Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Pills Minimize Side Effects

Today's oral contraceptive pills contain much lower doses of synthetic hormones than in the 1960's when 'The PILL' (with 50 micrograms of estrogen) first went onto the market. "That's not helped me much", you may be saying to yourself but here's some information about low dose oral contraceptive pills that may be beneficial for you if you're not happy with your current pill.

Trial and error with different pill types is worth pursuing -bearing in mind that oral contraceptives are still not the perfect method of birth control for everyone. If you are on the 'right pill' to suit your body, you should feel exactly the same way as you do normally, if not a little better. Some women cannot tolerate the estrogen in combined oral contracepive pills so are prescribed progestin only pills. Estrogen seemed to be the main culprit where side effects were to blame so 'low dose' pills were developed to minimise these.

Changing hormone levels within your body can result in side effects which vary for every individual. Keeping hormones at a consistent level in your body is the job of oral contraceptives so that you do not ovulate, your uterine lining thins and your cervivcal mucous thickens. These three events work together to prevent pregnancy.

Pills such as ALESSE and MIRCETTE are called ultra low dose pills as they contain only 20mcg of estrogen. These oral contraceptives are effective at preventing pregnancy but some women find that they have more spotting and breakthrough bleeding with them than with pills containing 30 or 35 micrograms (considered the norm today) of estrogen. Spotting and breakthrough bleeding often disappear after a few months on a low dose oral contraceptive pill.

Women who prefer ALESSE and MIRCETTE say they reduce headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness and bloating. These two brands also may be better for 'first timer pill users' as a 'low estrogen start' to introducing synthetic hormones into their bodies.

Progestin only pills or 'mini pills'

These oral contraceptives are 90-95% effective at preventing pregnancy compared to the 99% efficacy rate of combination pills. However, they do not cause the common side effects of estrogen pills such as nausea, breast tenderness and cramps. The risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and cardiovascular disease is lower with progestin only pills. Nursing mothers can use progestin only pills a few weeks after giving birth as progestin does not affect milk supply like estrogen does.

'Mini pills' must be taken every day at the same time with no break. If you miss just one pill or take it more than three hours past the regular time, you need to use a backup method of birth control for 48 hours after taking the late pill.
Disadvantage of the 'mini pill' - apart from irregular spotting and breakthrough bleeding, is that it can increase the risk of ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy.

Sources:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Elizabeth Silverman,
obstetrician-gynecologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. Dr. Pamela Deak,
obstetrician-gynecologist at the University of California San Diego Medical Center.

Monday, February 25, 2008

5 Tips to Remind You to Take your Contraceptive Pill Everyday

I hope you have read the package leaflet at least once when you open your pack of Ortho Tri Cyclen or other brand of contraceptive pill. If you have, you will know how important it is to take the pill at the same time each day. There is a reason for this- it helps to keep a steady and measured dose of hormones supplied to your body throughout your cycle and it also helps to
minimise any side effects you may experience, such as spotting and breakthrough bleeding. Do you find it difficult o get into the habit of taking your contraceptive pill at the same time every day? Maybe your job or lifestyle makes it almost impossible?

These tips may help you to stay on track:

1. Think about something in your daily routine which would help you to take the pill at the same time such as brushing your teeth or reaching for your night cream as you climb into bed. Popping a pill before you head down for brekky (taking oral contraceptives with food also helps alleviate any nausea) or swallowing one with a quick sip of water from the bedside table is not too much of an effort when it becomes part of another 'automatic' act you carry out daily. Taking a contraceptive pill at the same time each day also ensures that your body receives the right amount of hormones during that 24 hour period.

2. 'Out of sight out of mind' is an old saying that doesn't just apply to people! It is true when it comes to taking medication- if

the pills are not right there in front of you why would you think about them? Putting your pack of contraceptive pills out of sight will not help you to establish a good 'pill taking' habit so make sure your contraceptive pill pack is next to your toothbrush or by that glass of water on the bedside table or in the drawer alongside your jar of night cream.

3. OK, so your job has ridiculous shifts or you travel a lot and routines keep changing- you must find a new routine to 'attach' your pill taking act to! Carry your contraceptive pill pack in your handbag and take it with lunch/ morning/afternoon coffee BUT do follow the same routine daily so that you are still supplying your body with its steady, measured dose of hormones throughout that 24 period. If you have a long drive home, get into the habit of taking a pill with a juice in the car so that you don't get caught up in the 'dinner' stuff when you get home and fall exhausted into bed and forget.

4. When you are travelling, keep your contraceptive pills within reach- preferably in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase in case it gets lost. Don't leave them in the hotel bathroom either, keep them in your purse so you can enjoy the events of your trip without worrying about being hours late in taking your pill.

5. Get some help if you just can't seem to manage the pill taking routine yourself- explain the problem and your daily schedule to your doctor or health care provider and they may be able to suggest something that hadn't occurred to you.

Remember to keep a spare pack of contraceptive pills on hand so you don't run out and miss the first few days of your next pill cycle. Use your mobile phone, pc at work or a calendar to 'alarm' you one week in advance of your start date for a new pack.

Source: www.thepill.com

For a FREE E-BOOK on birth control, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Doc Check Yourself Before Asking For Alesse

I know it seems alarming and quite off-putting to be considering a list of medical conditions that would STOP you from using Alesse or any other oral contraceptive pill, when all you may want right now are simple facts and a prescription for 3 months supply! Oral contraceptives are highly effective at preventing pregnancy but before you rush off to the clinic and demand to be 'put on the pill', you owe it to your body and your future health to make sure that you are NOT placing yourself at 'high risk' of developing a serious disease that could cause temporary or permanent disability or death.

