Birth Control Options - A Hard Look At The Morning After Pill

Of the birth control options available, none have been so embroiled in controversy as AR486 or The Morning After Pill. Birth control and birth control options have been a hot topic in religious circles since (no pun intended) inception. But you can't dispute the fact that most forms of birth control have been effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

The Morning After Pill is designed to be a birth control method that prevents pregnancy after sperm has been released into the woman’s body. While conception isn't guaranteed at this time, given the right set of circumstances, there is a good probability that the woman could get pregnant.

The Morning After pill has been a birth control option available in Europe for many years and has recently made its way to the United States. There has been much debate over whether or not the morning After Pill is a viable birth control option and it’s availability without a prescription has all come under fire.

Birth Control Options – Is the morning after pill for you?

What is the Morning After Pill? Well actually the Morning After Pill is a series of high dosage birth control pills that are taken over a 12-hour period. Women that have had unprotected sex in the last twenty-four hours can take the Morning After Pill in an attempt to prevent pregnancy.

Morning After Pills contain estrogen and progesterone, as do regular birth control pills. The concept is that the high doses of these hormones will work to prevent conception and the menstrual cycle will begin. Of course, the Morning After Pill isn't guarantee against pregnancy and should only be considered on an emergency basis.

Birth Control Effectiveness

The Morning After Pill is a form of birth control and has also been referred to as an emergency contraceptive. The large dosage of hormones works to prevent ovulation or fertilization. RU486 may also stop the implantation of the blastocyst after fertilization has already taken place.

Progesterone based Morning After Pills have progestin lenonorgetrel in 1.5 mg doses. Users can take the progestin in one dose or two equal doses. The progestin only Morning After Pill is available in 44 countries around the world.

The Yuzpe regiment of pills is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Two doses must be taken in 12-hour intervals and it is considered to be a bit more effective than the progestin only regimen.

Mifepristine is a drug that is used as emergency contraception or as an abortifacient. In the US Mifepristone is not used as emergency contraceptive method. However, in China, it is often used for this purpose. In the US, Mifepristone is not among the emergency contraception measures that are approved.

Birth Control Options

The Morning After Pill is not the same as the Abortion Pill. Abortion Pills are taken after the fetus has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. A pregnancy is already established whereas with the Morning After Pill, no pregnancy has been determined.

Emergency contraception is frowned upon by Pro-Life groups that consider that life commences the moment the wheels of conception begin to turn. All the same, groups that support the use of the Morning After Pill site that the process prevents ovulation and the egg is not released. Consequently the Morning After Pill is along the equivalent to birth control pills. The egg is not released and is not imbedded in the lining of the uterus.

The Morning After Pill can now be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. The side effects that women may get with Morning After Pills include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness and blood clot formation. It is also important to note that the Morning After Pill provides no protection from any sexually transmitted diseases.

Again, the Morning After pill should not be considered contraception. This is an emergency measure that shouldn't be abused. If you are having sex, then use other forms of birth control that will work to make pregnancy less likely and protect against STD’s. Apply responsible sexual behavior and guard yourself from undesirable results and learn more about your birth control options before you engage in any sexual activity.

About the Author

Tess Barksdale is your average new century woman, author, mother, daughter, friend, and businesswoman. Tess writes on many topics but loves discussing all things women. Find out more about birth control options by visiting Tess at her website at http://womenshealthreport.org or her blog at http://womenshealthreport.org/blog

Article Source: Content for Reprint

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Menopause And Exercise - 6 Great Reasons To Do It

Exercise Can Help Menopause

Regular, vigorous exercise at menopause time can help reduce many of the commonest symptoms of menopause. It will also help deal with heart disease and osteoporosis. Use exercise as part of a holistic 'menopause programme' which should include attention to diet and relaxation as well as use of natural remedies including herbs.

Here are the 6 great reasons to exercise at menopause time:

1. Exercise, Menopause And Feeling Good

Aerobic exercise improves your mood and relieves tension. This helps to reduce the depression and anxiety which can accompany menopause. This is thanks to the hormones called endorphins released by exercise. For some people the good feelings last for several hours after the exercise has finished.

2. Exercise, Menopause And The Brain

Exercise improves blood circulation to the brain. This helps to counteract the poor memory and fuzzy brain which often accompany menopause.

Use ginkgo herb at this time too. Ginkgo helps memory and other brain functions. Try a 3-month course.

