Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
World Contraception Day – Show and Tell Please
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 focusing 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 September 26th 2010 make a resolution to 'stay clean'.
Make another resolution on 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 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 a heroine for a day..
Looking for some safe sex gift ideas?
Monday, September 13, 2010
Female Condom FC2- a good option to Low Dose Birth Control
As a female in charge of your contraception career, you may be on some form of low dose birth control to prevent pregnancy but are you doing all you can to make sure you’re protected from STDs? The FC2 offer protection and may be ideal if you prefer a non hormonal form of birth control.
Do You Know Your Sex Partner’s HIV Status? If you live in Washington State and step into a beauty salon, convenience store or you attend high school, hopefully by now you’ve had access to one of the new female condoms– to try for free. You already know that it can be risky and often intimidating to rely on a
guy for condom ‘enthusiasm’. There are still guys who refuse to use condoms and even if he assures you that he’s ‘been tested’- once is not enough for either of you.
Are you in a ‘committed relationship’? Last year's HIV Behavior Study 2009 reveals how this does not guarantee that you are sexually ‘safe’. Heterosexual Afro Americans in particular, are still engaging in sexual acts that place them at high risk of infection from STDs and HIV/AIDS. A study shows that even after a high school education, less than one third of guys used a condom and are not protecting themselves even though they themselves (and possibly their partners too) are having sex outside their current relationship. HIV/AIDS sadly causes the highest rate ofdeaths in black women and in Washington DC is now rated an epidemic.
Are you really doing all you can to keep yourself protected? You don’t have to put your male partner on the spot. You can take charge independently of seeing a doctor too.Talk to your friends about the new FC2 female condoms and be brave enough to be a thoroughly modern Millie..You can buy female condom FC2 at Undercover Condoms Sales - Click here to view this month’s sale items including Condoms, Lubricants, and more!!
Do You Know Your Sex Partner’s HIV Status? If you live in Washington State and step into a beauty salon, convenience store or you attend high school, hopefully by now you’ve had access to one of the new female condoms– to try for free. You already know that it can be risky and often intimidating to rely on a
guy for condom ‘enthusiasm’. There are still guys who refuse to use condoms and even if he assures you that he’s ‘been tested’- once is not enough for either of you.
Are you in a ‘committed relationship’? Last year's HIV Behavior Study 2009 reveals how this does not guarantee that you are sexually ‘safe’. Heterosexual Afro Americans in particular, are still engaging in sexual acts that place them at high risk of infection from STDs and HIV/AIDS. A study shows that even after a high school education, less than one third of guys used a condom and are not protecting themselves even though they themselves (and possibly their partners too) are having sex outside their current relationship. HIV/AIDS sadly causes the highest rate ofdeaths in black women and in Washington DC is now rated an epidemic.
Are you really doing all you can to keep yourself protected? You don’t have to put your male partner on the spot. You can take charge independently of seeing a doctor too.Talk to your friends about the new FC2 female condoms and be brave enough to be a thoroughly modern Millie..You can buy female condom FC2 at Undercover Condoms Sales - Click here to view this month’s sale items including Condoms, Lubricants, and more!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sorry to be repeating myself like an out of tune Christmas Carol but this content from last year is still just as applicable this season and hey, it doesn't hurt to remind yourself to stock up on 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:
Safe Loving and a Very Merry Christmas, see you in January,
Kind regards Carole
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
Safe Loving and a Very Merry Christmas, see you in January,
Kind regards Carole
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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:
Safe Loving and a Very Merry Christmas, see you in January,
Kind regards Carole
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
Safe Loving and a Very Merry Christmas, see you in January,
Kind regards Carole
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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
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
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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 :
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
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
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