Birth Control Patch is one of the hormonal methods of contraception. It is a 4- Cm square plastic patch. This patch is placed directly on the skin of the woman, which in turn releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream in order to prevent pregnancy.

Function
Birth Control Patch works on the basis of hormones. Basically it contains two female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevents ovulation. It does not allow the eggs to being released from the ovaries. So, if there is no egg, what sperm will fertilize, and that prevents pregnancy. It also thickens the cervical mucus so that the sperm cannot reach the eggs.

Use
Like other hormonal contraceptives such as ring or pill, a birth control patch is also used on the first day of women’s menstrual period or the first Sunday after beginning of her menstrual period. Women place the patch once a week for 3 weeks at the same day to make it effective. There is no patch for fourth week to allow her menstrual cycle during this week.

Effectiveness
If the patch is placed correctly and consistently, it is effective for more than 99%. But if a girl weighs more than 90 Kilograms, it is less effective in preventing pregnancy.

Advantages
If placed correctly, it is highly effective.
You need not give any daily attention like taking pills etc.
It is very easy to use. It does require any trained doctor or nurse to implant.
It has very less side effects.
It does not disturb your sexual life.
It starts working immediately. But it is recommended that you must take a backup method of contraceptive for first week of the first month the patch is placed.
While wearing patch you can take bath, swim or exercise.
Fertility returns within 3 menstrual cycles after discontinuing this patch.

Disadvantages
You require a doctor’s prescription to buy this patch.
It does not give you protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like AIDS/HIV.
You have to apply it weekly.
It can increase exposure to estrogen that can cause other side effects.
Main points to keep in mind
While replacing your patch every week, place it on different location so that it does not harm your skin.
If the patch comes off, replace it with another patch. If it replaced within 24 hours you need not any backup method of contraception.
Once you placed the patch, it should not be moved for one week.
You should not apply the patch over any kind of skin product like cream, powder, lotion etc.
It is not recommended for the women who are suffering from high blood pressure, migraine, uncontrolled diabetes, depression, high risk of heart disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer.

You must consult your doctor if you feel any pregnancy symptoms, chest pains, and pain in your legs or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Overall, women weighing less than 90 kilograms and sexually active may consider the birth control patch as a good option to prevent themselves from pregnancy. For more articles like this, visit www.ThePatchBirthControl.com

By: Amanda Johnson

The Best Birth Control Options

The Patch Birth Control offers the following article on different birth control options.  Remember, this is simply an opinion and your best bet is to take this information and discuss it with your doctor.  Together, you can find the best birth control for your needs, health history and lifestyle.

Birth control is a method used by men and women to prevent pregnancy and other sexually transmitted diseases. There are a number of birth control methods. When people want to make a choice they have to consider various facts about them and the method they want to use. You have to decide which method is best for you and your partner. If you do not want a partner and want to have sex then you should use birth control methods for protection.

Whatever options you choose you have to see to the pros and cons of it. So when you make a choice you should learn and know about the various alternatives.

Pills
If you opt to take birth control pills then you should first and foremost see to your health and ask advice from the health care provider. There are different doses of hormones in different pills and they should be taken accordingly. Birth control pills not only prevent pregnancy, but they also have quite a few medical benefits. Many teen girls take the birth control pill just for its medical benefits. Birth control pills are effective in prevention of pregnancy if taken regularly and as prescribed. But the birth control pills are not effective against sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms
The male condom is a very old method used as a birth control method. They are more than 80% effective if used properly. Though people find it as a barrier there are now different types of condoms available that gives the wearer a natural feeling. They are available at most of the drug stores. The condom is usually made of latex rubber and some people are sensitive to it. For such people there are condoms made from lamb’s intestines.

The female condoms are intended for one time use. It may slip out of place if used with together with a male condom. The woman inserts the condom into her vagina before the sexual act. The condom blocks the sperm from entering the womb.

Spermidices
Spermidices are jellies, tablets forms or suppositories that a woman places in her vagina and up next to the cervix within an hour before the intercourse. This paralyzes the cervix and the sperm thus making them unable to move into the womb. They are available in drugs stores and are effective up to 80%.

The Contraceptives Patch
The Contraceptives Patch is a thick sticky piece of plastic that is worn on the buttocks or the upper part of the body. It works slowly by releasing hormones that prevent the release of eggs. The effectiveness of the patch is 99% at preventing pregnancy and is comfortable to wear. Some women may have allergy due to the glue.

