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.