3. Exercise, Menopause And Abdominal Fat

Aerobic exercise helps to reduce abdominal fat. This is the place where weight easily goes on during menopause.

Aerobic exercise involves continuous, moderate exertion over an extended time. For example, running, hill walking, swimming and tennis are aerobic; golf, weights and exercise machines are not, because of the frequent breaks.

4. Menopause And Osteoporosis

Strength training (at a gym) stimulates bone growth and delays the progress of, or onset of, osteoporosis. If possible, start this before menopause begins; the earlier the better.

5. Exercise And Heart Health

Exercise helps to improve cholesterol levels. This adds to the benefits for the heart and arteries provided by increased physical fitness.

6. Menopause, Exercise, And The Immune System

The lymphatic fluid is an essential part of the immune system. Exercise is the main factor making this vital fluid flow through the body. So exercise helps ensure maximum health both during menopause and at other times because it stimulates the immune system.

What You Can Do

* Take up a sport and play several times a week.
* Take long, regular country walks over rough terrain.
* Try yoga; once learned, you can do this yourself at home conveniently and at low cost.
* Go to the gym and set up a training programme in consultation with a qualified member of staff.

Start To Exercise Now

Start a programme of regular exercise at menopause time and see how great you feel for it. Start slowly but regularly and you will often see your symptoms improve steadily. In addition you will help your weight to stay moderate and benefit every organ and system of your body. This must make sense!



Max Hill, a practitioner for 20 years, loves sharing what he knows. On www.herbal-menopause.com he gives valuable information about menopause symptoms. Get the benefit of Max's experience and knowledge.


Article Source: Artipot

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Menopause & Perimenopause

Menopause is just a point in time — the date on which you haven’t had a menstrual period for a year. Perimenopause is the period of hormonal fluctuation that leads up to menopause; it can last from five to 15 years or longer. Early menopause does occur for a tiny fraction of women, but the term is mostly used by women — not practitioners — when symptoms occur much earlier than “normal.” Medical menopause is menopause brought about by medical treatment — typically hysterectomy or cancer treatment — and an incredible 25% of women enter menopause this way.

Hormonal balance is our normal state. When we have menopausal symptoms, we are suffering from hormonal imbalance — an abnormal state. About 80% of women today experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance — more than ever before — because of the extraordinary demands made on their bodies and the inadequate support provided. Fortunately, nearly all women can find relief from the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by restoring that balance — naturally and without drugs. And we’re here to show you how.

Why do women come to us with so many unanswered questions? Why do so many women feel dissatisfied with the answers they’re getting from conventional medicine?

The simple answer is that conventional medicine breaks everything down into separate parts that can be separately controlled — and that’s not how the female body works. As you explore our website and find the answers you need, keep in mind that every aspect of your life affects your health — and that no symptom or health problem can be viewed (or controlled) in isolation.

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How Safe Is the Abortion Pill?

Most women can have a medication abortion safely. But all medical procedures have some risks, so safety is a concern.

Rare, but possible risks include

* an allergic reaction to either of the pills
* incomplete abortion — part of the pregnancy is left inside the uterus
* infection
* undetected ectopic pregnancy
* very heavy bleeding

Most often, these complications are simple to treat with medicine or other treatments.

In extremely rare cases, very serious complications may be fatal. The risk of death from medication abortion is much less than from a full-term pregnancy or childbirth.

Serious complications may have warning signs. Call your health care provider right away if at any time you have

* heavy bleeding from your vagina and are soaking through more than two maxi pads an hour, for two hours or more in a row
* clots for two hours or more that are larger than a lemon
* abdominal pain or discomfort that is not helped by medication, rest, a hot water bottle, or a heating pad
* a fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than four hours
* vomiting for more than four to six hours and you are not able to keep anything down
* an unpleasant smelling discharge from your vagina
* signs that you are still pregnant

You should start to feel better each day after the abortion. Feeling sick — having abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or weakness — more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol could be a sign of serious infection. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. Do not wait until your scheduled follow-up.

You may need another visit with your provider. Rarely, women need vacuum aspiration or hospitalization. Take your medication guide with you if you need to visit an emergency room, a hospital, or a health care provider.