The vagina ring
The vagina ring is soft and clear ring worn in the vagina. It is a combined hormonal contraceptive that have two types of hormones similar to the hormones produced by a woman’s body. They prevent the woman body from releasing egg. It is 99% effective.

How to choose among the different methods?

It is best to take the advice of the health care advisor and know the facts about your body. Do you have some health problems such as blood pressure or other sickness? All these points should be taken into consideration before making a choice.

Find more information visit: The Best Birth Control Options

By: Amanda Johnson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

High Blood Pressure and Birth Control Pills

The Patch Birth Control presents the following article about the connection between oral contraceptives and high blood pressure.  Discuss your birth control needs and concerns along with your full health history with your physician.

High blood pressure is a problem for some women who take the oral contraceptive birth control pill. A woman who already has high blood pressure may not be allowed to start on the birth control pill and other women develop high BP after they have taken the pill for months or years.

Blood pressure can go up in women who are taking birth control pills.

Most women in their reproductive age group of 15 to 45 years have a normal blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg. The female sex hormones namely estrogen and progesterone have distinct protective effects on women. These are related to protection from heart diseases and from some cancers. So, when women attain menopause, the protective effects of the female hormones dwindles away exposing them to a variety of health risks.

Birth control pills for women

Birth control pills have saved millions of women all over the globe from unwanted pregnancies. These pills are hormone based and several studies have shown safety and efficacy of these pills. Their success has reached a stage that they are considered to be amongst the most commonly used contraceptive method adopted by women all over the world.

Are high blood pressure and birth control pills related?

Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are made from synthetically produced estrogen and progesterone. Some contraceptive pills contain progesterone only. Pills with both estrogen and progesterone combined are likely to cause an increase in the blood pressure – but only in some women. Other women take contraceptive pills for years and have no problems with them.

This blood pressure effect thought to be due mostly to the estrogen component of the combined pill although a few studies conducted by the National Institute of Health have shown that progesterone birth control pills are likely to cause a small increase in diastolic pressure. The increase though small has been considered significant in that it increases the risk of developing strokes, embolism and heart attacks in women. Progesterone only contraceptive pills are sometimes called the "mini-pill".

The risk of hypertension in women taking oral contraceptives depends on the following factors

Age at which oral contraceptives are started: In women above the age of 35 years, the risk of pill induced hypertension is higher. Hence, such women need to check their pressure before starting therapy and monitor it regularly till pill use is discontinued.

Past history: In women already having blood pressure related problems, the risk is again high and hence a thorough medical examination is very important before the start of therapy.

History of smoking: Women who smoke have a positive risk factor that can induce hypertension.

Let’s see how women taking birth control pills can tackle the situation in the presence of the above risk factors:

For women over the age of 35 years, the doors are not closed. They must get themselves thoroughly examined for present and past medical history and family history to assess if any other additional risks are present. If the blood pressure exam is normal then the pill can be begun. Regular follow up with your doctor is a must so that any increase in BP can be picked up as soon as possible.

In women who already have high blood pressure before the age of 35 years it’s probably better not to use the contraceptive pill. Other options for birth control would be a better choice in such cases.

Women who smoke: Smoking causes damage to the walls of the blood vessels and narrows their lumen and thus increases the blood pressure. Birth control pills can have a similar effect by causing fluid retention and thereby will augment the problem. The best thing to do is quit smoking.

For all women taking pills for birth control, it is essential that they have a regular follow up with their doctor for a complete physical exam to look for any changes in blood pressure and other systems induced by the long term use of contraceptives.

High blood pressure information
Get information about high blood pressure and its treatment

By Gordon Cameron Published: 7/1/2008

Birth Control Options

A number of options for birth control are available today. You can select any of the options, depending on your requirement. Here is useful information about various birth control options.

The Patch Birth Control offers the following thoughts on birth control options.  The patch can be a very effective and convenient birth control method.  Discuss all of your options with your doctor to fit your birth control needs with your lifestyle. 

An unwanted pregnancy can create a number of problems. Sometimes, the couple is not prepared for the childbirth; may be due to some financial or other problems. A woman may suffer a lot, physically as well as mentally, due to unwanted pregnancy. So, it’s very important to take proper precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Well, what can be done to avoid pregnancy? Birth control is the right answer for this.

