FEMALE AND MALE CONDOMS

FEMALE CONDOMS
It is a device made from polyurethane used during sexual intercourse as a barrier contraceptive and to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. The female condom is worn inside the vagina to stop sperm from getting to the womb.


HOW TO USE

• Take the condom out of the packet, take care not to tear the condom.
• Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and insert into the vagina while lying down, squatting or with one leg on a chair.
• Make sure the penis enters into the condom.
• After the man has ejaculated twist the outer ring of the condom to prevent the semen from leaking. Remove the condom immediately after sex by gently pulling it out and discard appropriately.
• Store female condoms in places that aren't too hot or cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces. 

ADVANTAGES

• Female condoms help to prevent STIs.
• You can buy them readily from pharmacies and supermarkets.
• You are in control of contraceptive use.
• Compared to the male condom it is less likely to break.

DISADVANTAGES

• The outer ring may be considered cumbersome.
• It is more expensive than the male condoms.
• It may be a distraction during intercourse. 

Female condoms are 95 percent effective if used correctly.













MALE CONDOMS
This is a barrier device made of very thin latex or polyurethane. It fits over the man's erect penis.It catches sperm and prevents it from entering the vagina.

HOW TO USE

• Take the condom out of the packet. 
• Hold the the teat at the end and squeeze the air out of it. 
• Roll the condom unto the erect penis, all the way down the base of the penis. 
• As soon as you cum, hold the condom firmly unto your penis and withdraw from the vagina. 
• Take care not to spill any semen. 
• Take off the condom, wrap in a paper or tissue and then dispose appropriately.

ADVANTAGES

• It can prevent pregnancy and STI's.
• They are safe and have no hormonal side effects.
• They are easily obtainable.

DISADVANTAGES

• Some people connect condoms with immoral sex, sex outside marriage, or sex with prostitutes, and do not want to use them.
• Some people are too embarrassed to buy, ask a partner to use, put on, take off, or throw away condoms.
• Some men do not like to use condoms because it limits the pleasure of sexual intercourse.
• Latex condoms may cause itching for a few people who are allergic to latex and/or lubricants.
• Condom may slip off during sex.
• Condoms can weaken and may break during use if stored for too long or in too much heat, sunlight or humidity, or if used with oil-based lubricants, such as vaseline or edible oils.

The male condom is about 98 percent effective when used correctly.

STERILIZATION

FEMALE STERILIZATION (TUBAL LIGATION)

This is a surgical procedure whereby a woman's fallopian tubes are cut, blocked or tied to prevent eggs from travelling down her uterus. The operation is usually done under general anaesthetic.

ADVANTAGES

• It is permanent and you and your partner don't have to think about contraception again. 
• It does not interfere with sex. 

DISADVANTAGES
Some people may regret having the operation after some years.
There is a risk of infection.
The tubes may rejoin and you may be fertile again(uncommon).

It is more than 99 percent effective.

MALE STERILIZATION (VASECTOMY)

This is a surgical procedure where the vas deferens (the tube that takes sperm from the testes to the penis) of a man is severed and then tied in a manner such as to prevent sperm from entering into the semen. It usually takes about 30 minutes to complete and is usually done under a local anaesthetic. Sometimes, it is done under a general anaesthetic.

ADVANTAGES

• It is permanent and you don't have to think of contraception again. 
• It is easier to do and more effective than female sterilization. 

DISADVANTAGES

• It may take some time before the semen is free from sperm.
• You can only rely on male sterilization after you have been told that the semen test is negative. 
• Some people may regret having a vasectomy, especially if their circumstances change.

On a lighter note.... enjoy!

PATCH

The contraceptive patch contains oestrogen and progestogen hormones, similar to the oral contraceptive pill. It releases a daily dose of these hormones through the skin into the bloodstream.

It works by stopping ovulation. It thickens the mucus at the neck of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to move through it. It makes the lining of the uterus thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilized egg.