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Menopause—Important Time of Women’s Life

Menopause, in simple words, is the medical term for the end of a woman's menstrual periods. That means end of pregnancy. It is a natural part of aging, and occurs when the ovaries stop making hormones called estrogens. This causes estrogen levels to drop, and leads to the end of monthly menstrual periods. Although its time period varies from individual to individual (generally happens between the ages of 45 and 60), but it can happen earlier. Menopause can also occur when the ovaries are surgically removed or stop functioning for any other reason.

Low estrogen levels not only make pregnancy difficult, but also linked to some uncomfortable symptoms in many women. The most common and easy to recognize symptom is hot flashes (sudden intense waves of heat and sweating). Some women find that these hot flashes disrupt their sleep, and others report mood changes or also called mood swing.

Other symptoms of menopause may include:

• Irregular periods

• Vaginal or urinary tract infections

• Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine or inability to control urine flow)

• Inflammation of the vagina

Because of the changes in the urinary tract and vagina, some women may have discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse (either because of vaginal dryness or lack of desire). Many women also notice changes in their skin, digestive tract, and hair during menopause. And in the long term, some women experience problems linked to the low levels of estrogen found after menopause. These may include osteoporosis and increased risk for heart disease.

Undoubtedly, menopause is an important time in a woman's life. Her body is going through changes that can affect her social life, her feelings about herself, depression and even her functioning at work. In the past, menopause was often surrounded by misconceptions and myths.

Now, it is recognized that menopause is a natural step in the process of aging. The hot flashes, changing moods, and confusion usually disappear eventually as your estrogen stays at a low level. However, you still have to protect yourself from bone loss and heart disease. Contrary to the old-fashioned view that graph of life starts downward after menopause; many women today find that the years after menopause offer new discoveries and fresh challenges.

Basically, the symptoms of menopause arrive when your estrogen levels start changing and normally these symptoms stop when estrogen level settles down. A woman's body can go through several kinds of changes at the same time. Early in menopause, estrogen levels can rise sharply and then drop, which means you, may skip periods or even have heavier flow than usual some months. Your period may become increasingly irregular, and then eventually stop altogether. Menopause can affect your body organs and systems in many different ways.

Treatment for the symptoms of menopause can be approached in two phases. During the early time period of menopause, you and your doctor should discuss your symptoms and whether to treat them as they occur. You should be evaluated for your risk of getting breast cancer, osteoporosis (severe bone loss), and heart disease. If you're not at high risk for breast cancer, you may want to consider taking estrogen for a limited time, and using the lowest effective dose, which can help manage several symptoms at once. If you are at risk, other treatments are available. Similarly, during the later part of menopause you should focus on effectively preventing disease. Your earlier symptoms will probably disappear.

For diagnosis and then treatment of your specific symptoms you and your doctor should discuss frequently and share information that will help you make the best decisions about your health. There are many things to keep in mind, because menopause and the years that follow it usually cover the second half of a woman's life. Talk to your doctor about all of the treatment choices to decide what is right for you.

Many women want to replace the estrogen their body is losing, because estrogen does relieve many symptoms of menopause. Women who still have a uterus usually take a combination of estrogen with a form of progesterone, called progestin. Tamoxifen (used to prevent breast cancer) and raloxifene (used to prevent osteoporosis) are drugs known as "designer estrogens." These drugs have been developed to act beneficially as estrogen on some tissue and to act as estrogen-blockers (anti-estrogens) on other tissue. These drugs also are known by the more technical name Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or SERMs.

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Procedures of abortion.

Doctors use various means and ways to conclude a pregnancy. Normally abortion is persuaded using a chemical or surgical practice. The abortion procedure which is chosen by the doctor or an individual is preferred directly correlated to the phase of pregnancy whether it is in early weeks or in the first stage that is term of 3 months, or second stage.

The abortion via chemical practice is merely by means of giving pregnancy termination drugs or medicine to the patient concerned. Most of the mother-to-be is more inclined towards this type abortion method rather than the surgical technique. Such drugs or chemicals which are prescribed to an individual are generally called as abortion pills. The RU-486, mifepristone normally are used to set a halt to the action of the body's progesterone. As a consequence, the embryo splits from the uterus and bleeding takes place. Once the bleeding starts, its recommend by the physicians to take a dose of misoprostol which contains uterine contractions, thus ejecting the unborn foetus. In spite of effective and very safe technique this type of abortion procedure can be espoused only within the first two months of pregnancy. In some exceptional cases, the patient may be required to end the treatment with a surgical method.