Birth control, also called as contraception, is a method of pregnancy prevention as well as family planning. Birth control methods have been practiced for thousands of years. Today, a number of effective and safe birth control options are available that work in different ways. Diaphragms, condoms and intrauterine devices work by preventing the sperm from getting fused with the egg. Birth control pills prevent the ovaries from releasing the egg. Sterilization methods can permanently prevent pregnancy. You can choose any of the birth control options depending upon your overall health, age, number of sexual partners and frequency of sexual activity. If you wish to have a child in future, then you should not select the permanent methods for birth control. What are the different birth control options? Let’s know about them.

Birth Control Methods

There are different types of contraceptive methods such as hormonal methods, barrier methods, intrauterine devices (IUD), natural methods, sterilization and emergency contraception. Let’s understand each method in detail.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal method includes skin patches, birth control pills and vaginal rings that contain progestin and estrogen. Hormonal implants, progestin-only birth control pills and hormone shots are also the types of hormonal method. Hormonal methods work by preventing the egg from getting released from the ovaries, thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation and thickening the cervical mucus to stop the sperm from entering the uterus.

• Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are found to be quite effective to prevent pregnancy. These pills work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. Most birth control pills consist of two hormones, namely progestin and estrogen. For its effectiveness, a woman has to take these pills daily. There may be certain side effects of birth control pills such as nausea, headache, breast tenderness, depression, weight gain, bloating, increased blood pressure and acne. However, these pills help reduce premenstrual syndrome.
• Vaginal contraceptive ring is a flexible, thin ring. It is inserted into vagina. This ring releases the hormones namely progestin and estrogen, which prevent pregnancy. It can be kept in the vagina for about 3 weeks. When the ring is removed, menstruation will start. After 7 days, you can insert a new ring.
• The hormonal skin patch can be applied on the abdomen, buttocks, outer arm or upper torso. It consists of the same hormones, estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. A new patch should be used once a week for 3 weeks.
• The progestin-only pill is also called as a minipill. It consists of only one hormone, progestin. It is a type of oral contraceptive that should be taken daily. It is recommended especially for the breast-feeding mothers.
• Hormone shots work in a similar way like birth control pills. They have some side effects such as changes in menstrual cycle, headache, mood swings, etc.
• Implanon is a matchstick-sized contraceptive device. It is implanted under the skin of upper or inner arm. It can be left up to three years. It releases a steady dose of progestin in order to prevent pregnancy.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

It is one of the safe and effective methods of contraception. IUDs are inserted into the uterus by a medical practitioner and can be left safely for 5-10 years. IUD is a T-shaped plastic device, which contains copper or levonorgestrel (LNg) hormone. There are plastic strings attached at the end of the IUD, which hang down through the cervix into the vagina. With these strings, you can check whether the IUD is in place. Copper IUDs are made from copper and plastic. They work by preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg and stopping implantation. Copper is an effective spermicide that destroys sperms.The hormonal IUD is T-shaped plastic frame, with a thread attached to its end. This device can be kept in the uterus for up to 5 years. The IUD frame consists of levonorgestrel, which thins the uterine lining, inhibits the sperm mobility and thus, prevents fertilization. IUDs should be inserted and removed by the medical practitioner only. Use of IUDs is a very convenient method of contraception and it is quite effective for the breastfeeding mothers. There may be some side effects of IUDs such as abnormal bleeding, abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, fever, chills, etc.

Barrier Methods

It is one of the most popular and commonly practiced birth control methods with fewer side effects. It works by preventing the sperms from entering the uterus. Barrier method includes condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, shield and spermicide.