The patch should be applied to clean, dry, non-hairy skin. Do not use lotions, creams, or anything on the area of the skin before you apply the patch. Do not apply on broken skin. Suitable areas are upper outer arm, buttocks, abdomen or thigh. The patch is applied on the same day every week for 3 weeks and on the fourth week, no patch is worn.

Do not use patch if:

• you are breastfeeding 
• you have unexplained vagina bleeding 
• you have an increased risk of blood clot 
• you weigh above 90kg (it is less effective) 
• you have liver or gallbladder problems 

ADVANTAGES

• You only have to replace the patch once a week and not everyday. 
• Bleeding may become more regular, less painful and lighter. 
• It does not interrupt sex.
• It may protect against pelvic inflammatory disease.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Breast tenderness 
• Headache 
• Mood swings 
• Nausea 
• Weight gain 
• Skin irritation

IMPLANTS

I guess by now some people would be making up their minds or reconsidering their choice of contraceptive.

IMPLANTS
An implant is a small rod that is placed under the skin in your upper arm. It releases progestogen into the bloodstream. It works for up to 3 years.

It works mainly by stopping ovulation. It thickens the mucus at the neck of the cervix thereby preventing sperm from entering the womb. It makes the lining of the womb thinner. This means that if an egg were to fertilize, it would not be likely to be able to attach to the womb.

It should be fitted during the first five days of your period. It can be put in 3 weeks after childbirth.

Do not use an implant if:

• you have arterial disease or history of stroke 
• you have breast cancer 
• you have unexplained vagina bleeding 

ADVANTAGES

• You don't have to remember to take a pill daily.
• It can be used when breastfeeding. 
• It does not interfere with sex.
• May reduce period pain. 
• It may help protect against pelvic infection.
• Fertility will return to normal as soon as implant is taken out.

DISADVANTAGES

• Irregular bleeding. 
• Periods may be heavier and longer. 

SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache 
• Fluid retention 
• Breast tenderness 
• Mood changes 
• Weight gain.

It is over 99 percent effective.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES

MIRENA
This is a small T-shaped device containing the hormone Levonorgestrel. It is placed in the womb where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

It prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus at the neck of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to cross into the womb. It may also stop ovulation. Your doctor will have to check the position and size of your womb before Mirena can be inserted and also confirm that you are not pregnant or have infections. The procedure cab be a bit uncomfortable and a little painful. You may need to take a painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. It can also cause bleeding for a short while.

Mirena should be inserted within the first seven days of your cycle. If it is inserted at other times in your cycle, you will need to use extra protection such as Condoms for the first seven days after it is inserted. If you have had a baby, Mirena should not be inserted until 6 weeks after the birth.

Do not use Mirena if:

• you have breast cancer
• you have abnormalities of the womb
• you have cervical cancer
• you have uterine fibroids
• you have current or recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease
• you have ovarian cancer

SIDE EFFECTS
These are uncommon e.g mood swings, reduced sex drive, pelvic inflammatory disease, breast tenderness, fluid retention.

ADVANTAGES

• Periods usually get lighter, less painful and may even cease.
• Fertility returns as soon as it is removed.

DISADVANTAGES

• You may have irregular bleeding for the first few months which usually settles down.
• The Mirena may come out of your womb without you noticing it.
• Very rarely, there may be perforation to the wall of the womb.

IUD (INTRA-UTERINE DEVICE)
This is an intrauterine device made of plastic, which is wrapped in copper.

It works by preventing the fertilization of an egg by damaging or killing sperm. It encourages the production of fluid by the uterus and fallopian tubes. This fluid contains copper ions which are toxic to sperm.

The IUD should be inserted right after the menstrual cycle.

Do not use a copper IUD if:

• you are pregnant
• you have uterine cancer
• you have an STI
• you have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• you have some structural abnormality of the womb or cervix

SIDE EFFECTS

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Cramps
• Heavier periods
• Painful periods
• Perforation to the wall of the womb
• Expulsion of the IUD

ADVANTAGES

• It can be used while breastfeeding
• Fertility returns quickly upon removal
• It works immediately after insertion
• It is long-lasting
• It does not require the daily maintenance like other contraceptives such as the pills.
• It is 98 percent effective.

CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION

Still on our journey of contraceptive choice, we discuss the contraceptive injection.

The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is given by intramuscular injection every 12 weeks and Norethisterone enantate is given every 8 weeks.

It works mainly by stopping ovulation. It also thickens the mucus made by the cervix, forming a mucus plug. This prevents sperm from getting into the womb to fertilize an egg.

ADVANTAGES

• You don't have to take it everyday like the pills.
• It can be used when breast-feeding.
• It does not interfere with intercourse.
• It can be used by some women who cannot take the combined pill.
• It may help some of the problems of periods such as premenstrual tension,heavy periods and pain.
• It may help protect against pelvic infection. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

• Headache
• Irregular periods 
• Cessation of periods 
• Weight gain 
• Breast tenderness 
• Stomach discomfort 
• Dizziness

It is over 99 percent effective if injections are received according to correct schedule.

ORAL PILLS

As we continue on our journey of contraceptive choice,we would be looking at the oral pills:the mini-pill and the pill.

THE MINI-PILL
This is an oral progestogen-only preparation. It is a suitable alternative when oestrogens are contra-indicated (including patients with venous thrombosis or a past history to venous thrombosis). They are suitable for older women, breastfeeding women, heavy smokers, and for those with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and migraine.

You have to remember to take the mini-pill same time every single day of the year even when you are on your period. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember and carry on with the next pill at the right time. If the pill was more than 3 hours overdue you are not protected. Continue normal pill taking but you must also use a back-up method such as the condom, for the next two days.

SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Periods may be irregular
• Periods may stop 
• If you become pregnant while taking the mini-pill, there is a chance that the pregnancy may be ectopic (outside the womb).
• May cause breast tenderness 
• There's a risk of cysts. 

THE PILL
This is a combination of an oestrogen and a progestogen. It contains 21 active and 7 inactive pills. The pills should be taken same time each day. If one or more tablets are missed for more than 12 hours, contraceptive protection may be reduced. If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, the pill would not have been absorbed. Take another pill as soon as possible.

Do not take the pill if:

• you think you are pregnant.
• you are very overweight.
• you are 35 years or over and you smoke.  
• you have history of blood clots 
• you have diabetes with complications. 
• you have breast cancer or breast cancer within the last 5 years. 

ADVANTAGES

• Doesn't interfere with intercourse. 
• It relieves premenstrual tension for some women. 
• It makes bleeding regular, lighter and less painful. 
• It reduces the risk of pelvic infection, fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease.

DISADVANTAGES

• Headache
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• May increase blood pressure, so people taking it should have their blood pressure checked every 3 months. Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Vagina bleeding may occur during the first few months in addition to the usual bleeding between packs.

The pill should be started on the first day of your period or upto and including the fifth day of your period. If you start the pill at any other time in your menstrual cycle you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days of taking the pill. Taking the combined pill when breastfeeding may reduce your flow of milk. It is better you use a different method of contraception.

The pill is about 99 percent effective if taken according to instructions

CHALLENGES WITH CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICE

Eeny, meeny, miny, mo, Which contraceptive will be best for me?

Most women bear the burden of the choice of contraceptives alone. I guess this happens because most of the available contraceptives are for women and also the men's perception that condoms are inconvenient.

It is generally believed that exclusive breastfeeding is an effective birth control but i have heard stories of women who got pregnant while breastfeeding exclusively.If you are not ready for another baby,don't use breasfeeding as your only protection. Contraceptive methods are;

• Calendar method
• The mini-pill
• The pill
• Contraceptive injection
• IUS(Mirena)
• IUD(The coil)
• Female sterilization
• Female condom
• Implant
• Patch
• Diaphragm with spermicide
• Male condom
• Vasectomy
• Withdrawal 

CALENDAR METHOD
Rhythm Method

To use this method, you will have to track your menstrual cycle for at least six months. After this time, subtract 19 from your shortest cycle. For example, if your shortest cycle was 26 days, then you will subtract 19 from 26. This leaves you with seven which means you will remain safe until the 7th day of your cycle. 