During the first three months of the pregnancy with the help of surgical techniques termination of pregnancy can be done by three different methods of abortion .First method is after the cervix is expanded, the embryo is worn out off the ramparts of the uterus with the help of a sharp surgical instrument. This abortion practice is known as Dilation or Curettage. Second method of surgical abortion technique is Manual Vacuum Aspiration where after expanding the cervix, the doctor takes away the embryonic tissue using a syringe with the assistance of suction. Lastly the method is as alike to the second method and is known as Electric Vacuum Aspiration. In this the syringe is substituted with an electric pump.

During the second trimester that is duration from third month to sixth month of pregnancy there are again three choices offered for termination of pregnancy. First procedure of abortion is Dilation and Evacuation. In this procedure after expanded the cervix, the uterine walls are worn out with instruments. Whereas finally, the embryonic tissue is separated with the assistance of suction. The Second method is Hysterectomy or surgical slit of the uterus which is very much alike to caesarean operation, where the terminated foetus is separate. The last abortion procedure is known as Partial Birth Abortion which is still in today’s society comes under some arguments. The cervix is expanded, and then a forceps is required to reverse the foetus into a breech situation. After which suction device is inserted into the foetus' skull after a cut is made at its base. This device abandons the brain tissues which are present inside.

Although there is one more technique of abortion, which was very accepted till the time anaesthetics and surgery were imaginary, it is neither promoted by law nor accepted by the medical fraternity division. This is the herbal procedure of abortion and is normally measured as unsafe. So perhaps it would be wiser to excuse yourself from it altogether.

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MENOPAUSE

Menopause is the point in a woman’s life when there is permanent cessation of menstrual periods. This is a natural event that occurs following the loss of ovarian activity. The average age of menopause in this country is approximately 51 years old, although women who smoke usually begin several years earlier.

The perimenopause is the time period immediately before and after the menopause. This is a time that marks the transition from the reproductive years to the postmenopausal years. The effects of the perimenopause are related to waning ovarian function and include: disturbances in menstrual pattern, vasomotor instability (or "hot flushes"), mood swings, and other physical symptoms.

Unfortunately, over the years, the menopause has been associated with negative symbolism, when in fact this should be viewed as a point in a woman’s life where she has decades of productivity and healthful living ahead of her. For many women hormone replacement therapy is the cornerstone of this transition.

Hormone replacement therapy (or "HRT") means the replacement of the female hormone estrogen in physiologic doses. Modern therapy involves daily oral estrogen tablets or weekly estrogen patches applied to the skin, with the addition of the hormone progesterone for women who still have their womb. Older therapies include estrogen injections, and sub-dermal pellets. HRT can alleviate most of the annoying effects of the menopause, such as hot flushes and mood swings. HRT also may provide some health benefits, although the recent Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study has demonstrated that it should be used with caution.

In addition to providing relief from hot flushes, other health benefits include a significant reduction in the occurrence of osteoporosis (brittle bones), and a 29% reduction in the risk of death from colon cancer. However, as I mentioned above, risks do exist. The WHI study (see my article "Warning on Hormone Replacement") demonstrated higher risks of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease, although these events were mostly seen after 5 years of treatment.

Another benefit of HRT was mentioned in a study by the National Institute on Aging, published in 2000 in the journal Neurology found that women who used estrogen reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 54%. Alzheimer’s disease affects twice as many women as men. Although the authors felt that further studies are needed on this issue, this is nonetheless important news.

In summary, the decision to take or not to take replacement hormones remains a very personal and complicated one. A woman should discuss this with her physician before reaching any conclusions. Although not for everyone, hormones may provide relief of some of the annoying symptoms of menopause, but all should be aware that potential risks exist. For those not willing to take the risks there are alternatives. These alternatives may not provide the same level of relief, buy do not carry the risk either.

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The IUD

The intrauterine device (IUD) is used by an estimated 90 million women world wide. This makes it the most widely used method of reversible contraception in the world, being especially popular in the Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Unfortunately, in the United States, less women use this method than in any other developed country in the world.

The reason for this low rate of use among American women stems from a fear of infection that really is no longer an issue. This fear was the result of problems surrounding a particular brand of IUD called the Dalkon shield, which has been off the market since 1974. The Dalkon shield was very different from currently available IUD’s, and had several design flaws which led to a rate of pelvic infection that was up to eight times higher than that seen with other available devices.