• Male condom is a flexible, thin tube made from latex rubber, animal membrane or polyurethane. The condom is unrolled over the erect penis before intercourse. Its effectiveness increases when used with vaginal spermicide. It also reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS.
• Female condom is a soft tube made from polyurethane. It consists of O-rings on both the ends. One end is inserted into the vagina and the open-end ring remains outside the vagina. Some women may experience slight irritation due to condom. Female condom also offers protection from STDs.
• A cervical cap is a cup-shaped device, made from rubber. It tightly fits over the cervix and used with a spermicide. It prevents the sperms from entering the uterus. Some women may feel vaginal irritation due to spermicide. In some rare cases, there is a possibility of vaginal infection, urinary tract infection and toxic shock syndrome after a prolonged use.
• Diaphragm is a dome-shaped, round device with a flexible rim. It is made up of rubber and can be reused. It is used with spermicide.
• A contraceptive sponge consists of a spermicide, namely nonoxynol-9. It is released over 24 hours. The sponge can be left for 24 hours in the vagina. It blocks the cervix so that sperms can’t enter the uterus.
• Lea’s shield is a diaphragm-like cup-shaped device, made up of silicone. It fits over the cervix and is held in place by suction. You can reuse this device.
• Spermicide is a substance that makes the sperms inactive before they enter the uterus. It is available in different forms such as foam, gel, cream, tablet, suppository and vaginal contraceptive film. All the spermicides sold in the United States consist of nonoxynol-9, which inactivates the sperms. Spermicides are more effective, when used with other barrier contraceptives.

Natural Methods of Contraception

Natural family planning is also referred to as fertility-awareness-based birth control method. It is a method of preventing the pregnancy by avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of a woman. This method is based on physical signs of ovulation such as basal body temperature and certain changes in mucus consistency. Some of the fertility-awareness-based methods are abstinence, basal body temperature, standard days, calendar method, lactational amenorrhea, cervical mucus and symptothermal. Abstinence is one of the reliable methods of natural family planning. There is no sexual intercourse and hence, no chances of fertilization. Withdrawal or coitus interruptus is another method of natural contraception. In case of lactational infertility, a woman can’t become pregnant as long as she is breastfeeding her child. However, natural family planning methods are not much reliable as they are based on ovulation prediction of a woman.

Sterilization Method

Sterilization is a permanent birth control method that offers a lasting protection against pregnancy. It can be done with both men and women. It is a good option for the couples that don’t wish to have a child anymore. Sterilization for men is referred to as vasectomy and for women, it is known as tubal ligation. In vasectomy, vas deferens (the tubes leading from scrotum and joining with urethra) is cut, clamped, tied or cauterized. This surgical procedure is done under local anesthesia. In case of women, the fallopian tubes (the tubes leading from ovaries to the uterus) are cut, clamped and tied. The sterilization method is quite effective and reliable method of contraception.

Emergency Contraception

If in any case, a contraceptive method fails, or if there is an unprotected sex, then emergency contraception is a must to avoid unwanted pregnancy. It helps prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, fertilization or implantation. There are two types of emergency birth control such as emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and intrauterine device (IUD). Emergency contraceptive pills include combined estrogen and progestin pills and progestin-only pills. These pills can be taken up to 120 hours after the unprotected sexual intercourse. Copper IUD is another effective form of emergency contraception. It should be inserted within five days of unprotected intercourse.

Currently, a number of promising contraception methods are under development. Some of the effective emerging birth control methods are chemical barriers, hormonal implants, fertility computers, immunocontraceptives, transcervical sterilization and male contraception.

Birth control is a very important part of sex education. With the right choice of birth control options, you can freely enjoy the life without caring for unwanted pregnancy. You will be able to make a proper family planning and have a child when you desire. In addition, some of the contraceptives can protect you from life-threatening sexually transmitted diseases and maintain good sexual health.

Birth Control Pills Can Help Acne Treatment – Know How

The Patch Birth Control offers the following information on how birth control can possibly help your acne concerns.  Discuss this with your physician and find out if the birth control patch can also assist you with your birth control and skin care concerns.

Get to know how some birth control pills be effective in acne scars, acne treatment and controlling acne

Many young women who are looking for acne treatment and birth control methods tend to look for birth control pills to kill two birds with a stone. It might be surprising for some to know that some birth control pills are very effective in controlling acne and cure considerably in many cases. Birth control pills control the sebum significantly to be produced.

What is acne?
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring. Acne is the result of inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin producing pimples and pustules.

Sebaceous glands (fatty glands found in hair follicles throughout the body that secrete oil into the hair and surrounding skin and they emit oil) found on many parts of the body which produce Sebum. When the production of sebum increases, it blocks the sebaceous glands, which makes sebum filling the gland into balloon shape. This is generally called as acne. If the production of sebum decreases so is the acne and vice-versa

How birth control pills work on acne?

