Does Everyone Know the Correct Way to Use Condoms?
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you do not want to become parents then it is important to use condoms. It is even more important to protect you and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases.
We all are aware of these facts and do use condoms for safe sex, but how many of us know how to use a condom correctly. Many people both men and women feel shy or embarrassed to ask about putting on a condom. They will use it incorrectly but never talk about it to friends due to the fear being ridiculed by friends. But we should be aware of the proper way of wearing a condom otherwise it will be of no use.
Most of the people make mistakes while putting on the condom. The male condoms are worn on the penis while female condoms are to be used in the vagina or rectum.
There are a few points to keep in mind before using a condom and while putting on the condom.
- Check the expiry date of the condom; you should not use condoms of expiry dates.
- Open the condom pack with care. Make sure you do not open it with your teeth or put a nail on it as it will damage the condom.
- Do not put condoms in your pockets as they are to be put in a cool place.
- Make sure you do not enter the penis in the vagina before putting on a condom.
While putting on the condom you should keep in mind the following points.
- See as to which way the condom rolls and make sure that you are wearing it correctly.
- The condom should unroll smoothly and easily from the rim to the outside.
- Put the condom when the penis is erect.
- While using a latex condom never use oil based lubrication as it weakens the latex.
- Always use water based lubrication with latex condoms.
- After the ejaculation remove the penis immediately and the condom carefully while the penis is still erect.
- Do not use both the male and the female condom together. The male condom could be pulled out or the female condom could be pushed in.
- See to it that no semen is spilled while removing the condom.
- Do not reuse a condom.
While using a female condom you should keep the following points in mind.
- Check the expiry date of the condom; you should not use condoms of expiry dates.
- Open the condom pack with care. Make sure you do not open it with your teeth or put a nail on it as it will damage the condom.
- Do no use the used condom again.
- The female condom is inserted in the vagina with the help of a finger. The flexible inner can be squeezed in with the help of the thumb or the middle finger.
- Insert the ring as far as possible into the vagina.
- Make sure the outer ring of the condom remains outside and is not pushed inside during the event.
We at Keep Condom are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs.
Birth Control By Injection
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you have trouble remembering to take your birth control pills, you should speak with your doctor about your birth control options.
Birth control by injection is an effective alternative used which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective and popular form of this type of contraceptive is Depo-Provera. This injection works in the same way as the hormonal pill Progestogen. It does not contain estrogen.
DMPA, Depo-Provera is an injection of synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate which is given by health care professional and is injected into the woman’s buttocks or the arm muscle. The pregnancy prevention begins after twenty four hours of the injection. This injection prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. The woman has to take the injection once every twelve weeks. That means this injection can be given every three months and you do not have to take it regularly like the pills.
Advantages: DMPA is extremely effective as the failure rate within the first year of use is only 0.3%. It is advantageous as it does not produce any side effects as estrogen such as blood clotting. Irregular periods become regular. It also lowers the risk of certain endometrial and ovarian cancers.
Disadvantages: The injection has the disadvantage that it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. DMPA can delay the return of fertility if women have used it for a longer period. Problems such as menstrual irregularities, headaches, dizziness, nausea, hair loss, depression and weight gain can continue for about one year after the last injection. There are some serious risks associated with Depo-Provera such as loss of bone density which could result in osteoporosis. This injection is not recommended for long time use as it causes deficiency of calcium causing osteoporosis. The women who are on this injection are advised to take a lot of calcium. Depo-Provera is especially not recommended for young females as their bones are still growing.
Lunelle Lunelle, a monthly birth control shot has both synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. It can be injected into the arm, thigh or rear. Lunelle prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries. It thickens the cervical mucus and makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. You do not have to take it regularly as the pill. Although it is 99% effective it does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is taken within a month. If the shot is given after a month (33 days) then it may not be effective. It is recommended to take the next shot within 28 to 30 days. If you are unable to take the injection within a month then you should use condoms and spermecides.
One of the common side effective of Lunelle is irregular bleeding which could range from no bleeding to heavy bleeding. There are other side effectives such as weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, nervousness, mood changes or depression, change in sexual desire, dizziness, rash, or vaginal infections. Lunelle should not be used by women who have high blood pressure, breast or uterine cancer, diabetes, allergies to hormones and women who have history of blood clots.