Modern IUD’s are very safe and effective. The two that are currently available in this country are the Copper T380 (ParaGard) and the hormone-releasing Progestasert and Mirena, which continuously release the female hormone progesterone. Although the Progestasert must be changed yearly, Mirena lasts for 5years and the copper containing ParaGard can be left in place for up to ten years. Since the only costs involved are related to the initial insertion fee and the price of the IUD itself, the copper IUD is the least expensive reversible contraceptive available, with an average monthly cost of about $5, assuming 10 years of use.

Currently, the copper containing IUD has been tested in over 9,000 women in studies that began in 1972 and its safety has been proven. Although there is a slight risk of pelvic infection in the first 3-4 months after insertion, after this time period the risk is the same as for non-users. For women who are in monogamous relationships, the risk of infection is very low, or non-existent. In addition, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics at the time of insertion which could decrease this risk even further.

The IUD’s currently available have extremely low pregnancy rates, and are over 99% effective. This is more effective than the typical use of either condoms or the pill. Another important point is that the IUD does not cause abortions, it works by interfering with the sperm passage through the uterus, and actually creates an environment in the uterus that is spermicidal. Although it does also prevent implantation, this is not the mechanism that makes it effective.

The IUD can be inserted in your doctors office in about 5-10 minutes. It is a "T" shaped device that is placed within the uterine cavity through the natural opening of the woman’s cervix. Side effects can include cramping and heavier periods, although these can usually be controlled with mild medications.

The IUD is not for everyone. Good candidates are women who have had at least one child, are in a stable, faithful relationship (which minimizes the chance of exposure to sexually transmitted infections), desire reversible contraception, and have no recent history of or current pelvic inflammatory disease (pelvic infection). If you think this might be the method for you, please discuss it further with your physician.

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Anesthesia

Anesthesia for the obstetrical patient has evolved rapidly the past several years. The important difference in this group of patients is that each patient is really two patients, mother and child. Also, the pregnant mother is herself a different patient physiologically from a non-pregnant female, with necessary special considerations. Together, these issues have been the reason for the direction that obstetrical anesthesia has taken.

Mothers have been having babies without anesthesia for most of the history of humankind. It has only been since the mid 1800's that a scientifically based approach to relieve the pain of labor has been attempted. These early attempts started in England, and involved the mother breathing the vapor of ether or chloroform from a soaked cloth held over the face by a physician. While effective in the relief of labor pain, complications from the use of this approach led to the search for safer techniques. One of the important complications centered on the fact that pregnant moms retain food and fluid in their stomachs, not emptying their stomachs as non-pregnant adults do. When made unconscious under anesthesia, mothers were placed at risk for regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents, sometimes with severe consequences. In addition, the process making the mother unconscious often resulted in a sleepy or depressed baby.

These considerations still hold true today even with our more modern and safer anesthetic drugs and techniques. While general anesthesia is safely and effectively given to pregnant patients today, the fact that these risks remain has led to the refinement of regional anesthetic techniques for labor, delivery, and cesarean section. Anesthesia falls roughly into three approaches for labor and delivery. The first is essentially the non-pharmacological approach. Many mothers select this feeling that it is best for them and their babies. Also, Lamaze and other techniques have become more popular as methods for dealing with the pain of labor, and in some women, may be enough. Certainly, the pain of labor can vary from one patient to another. For many, the pain of labor is something they choose not to suffer if it can be safely dealt with, and it can.

The next approach would be to give mom some pain relieving medication, usually a narcotic, by the intra-muscular or intravenous route. This approach has been used successfully for many years. It has some drawbacks. It is a systemic approach in that the drugs are distributed to the mother's entire system. Consequently, they can also effect the baby, again potentially resulting in a sleepy or depressed baby. The dosage and frequency of these drugs has been adjusted over the years to minimize effects on the baby. The mothers frequently become sleepy, and may have less or no memory of this important first experience with their new child.

The most sophisticated and direct approach is regional anesthesia. And this is where an anesthesiologist becomes involved. He or she will evaluate the patient (with the patient's obstetrician) to determine that epidural anesthesia is appropriate and to choose the best timing for starting an epidural. Epidural anesthesia is a technique for blocking the pain sensations in the appropriate nerves directly, specifically to avoid systemic effects on mother or baby. It involves using a needle to place a very small plastic tube (called a catheter) into the mother's epidural space in her back. The needle is removed and only the soft plastic tube remains. Medications can then be given in a controlled fashion as needed to relieve pain without making mother or baby sleepy or unconscious. Also, the catheter can remain in place for hours or even days to continue to give relief. Frequently, a small pump with a reservoir of medication is attached to give continuous pain relief without interruption. An added benefit is that should the patient require C-section, the epidural can be used for anesthesia for that as well by simply giving a larger, stronger dose of local anesthetic. The risks of this procedure are well defined, very low, and avoidable. This makes epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery the standard all across the nation if not the civilized world.