Most of you probably know that if you are pregnant, or miss two menstrual periods in a row, you should stop taking the contraceptive pill and get to the doctor as soon as possible. The hormones in Alesse can pass into breast milk or slow down milk production so safe guard your baby's health by NOT taking Alesse if you are breastfeeding.

How many female friends do you know who are on the pill and who are overweight or who still smoke? (or both!) Hmm...would they think you were a 'wally' if you suggested that they have another chat with their doctor?

At least you can arm yourself with information to take to the doctor's by quickly scrolling through the list below and jotting down anything that 'rings a bell' - then pat yourself on the back for being a ' savvy and responsible girl', grab your purse (with your notes) and head off to get the most out of that consultation.

Do not use Alesse if you have:

  • a history of a stroke or a history of heart attack, seizures or epilepsy
  • a history of depression
  • a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram
  • blood clots in the legs, varicose veins, blood clots in the lungs or eyes
  • high cholesterol or if you are overweight or have severe high blood pressure
  • circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes) or a heart valve disorder
  • angina (chest pain)
  • uterine fibroid tumors
  • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, cervical or vaginal cancer
  • abnormal or unexplained vaginal bleeding or a history of irregular menstrual cycles
  • current liver disease or liver cancer
  • severe migraine headaches
  • tuberculosis
  • yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during
  • previous use of the pill
  • a need for surgery that requires prolonged bedrest afterwards
  • a known allergy to the active ingredients in Alesse (levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol)

OK, so you ticked NO to all of the above, filled the prescription and have started your first pack of Alesse (or other brand of contraceptive pill) and so far so good.....not wishing to make a hypochondriac out of you, it would be irresponsible of me not to follow up with a final Check Yourself, 'watch out for' list so here 'tis....

WARNING SIGNALS

If any of these adverse effects occur while you are taking oral contraceptives, call your health-care provider immediately:
  • Sharp chest pain, coughing of blood, or sudden shortness of breath (indicating a possible clot in the lung).
  • Pain in the calf (indicating a possible clot in the leg).
  • Crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (indicating a possible heart attack).
  • Sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, disturbances of vision or speech, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg (indicating a possible stroke).
  • Sudden partial or complete loss of vision (indicating a possible clot in the eye).
  • Breast lumps (indicating possible breast cancer or fibrocystic disease of the breast; ask your health-care provider to show you how to examine your breasts).
  • Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach area (indicating a possibly ruptured liver tumor).
  • Difficulty in sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or change in mood (possibly indicating severe depression).
  • Jaundice or a yellowing of the skin or eyeballs, accompanied frequently by fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored bowel movements (indicating possible liver problems).
...and on that cheerful note, may I applaud you for managing your contraception in a responsible and thorough fashion!
Sources: Manufacturer's information- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.Philadelphia

Carole Pemberton brings you up to date with the latest information on contraceptives including Alesse to empower you to enjoy your sexuality while successfully managing your birth control.

For free tips, lighthearted videos, useful guides and a 'no nonsense' website that tells it like it is, visit:http://www.contraceptivereviewer.com

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Levlen

Levlen- a quick overview of this triphasic contraceptive pill (also known as Tri Levlen) that contains ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel- two active synthetic female hormones that prevent ovulation.Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones in the active pills (changing every seven days during the first three weeks of pills). Some pills release the same dose of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.

Levlen is an oral contraceptive pill that is mainly taken to prevent pregnancy but it is sometimes prescribed for other purposes. In preventing pregnancy, Levlen does two other main jobs besides preventing ovulation. It thickens the cervical mucous (around the neck of the womb) which makes it tough for sperm to swim through on their way to the egg. Levlen also thins the lining of the uterus which makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to embed itself, even if a
determined little swimmer does make it into the egg.

DO NOT to use Levlen/Tri Levlen if:

  • you are pregnant or think you may be, as there will be a risk of harming the baby- tell your doctor at once if you have even the slightest suspicion or you have missed a menstrual period
  • your new baby is less than a month old
  • you are breastfeeding as hormones can pass through your breastmilk and may even slow down your production of milk

Stay away from Levlen/Tri Levlen if you have a history of:

  • history of blood clot, stroke, diabetes-induced circulation problems or severe high blood pressure
  • any hormonal-related cancers (like uterine or breast cancer), liver disease cancer
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • migraine headaches,
  • valve disorders
  • or any history of jaundice

People who suffer from the above conditions and take hormones increase their risk of stroke, heart attack or blood clots-especially if they are woman over 35 and they smoke.

Your doctor will probably take you off Levlen/Tri Levlen temporarily if you are scheduled for surgery, medical tests or you need bed rest for a while.

How to take Levlen or Tri Levlen

Take one pill each day, at the same time if possible and 24 hrs. apart. Make sure you always have the next pack of Levlen on hand so you don't run out and risk missing several days -as you could get pregnant. If you wish to change brands of contraceptive pills or stop taking them, do not do this without consulting your doctor. It's a good idea also to have regular check ups while you are taking oral contraceptives like Levlen/Tri Levlen.

Condoms must be used with oral contraceptives, including Levlen/Tri Levlen if you wish to protect yourself against STD's but you knew that didn't you?