Find more information visit: Birth Control by Injection
Discussions About Birth Control
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Discussing birth control methods with your partner may not be the easiest thing to do but it is important to ensure there are no unplanned pregnancies.
It is required by both partners to discuss birth control as both share responsibility if an unwanted pregnancy occurs. Moreover it is also important to have a discussion for safe sex, to keep safe from sexually transmitted diseases. Few individuals feel awkward or embarrassed to have such a discussion. Talking about contraception makes couples prepared for sex and as such they feel they undergo a kind of internal conflict about engaging into sex. According to them it spoils the excitement and pleasure of enjoying unplanned sex which actually is a myth. Most importantly health comes above pleasure. Therefore it is important for couples to discuss about choosing various birth control options.
There are many contraceptives designed for use in the woman and as such many couples believe that birth control is not the male partner’s responsibility. Discussions about Birth control are important as there are a variety of alternatives for both men and women. They need decide and choose the method that suits their health. The only 100% effective method that prevents pregnancy and STD is abstinence. If you have health problems, discussions about birth control drugs or side-effects become necessary. Consult your physician or pharmacist about it.
Birth control pills prevent unwanted pregnancy and are preferred by many women. But these pills have there side effects and they do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore a discussion about pills is a must especially if you fear the risk of a sexual disease and have sex with more than one partner. Some pills have estrogen/progestin combinations, while others are progestin-only pills. There are certain side effects of birth control pills such as headaches, breast swelling, nausea, weight gain and depression. It is crucial to find out what works or does not work for a particular woman as such discussions and consultation cannot be ignored.
Condoms are used as a barrier method by both men and women that protect partners from diseases like HIV and prevents from being parents. But not all condoms provide complete safety. There are male condoms made of latex and polyurethane that prevent pregnancy by acting as a barrier against sperm. Condoms are inexpensive and are easily available in drug stores and vending machines. They do not require doctor’s prescription. They pose few health risks compared to hormonal methods.
The female barrier methods include the diaphragm, cervical cap, female condom, and contraceptive sponge. These methods work by acting as a barrier to sperm. These methods are difficult to use correctly and are ineffective if not placed properly cause pregnancy. The failure rate is more in teen than women when females go for these barrier methods. Knowing what you want and desire is necessary as it is only then you would opt a particular method. These methods do protect from STDs if used properly.
Birth control methods like the IUD or the Pill are not sufficient in a situation of multiple or frequently changing partners because they do not protect against STD’s though they prevent pregnancy.
Discussions about birth control should be for prevention and protection, to enhance communication about other sexual concerns, such as the role of sex in a relationship, likes and dislikes, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Find more information visit: Discussions about Birth Control
Birth Control while Breastfeeding
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Most women want to prevent pregnancy while nursing. Here are some options for effective birth control that won’t interfere with nursing.
A woman can get pregnant when she is nursing. If you want to prevent pregnancy while nursing, you have a few options for birth control.
Sex After Childbirth
It used to be that women were advised to not have sex until six weeks after they gave birth, at their six week check-up. If you feel comfortable with this, then you can wait. However, the vagina typically heals after two weeks or so, and the cervix will also be closed after two weeks. If you haven’t had any complications, you can have sex as early as two weeks after you give birth. Ask your doctor if there are any reasons you shouldn’t. You might not want to have sex after you give birth: a woman’s hormones change dramatically after being pregnant, and sometimes they are not as sexually charged. If you are interested in sex, know that you could be fertile again as soon as two weeks after you have your baby. Be aware of this and choose your contraception wisely.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
This is sometimes also called the breastfeeding method. This is the method that has some people confused as to whether or not you can get pregnant while you are nursing. If you choose to nurse your baby and to not give your baby other milk, you can postpone your fertility.
This means you feed your baby every four hours (from both breasts). In the night, you have to feed your baby at least every six hours.
You can only use this method if you are nursing and if you haven’t had a period since your baby was born. This method only works for six months after the baby is born, and then you have to use another method.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of birth control won’t harm your nursing infant. These include condoms, female condoms, sponges, and prescription barrier based methods. With many prescription barrier methods, you have to wait until six to eight weeks after delivery: these include diaphragms, cervical caps, and shields.
If you are using a barrier based method with a spermicide, be sure that your vagina has healed thoroughly before using spermicide and having sex.