If C-section is necessary in a patient who has not chosen an epidural for labor, a regional anesthetic technique is still the prefered approach. Most commonly, this is late in labor and there may be some urgency. A similar technique called a subarachnoid or spinal block is most commonly used. It is easier and much quicker to perform, using a smaller needle and less medication, and having a more rapid onset of action. Again, the risk is very low, causing this to also become a standard practice in obstetrical care.

This summary is an overview of the available options. Many variations of these techniques exist and your anesthesiologist may feel that one of these approaches or even another not specifically mentioned here would be best for you. Contact your anesthesiologist in the Anesthesia Department of your hospital to have your questions answered.

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Birth Control

Methods of Birth Control

Male birth control methods include withdrawal of the male before ejaculation (the oldest contraceptive technique) and use of the condom, a rubber sheath covering the penis. The condom, because of its use as a protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, has become a frequently used birth control device.

Contraceptive methods for women include the rhythm method—abstinence around the most likely time of ovulation—and precoital insertion into the vagina of substances (creams, foams, jellies, or suppositories) containing spermicidal chemicals. The use of a diaphragm, a rubber cup-shaped device inserted before intercourse, prevents sperm from reaching the uterine cervix; it is usually used with a spermicide. Contraceptive sponges, which are impregnated with a spermicide, also are inserted into the vagina before intercourse and work primarily by acting as a barrier to the sperm. Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are variously shaped small objects inserted by a doctor into the uterus; they apparently act by creating a uterine environment hostile either to sperm or to the fertilized egg. The birth control pill, an oral contraceptive, involves a hormonal method in which estrogen and progestins (progesteronelike substances) are taken cyclically for 21 or 84 days, followed by 7 days of inactive or no pills. The elevated levels of hormones in the blood suppress production of the pituitary hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone) that would ordinarily cause ovulation.

Sterilization of the female, often but not always performed during a Cesarean section or shortly after childbirth, consists of cutting or tying both Fallopian tubes, the vessels that carry the egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus. In male sterilization (vasectomy) the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis, are interrupted. Sterilization, in most cases irreversible, involves no loss of libido or capacity for sex.

No contraceptive yet devised is at once simple, acceptable, safe, effective, and reversible. Some, such as the diaphragm, condom, and chemical and rhythm methods, require high motivation by users; the pill, which must be taken daily, sometimes induces undesirable side effects, such as nausea, headache, weight gain, and increased tendency to develop blood clots. The IUDs, although requiring no personal effort or motivation, are often not tolerated or are expelled, and they sometimes, particularly if poorly designed, cause uterine infection, septic abortion, and other problems.

New birth control techniques, some still experimental, include the use of progestins that can be given by injection every three months; progestins embedded in inert carriers and implanted under the skin to release the hormones slowly and continuously; progestins incorporated into a plastic ring that a woman could insert in the vagina and would need to change only periodically; and IUDs carrying an antifertility agent. If birth control fails (or is not used), doctors may prescribe several large doses of certain oral contraceptives as "morning after" pills; the high level of hormones can inhibit the establishment of pregnancy even if fertilization has taken place. Mifepristone, or RU-486, the so-called abortion pill, is effective within seven weeks after conception and requires close medical supervision. It was first approved in Europe and was tested in the mid-1990s in United States, where it was approved in 2000. Another experimental technique is immunization against human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone secreted by a developing fertilized egg that stimulates production of progesterone by the ovary; the effect of the anti-HCG antibody would be to inactivate HCG and thereby induce menstruation even if fertilization occurred.

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The Abortion Pills

It's the day after and you didn't take any precautions last night. A month passes and you realize that this is it. You're pregnant. Can the abortion pill be an option?

Medical Abortion

In this method, a pill is taken to induce abortion. The medicine mifepristone, known as RU486 in the US, was introduced in France almost a decade ago, and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) finally approved the "abortion pill" on 28th September, 2000 in the United States, after a decade of controversy.

