It’s funny because as someone who sees Yonis on a daily basis the images were not by any means a surprise or shock for me. Yet the different angles along with each lady’s words made me view them again from a totally different way. All in all I think this book should be the bible for all woman (especially younger women) to eradicate any fear or uncertainty, and almost more importantly for men.” — Natalie, 22, beauty therapist

“I’ve had 30 years of therapy, psychiatry and reading this book has been the most healing thing that could happen to me. I can’t tell you how it’s helped me and how important it’s been to me. It’s wonderful. Every woman should own a copy.” — Deb

“Is it possible to read the words of these women and look at their pictures not through a haze of tears? Beautiful. Brave. Stunning. Powerful. Wow — what a book.” — Ian, 44

Heart of the Flower: The book of yonis is an unflinching exploration of the beautiful diversity of women’s genitals, free of judgement, shame and embarrassment.

Fifty everyday women have posed for up-close and personal photographs that show their genitals from many different and rarely seen angles. Each woman writes candidly with wit, wisdom, passion, even despair, about her relationship with her yoni.

The book brings into light the ins and outs of the female sexual anatomy, and demystifies and challenges the way society views women’s genitals and sexuality.

Heart of the Flower is designed to normalise and celebrate diversity at a time when labial reconstructions have reached an all-time high and women’s body image is at an all-time low.
If you love art and you wish to see the beauty of the female vagina as never before recorded, this is one book worth buying and telling your friends about.

Life after Low Dose Birth Control – How to Keep Your Vagina Happy

Previously, there’s been a somewhat erroneous expectation of the post menopausal female of our species to be ‘past it’, sexually inactive or in a sexually safe monogamous relationship. With the emergence of the alleged Cougar, the popularity of on line dating services and the changing relationship norms of today’s society, over 40s and post menopausal females need to be really savvy about managing the skin to skin aspects of their new intimate relationships.

How to Keep Your Vagina Happy

I actually took the post below from a page in an indispensable new guide I have just published (pen name Claire Preston) called “Happy Vaginas for the Over 40’s – how to resuscitate your ageing vagina and protect her from menopausal meltdown!” 

I wrote this little self help book after reading all the desperate comments in women’s forums about the problems mature women are having with painful sex, dry vaginas and persistent discharges of one type or another.  Even though this site is focused on reviewing birth control methods, I know there are many of you who struggle with vaginal problems or know someone who could benefit from some practical but lighthearted vaginal reassurance. My inexpensive guide is packed with information and tips on all the major vaginal problems so it’s a ‘must have’ for young women too if they want to keep their ‘lady garden’ in good nick!

You can get a copy HERE.

Your indispensable, self help guide to a happy vagina

Great, we may not need pregnancy protection any more girls but as well as protecting ourselves from gold digging gigolos looking for ‘Mother with Benefits’ we do need to protect ourselves from other unwelcome catches. Our mellowing vaginas are past the spring chicken stage which means that we are more susceptible to picking up a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or to missing the signs that we may already have one.

Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. (Chlamydia trachomatis) I thought it best to mention this little Charlie (you’ll notice that I give the villains male names – don’t read anything into that) because he is a very common bacterial STI which you probably think only infects the young ones. Incidences of middle aged goddesses getting lumbered with STI’s are on the rise. . You’ll be safe from future fetuses once you exit menopause but if you embark on new sexual journeys with new partners, please be a savvy, condom loaded gal and protect yourself and your vagina from STIs.

Symptoms of Chlamydia – are like those of a UTI (abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating and crampy pain in the lower abdomen). Chlamydia can also cause conjunctivitis. BUT the real bummer is that most women don’t have any symptoms so Charlie Chlamydia romps wherever he pleases inside your body, free to hop happily onto someone else’s if you give him half a chance.

Diagnosis – Chlamydia is diagnosed from a pap smear or from swabs you can take yourself. Chlamydia can’t be diagnosed from a blood test.

Treatment is simple and effective though it can cause a few uncomfortable side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain however, just a single prescribed dose of antibiotics – Azithromycin (Zithromax) or the less costly Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox) usually sends Charlie packing. Don’t have sex until at least a week after treatment. If your partner is receiving treatment for Chlamydia, don’t have sex until at least a week after both of you have been treated.