Hormonal Methods
You cannot take a combination hormone treatment (one that has estrogen, or ethinyl estradiol, in it) if you are nursing. This means that you cannot take combination pills, you can’t wear the Patch, and you can’t use a Vaginal Ring. The estrogen will be found in your breastmilk and affect your baby, and will also affect your milk supply.
You can, however, use progestin-only methods of birth control. This includes progestin-only pills, which are sometimes called mini-pills, Depo-Provera, and Mirena, a hormonal IUD (intrauterine device). Many doctors claim that progestins are too large to pass into breastmilk and will not affect your baby.
Other doctors, however, are wary about using progestin-only birth control. Dr. Cindy McClain Pearman, a family practice physician from Knoxville, Tennessee, claims that “Mini-pills and Depo are not supposed to affect [milk] supply, but I have seen it happen often, especially with the mini-pill.”
If you feel uncertain about using hormonal birth control methods, you can always choose another form of birth control, be it abstinence, a barrier method, or a fertility awareness method.
IUDs: IntraUterine Devices
You can use a copper IUD while you are nursing; it will not affect your breastmilk. An IUD is a device that is inserted by your doctor. It means that you won’t be able to conceive until you have it removed by a professional. Often, women who have just given birth report easier IUD insertions.
Fertility Awareness Methods
You can choose to track your fertility after your baby is born. This cannot happen until you have your first period. To learn about tracking your fertility, you will need to speak to an expert: ask your doctor, or local clinic, or women’s group. You will have to abstain from sex on your unsafe days, or plan to use a back-up method.
Having just had a baby can be a magical (but tiring) experience. Family planning can benefit you, your partner, and your baby. Choose the option that seems right for you.
For more information on all of the above methods of birth control, visit The Guide to Birth Control
Birth Control Alternatives
January 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Regardless of which birth control method you choose, you should have a complete understanding of how it works and what the risks are.
Birth control is now not only a matter of prevention of pregnancy but also protecting from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. More than one method may be needed to protect you from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
There are a number of birth control alternatives approved by the FDA such as males and females condoms available over the counter, vaginal spermidices, birth control pills, diaphragms and intrauterine (IUDs) prescribed by the doctor and injectable hormones and hormonal implants.
According to the health of the person, frequency of sexual activity, the number of partners and whether to have or not have children, one has to choose the particular birth control method.
Barrier method
Among the different birth control alternatives the easily available and convenient method is the barrier method. This method includes the use of male and female condoms, the diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge.
The barrier method includes the use of condoms that are available without a prescription.
The condoms are intended for one time use. It may slip out of place if used with together with a male condom.
Diaphragm
Then there is a diaphragm which is a soft, dome shaped rubber disc that fits into the vagina and covers the cervix. The diaphragm may be effective up to 95% if used in conjunction with an effective spermicide. The effectiveness is reduced if it is not used properly and if it is not used consistently. Care should be taken while fitting and removing the diaphragm. A diaphragm is available by prescription.
Cervical cap
Similar to the diaphragm is an apparatus the cervical cap. It is a soft rubber cup with a round rim. Both can be obtained through the Women’s Health Service or the Student Health Center. It is only available by prescription and is used with spermicide cream or jelly.
Spermicides
Spermicides work best when used with another barrier method, such as the diaphragm or condom. Because of their ability to coat the vagina and cervix, foams are considered superior to the vaginal suppositories or tablets.
The IUD
The IUD or ‘intra-uterine-device’ is a small device worn in a woman’s uterus. It is made of plastic and some release a hormone or is combined with copper which prevents the egg from attaching to the walls of the uterus. Some do not exert any chemical force on the uterus at all. The IUD must be changed at certain intervals and is considered to be 97% effective.
The Pill
We also have hormonal medicines used as an alternative birth control that prevent pregnancy. Known as “the pill”, this form of birth control prevents the release of the egg from the ovaries. They may contain combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Also called oral contraceptives they provide additional benefits such as making periods more regular and lighter. It also protects against pelvic inflammatory disease, is effective against an infection of the fallopian tubes or uterus that is a major cause of infertility in women, and effective against ovarian and endometrial cancers. If a woman takes the pills regularly and as prescribed there is extreme low chance of getting pregnant.
Whatever alternatives being used both the partners should always consult about the pros and cons of it.
Find more information visit: Birth Control Alternatives