Who can take the abortion pill ?

You may choose medical abortion if you are less than 49 days pregnant. If you have serious heart, liver, kidney problems, blood clotting disorders or HIV, you may not be able to take the medication.

How to take the pill ?

RU-486 can be taken at home or at a clinic. It opens the cervix, causes mild contractions, softens the uterus and causes it to dilate to help expel the embryo. Side effects like nausea, headache and weakness, and bleeding and deep cramps take place after the second, prostaglandin pill, is taken, a couple of days later. The embryo is expelled 4 to 24 hours later.

Side effects are normal, but you need to call your gynaec if you:

• Soak more than two pads an hour, more than two hours in a row
• Bleed heavily for more than 12 hours in a row
• Pass clots larger than lemons for two hours or more
• Run a temperature over 101.4° F for more than four hours
• Feel strong nausea or throw up for more than four hours
• Have an allergic reaction to the medicine

After studies were undertaken in developing nations like India, China and Cuba, which have legalized abortions, it was found that medical abortion was preferred to surgical abortion. The only complaint against medical abortion were the side effects and heavy bleeding.

Follow Up

You need to return a couple of days later to make sure the abortion is complete. The whole process may take about a week to 14 days, depending on the medication. If you are still pregnant after the medical abortion, you could take more medicine or may have to undergo a surgical abortion. Avoid alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers during this period.

Is an Abortion Painful?

You'll be distinctly uncomfortable after a surgical abortion and may experience some cramping but it should not be very painful. A half an hour's rest in the recovery room and a painkiller should suffice. A medical abortion is more painful, but is preferred as it means avoiding a surgery. It's important you take care of yourself after an abortion, and report any feelings of discomfort and pain to your doctor.

Does the fetus feel pain?

At some stage during the pregnancy the fetus becomes capable of feeling pain but when exactly this happens is not known. It's a safe bet that the fetus may not feel pain before 10 to 12 weeks.

Risks

Incomplete Abortion occurs if part of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after the abortion procedure. Symptoms include lack of post abortion bleeding and severe cramping. Infection can be caused by the retention of tissue in the uterus.

Hemorrhage or Excessive Bleeding can be caused by injury to the uterus during the abortion. Bleeding through more than one sanitary pad per hour indicates excessive bleeding.

Perforation or Injury to Uterus/Cervix occurs if an instrument used during the procedure injures the uterus or cervix. Injuries to the uterus heal by themselves but there is the risk of injuring other organs when perforation occurs.

Future Fertility can be adversely effected if complications such as injury to the cervix or fallopian tube arise during abortion. But if there are no complications, even several abortions have no effect on future fertility.

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Bleeding in Pregnancy

When a woman experiences bleeding in pregnancy, whether or not something can be done to help the baby depends on how far along the pregnancy is.

After the mid-portion of your pregnancy, if you experience premature labor there are medications that can be given in order to attempt to stop the process. Although there still needs to be improvement in these modalities, these treatments are sometimes effective.

Unfortunately, in the early stages of pregnancy these medications are usually not effective. When a woman experiences problems in the early part of pregnancy, such as pain or bleeding this could be a sign of problems.

Potential diagnoses include ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, miscarriage, or threatened miscarriage. An ectopic pregnancy is a potentially dangerous situation as this can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Threatened miscarriage means that a woman is experiencing symptoms such as pain and/or bleeding, however, the pregnancy itself is unaffected. In fact, up to 20% of women who continue a normal pregnancy to the point of delivery will have experienced these symptoms of threatened miscarriage at some point earlier in their pregnancies.

In early pregnancy it is not always possible to make a speedy diagnosis. It is often necessary to observe a patient over several visits, including repeating blood work until the diagnosis can be assured.

The problem is that even if a miscarriage is suspected, there is no effective treatment to change the course of this condition in the early part of pregnancy. Later in the pregnancy, as mentioned above, medications can be given to prevent premature delivery but no effective medication is available to change the course of an early miscarriage. Hopefully this will not always be the case.

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Exercise In Pregnancy

It is not always necessary for pregnant women to give up their exercise routines. In fact, studies have demonstrated that mild to moderate amounts of exercise could result in certain benefits such as shorter labors, less preterm deliveries, less cesarean deliveries, and less fetal distress during labor. Proper exercise programs could also increase your daily energy levels, and improve your quality of sleep.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women who exercised before pregnancy can continue to exercise with some restrictions. Specifically, ACOG recommends:

• Regular exercise (at least three times per week) is better than intermittent programs.