Stop Charlie entering your door simply by using a condom (male or female variety) and don’t have unprotected sex with a new partner unless you’re sure that they have passed their STD exam!

Get your copy HERE.

 

World Contraception Day- Show and Tell

2010 will be the 4th year for celebrating World Contraception Day.  September 26th is the day when I encourage you to overcome any embarrassment you may feel and find someone you trust to talk about your birth control and sexual health. It doesn’t matter who you are, you must protect yourself from STIs and if you are not ready to take responsibility for bringing up another human being, find someone you feel comfortable with and spend some time seriously focussing on giving your ‘contraception career’ a thorough health check.

Ask yourself :

• do I have unprotected sex
• do I talk to my sexual partner about birth control
• do I know how reliable my method of birth control really is
• do I believe that ‘withdrawal’ is an effective method of birth control

It’s never too late to take control. You are being responsible, not promiscuous, by talking about sex. Don’t rely on guesswork or on the potentially inaccurate information from your mates. You will be amazed at the wealth of new facts you will uncover by taking time out to review all your birth control options. With STIs just waiting to catch YOU, don’t be caught with your barrier down! Make September 2010 the month in which  you empower yourself in your sexual relationships.

Well done if you have so far eluded a dose of Chlamydia. On World Contraception Day – September 26th 2010 make a resolution to ‘stay clean’.

Make another resolution on World Contraception Day – September 26th 2010 that when you are ready to have a family of your own, YOUR baby will be a well planned and welcomed one – then take the steps to keep it.

Have the courage to be a leader on World Contraception Day – September 26th 2010 –  talk to someone about low dose birth control, free condom suppliers, emergency contraception or whatever bothers you about sex –  then show your friends how they can do the same.  Come on- Be be a heroine for a day..

Looking for some safe sex gift ideas?

 

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

Skin Discolouration and Low Dose Birth Control

One of the more distressing side effects associated with oral contraceptives, even low dose birth control pills, in some women, can be a darkening of the skin on the face called ‘melasma.’ Apart from skin
discolouration, there are no other symptoms so the side effect is mainly cosmetic.

Symptoms

Melasma appears as uniform, brown, symetrical brown patches (same on both sides of your face)  on the forehead,cheeks, nose and upper lip.  If you are a young woman with brownish skin tones you are at a higher risk of being affected by melasma, although 10% of men do get melasma.  It is especially common
in pregnant women (the mask of pregnancy) and women taking birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause. Melasma does not seem to occur with HRT AFTER menopause.

 Hormone and Genetic Connection to Melasma

The sun seems to be a significant risk factor for melasma so if you live in the tropics, your risk is higher.When you expose your skin to the sun, it is thought that the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, stimulate your melanocytes (pigment-producing cells)  to produce more melanin pigments. Hence, women taking synthetic estrogen and progestin, even in low dose birth control pills, are ‘supporting’ this reaction in the body.  If you have light brown skin and live in a country were you get intense sun exposure, you are particularly susceptible to developing this condition. Unfortunately, if members of your family are predisposed to this condition, this will be a  major factor in determining whether you will also develop melasma.

 Can I get rid of melasma?

 Melasma often fades over a period of time if you stop taking HRT and low dose birth control pills and limit your sun exposure- but in some cases,  it can last a lifetime. Using a good quality sunscreen is highly recommended, SPF 30 or higher (which also helps to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer) or anything that blocks ultraviolet light and sources of light indoors.  There is a likelihood of melasma returning if you resume taking birth control pills or return to HRT during menopause. Melasma often disappears after
having a baby although it can return with subsequent pregnancies.

 A dermatologist or physician can prescribe creams which do not bleach the skin but decrease the activity of the pigment producing cells.

DO NOT use DIY chemical peels or be tempted to use microdermabrasion at home to get rid of melasma as you could make the skin condition worse.

 Disclaimer: As I have been asked about ‘dark skin patches and the pill’, I have included this post on low dose birth control pills and  melasma  for educational purpose only. The information should be used as encouragement for you to talk to your doctor about your particular case and not as a substitute for treatment. 

Got a birth control question?  Get your FREE E-book HERE

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