Your safe period after ovulation is calculated by deducting 10 from your longest cycle. For example, if your longest cycle was 30days, then 10 from 30 would be 20. Therefore, on the 20th day of your cycle you would resume another safe period. This would also mean that day 8-19 of any given cycle is your unsafe period, the likehood of pregnancy is significantly increased at this time. 

This method is 91 percent effective.

ADVANTAGES

• Almost anyone can practice it.
• It does not interfere with foreplay or intercourse.
• It has no effect on long-term fertility. 

DISADVANTAGES

• The cycle may change due to medication use, stress, illness or breastfeeding and hence affect safe and unsafe period. 
• Partner may be unwilling to co-operate. 

To be continued in our next post, watchout!

Do have a fabulous day.

References:
Wikipedia, The free encyclopedia.
Womens-Health.co.uk
Netdoctor
Patient.co.uk

TEETHING AND YOUR BABY

Teething may bring some troubles but the good news is, it won't be for long.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Fever 
• Loss of appetite 
• Sore gums 
• Sleep disturbance 
• Restless and irritable Ear pulling 
• Cheek rubbing 
• Drooling which can lead to facial rash 
• Diarrhoea 

HELP IS HERE

• Give a suitable pain reliever for baby's age e.g Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. 
• See a doctor if baby's temperature is above 38⁰C. 
• Apply a teething gel to baby's gum. 
• Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on, such as rubber teethers. 
• Wipe saliva off baby's face throughout the day.
• If rash occurs from drooling, apply petroleum jelly or lanolin cream to prevent soreness.

Have a beautiful week.

STOMACH ULCER

A peptic ulcer(stomach ulcer) is a sore that happens when the digestive juices produced by the stomach eat away or erode the lining of the stomach.

COMMON SYMPTOMS
Abdominal pain, heartburn, mild abdominal discomfort, bad breath, chest pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting.

NON-MEDICAL TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Eating meals at regular intervals help reduce acid concentrations in the stomach. 
• A small snack before bedtime can relieve pain experienced by peptic ulcer patients. 
• Avoid over eating because high stomach content triggers acid secretion. 
• Try to avoid or manage stressful conditions as stress induces acid secretions. 
• Avoid smoking as this interferes with wound or ulcer healing. 
• Avoid foods or beverages which upset the gastric mucosa like coffee,tea,alcohol,orange juices,spicy foods,fried or greasy foods and drugs such as Ibuprofen,Aspirin,Diclofenac. 

 If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

 Have a pain-free week.

STEROIDS AND YOUR BABY

Welcome to the maiden edition of our weekly tips on health and pharmaceutical issues.

In this weeks edition, we are looking at Steroids and how it affects our baby's health. We will also look at dangers in abusing these topical steroids and suitable natural alternatives that are more beneficial to the baby.

Some mothers get to the pharmacy and buy over-the-counter steroidal creams to apply on their baby's skin either to treat an allergic reaction which could be in form of rash or a skin infection which could be bacterial or fungal.These creams are applied directly to their baby's skin or mixed with their cream based on a friend's recommendation.Steroidal creams should be used only on prescription and most times should not be used for more than a week.

SIDE EFFECT OF TOPICAL STEROIDS
Repeated use of topical steroids in the same area can cause thinning of the outer skin.The skin becomes lax and wrinkled.Affected areas can be depressed below the level of normal skin with visible discolouration and prominence of underlying veins.In most cases the depression is reversible once topical steroid use is stopped,but it may take months for the skin to" thicken" back up.

Shea butter(commonly known as ori) and aloe vera gel are good for treating skin rash,dry skin,itchy skin and it also makes the skin smooth and shiny.