• Avoid exercises where you lay flat on your back after the 12th week of pregnancy.

• Do not exercise to the point of exhaustion, instead, stop when fatigued.

• Make sure you do not overheat. Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a proper diet.

• Avoid activities that require precise balance.

• Avoid activities that have the potential for abdominal trauma.

Don’t worry, the above list does not exclude all activities. Recommended regimens include walking, swimming, bicycling (stationary bikes are best in late pregnancy), and low impact aerobics. Walking is ideal, especially for women who did not exercise much before they were pregnant.

Sounds good so far, but you must keep in mind that there is the potential for problems. High-impact exercise, with excessive bouncing or jarring should be avoided. In addition, women who exercise too vigorously on a regular basis could have babies with low birth weights. It is also prudent for women who were inactive before pregnancy to limit new exercise programs during pregnancy to mild or moderate programs, such as walking or swimming.

Certain groups of women should not be exercising at all when pregnant. This includes high-risk pregnancies such as women with high blood pressure related to their pregnancy, women with premature labor, and women with twins. As a rule, you should always check with your physician before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy.

Article Source : Exercise In Pregnancy

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3d ultrasound Denver

The ob gyn in Denver are dedicated to caring for their patients with knowledge, compassion, and dignity by providing their patients with the complete choices they deserve. Quality information on obstetrics and gynecology is available in Denver to act as a gateway for superior health care of women there.

The services offered by obstetrics in Denver include 3D ultrasound, high-risk obstetrics and normal obstetrics. Gynecologists in Colorado, Denver offer various gynecological surgeries like Laparoscopy, Hysterectomy, Ovarian Surgery, Sterilization (Tubal Ligation), Endometrial Ablation, Hysteroscopy, Well Woman Exam and STD Screening.

Laparoscopy in Colorado may be used to diagnose causes of abdominal pain, pelvic pain and masses, problems like infertility, check for ectopic pregnancy or if you want to be sterilized. Its advantages over laparotomy include a shorter hospital stay, smaller incisions and shorter recovery.

In Denver hysterectomy is one of the most common major surgeries in women of child bearing age. It involves the surgical removal of a part or the entire uterus. It may be used if a woman is suffering from uterine fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic support problems (such as uterine prolapse), abnormal uterine bleeding, cancer and chronic pelvic pain.

If you are looking for Planned Parenthood options in Colorado, Denver then birth control measures like oral contraceptives, IUDs, contraceptive patch, diaphragm, contraceptive vaginal ring or tubal ligation can be chosen.

In Colorado contraceptives like combination pills and progestin-only pills are taken by thousands of women. Denver’s birth control pills are a safe and an effective way of postponing pregnancy to later occasions. One or more side-effects like headache, nausea, dizziness, breakthrough bleeding, missed periods, tender breasts, depression or anxiety may be caused by this measure.

Health care providers in Denver use IUDs, a small device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, for birth control. IUDs can stay in the uterus for up to 10 years until removed. Another effective birth control measure used by ob\gyns in Denver is Tubal Ligation. It is a permanent method of birth control, and has a high success rate.Pregnancy termination is another service provided by ob-gyns in Colorado. It can take place either medically through a pill or surgically through vacuum aspiration.

In Denver, RU-486 provides a non-invasive, non-surgical option for ending an early pregnancy. Surgical abortion in Denver is taken up in the 1st or the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Here a small tube is inserted into the uterus and aspiration or suction is used to empty the contents of the uterus. Both the abortion procedures in Denver are very safe.

Apart from these health service providers you can also find skilled infertility doctors in Denver, who may suggest medication, surgery or Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) to treat infertility. Medication can be used to induce ovulation in women, surgery can be used to open or remove blocked fallopian tubes or ARTs like In Vitro fertilization or Intrafallopian transfer may be used to conceive a child.

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MILE HIGH OB/GYN

The best online source for quality obstetrical and gynecological information and is the gateways to superior women’s health care. At mile high Ob-gyn Denver, it provides the treatment to various health services like infertility, PMDD management and osteoporosis management. We have the various offices to at Englewood, Denver to provide women health services. You can request an appointment with an office, simply complete and submit our online appointment form. At other times, we can serve you best by a face-to-face visit in the office. In all cases, it remains our primary goal to ensure that you receive the best possible care.

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