Androgen are group hormones, also known as male hormones in the body are responsible for excess sebum production. Birth control pills control androgen hormones significantly. Androgen hormones’ activity in sebaceous glands either increases or decreases the production of sebum. When androgen hormones increases in sebaceous glands, its produces more sebum and so it appears in the form of acne. This activity is greatly observed in teenagers and young adults specially between the ages of 12 and 24, when they experience many physical changes.

However, it must be noted here that that there are mainly two types of birth control pills available. One is Progestin Only Pill (POP) and other is Combination Pill (having progestin and estrogen hormones). These combination birth control pills come in different combination level of progestin and estrogen hormones. The estrogens may be in the form of ethinyl etradiol. In fact, this is the ethinyl etradiol that controls the level of androgen hormones in the sebaceous glands.

In 1997, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved low-dose birth control pill Ortho Tri-cyclen to be used for acne treatment. It controls the production of androgen hormones in sebaceous glands and thus reduces acne to appear significantly.

Despite the fact that birth control pills work effectively on acne treatment, it is certainly not advisable for sexually inactive and teenagers to use them as the medium of acne treatment unless they consult their physician or doctor first.

You may also visit at http://www.mybirthcontrolstore.com to know more about the general information on birth control pills. The above article is for general information on possible acne treatment by birth control pills and should not be taken as medical advice. If it is so, please consult your doctor or physician for treatment purpose.

Linda Crowford is an author for many successful articles and ebooks written on women’s health, birth control, pregnancy issues and human relationship specially romance, dating, marriage,divorce.

A Rundown On The Birth Control Methods
by: Robert Thatcher

ThePatchBirthControl.com offers the following article regarding the variety of birth conrol methods available.  Discuss these options with your physician to know what is best for you!

With the population boom in recent years, many countries have pushed for the use of birth control to help curb the increase in population. There are many types of birth control methods that families can use, depending on what the couple are most comfortable with.

Hormonal Methods

One of the methods of controlling birth that is available in the market is the hormonal method, which targets hormones and their effects on the body’s fertility. Some of the most common hormonal methods are the use of birth control pills and birth control shots, skin patches and the vaginal ring. This method actually works quite as it prevents the production of eggs. As a big bonus, these methods can also help relieve pain and cramps during monthly periods and can relieve heavy flows.

There are also Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that contain hormones called Minera. IUDs, however, are more expensive as they can last for years, sometimes lasting for more than 5 years. IUDs , although expensive, is highly recommended as these have 99 percent success rates. And because you only have to pay once over a period of five to 10 years, the total cost of birth control is actually much cheaper compared to other forms of birth controls. Another thing that adds to its appeal is that IUDs do not interrupt foreplay during sexual intercourse or foreplay and they do not require the cooperation of the sexual partner. It has also been found that IUDs can also be used while breastfeeding.

One disadvantage though of hormonal method besides the cost is you have to take the pills or the medications religiously. One relapse can mean ineffectiveness of the birth control method. They are also not ample protection against sexually-transmitted diseases unlike condoms and other barrier method instruments. Another disadvantage is that it can react differently when taken in with other medications. This is why people should first consult the gynecologists for medications that may affect its effectiveness.

Barrier Method

Barrier methods, on the other hand, are generally less effective than the hormonal methods although they seem to be the most widely-used especially among the younger set. Among the devices that belong to these group of birth control instruments are condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. There are also Lea’s shield and spermicides, which when used with any of the barrier devices can help increase the effectiveness by killing the sperms. Still, one advantage of barrier method is that it protects both individuals from sexually-transmitted diseases. In fact, some people use condoms not to prevent pregnancy but to prevent the spread of diseases.

Calendar method

Natural birth control methods can also be done through the calendar method. This can be tough work though for the couple. The woman must first determine the fertile periods of the month. The couple must then avoid having sex on the days that the woman is most fertile to avoid conceiving. This however is not reliable and must be calculated to the letter before it can be effective. The calendar method is actually the only method supported by the Catholic Church, which takes a pro-life stand.

Sterilization surgery

Permanent birth control methods such as vasectomy and tubal litigation surgery are also options for the couple but they must remember that they can no longer have children when they have these procedures performed on them. These methods are actually for couples who are old or those who already have children and feel that they should not have anymore.

About The Author

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides birth control resources on http://www.aboutbirthcontrol.info.

This article was posted on February 27, 2006