Pregnancy | Planned Parenthood

Using the Pill as Birth Control

The decision to have children or controlling the number of children that a person or couple has is a personal matter. They may decide to use some form of a birth control method to help to control pregnancies and a growing family.

The Birth Control Pill is probably the most popular form of pregnancy control used by women and men. In most cases it’s safe, effective and convenient as a way to avoid pregnancy. The pill is popular too because it is small, discreet and you don’t have to “do” anything to get it to work or wait for it to start working before engaging in sex.

“The Pill” as it is called was first introduced in the early part of the ’60s and essentially revolutionized birth control. Although different methods of course were used prior to that time, when the Pill came along, it quickly became the preferred control method of choice because of all the benefits it offered.

Alternative uses of the Pill also include the Patch that essentially works the same by blocking potential pregnancies from being created. Just as the Pill blocks ovulation and re-balances the woman’s hormones, the Patch does the same thing with her hormones and makes her body think that the eggs have been released. The only difference however in the Pill and the Patch is that with the Pill the woman will still have a monthly menstrual cycle, but with the Patch there will likely be an absence of the menstrual cycle for anywhere from two to three months at a time.

The Pill is still a very popular method available today although there are many other different types of birth control methods available on the market. The Pill is likely to be one of this methods that will be around for quite some time since it gives the user so much flexibility and convenience with their choices in reproduction issues.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: birthcontrol, Combined oral contraceptive pill, Pregnancy

The World’s Most Popular Birth Control Methods

Since the development of the birth control pill in the early 1960s, it has become the most popular reversible method of contraception in the United States. In the US, more women opt for the pill or permanent sterilization (tubal ligation) than any other methods.

Around the world, however, it is slightly less popular. The most popular method worldwide is the intra-uterine device, or IUD. IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. They remain in place for years, and are the most effective method of birth control outside of abstinence or permanent sterilization.

In many European and Asian countries, the IUD is the most popular method of birth control with pills as the second most popular. Yet in the United States, it is one of the least popular methods, well behind pills, surgical sterilization, hormone implants and barrier methods.

One reason for this might be that there are only two IUDs available for use in the US. There are over 10 models available in Europe. Also, the approval process for contraceptive devices is much slower in the US than for most other developed countries.

Although it is not popular in the United States, IUD use is increasing. This could be because the latest device to be approved has the added benefit of lightening menstrual cycles. Also, the IUD was once only recommended for use by women who have already had children. This restriction seems to be lifting, and doctors are beginning to offer it as treatment for heavy periods.

The other IUD is copper-based rather than hormone-based. While it does not have the effect of lighter and shorter periods, it is hormone-free. As women become more aware of the effects of long-term hormone exposure, the copper IUD may become a more popular option as well. It can also be an acceptable method for women whose health history indicates that they should not use hormonal methods of birth control.

Filed Under: Contraception, Pregnancy, Sexual Life Tagged With: birthcontrol, Intrauterine device, United States

Having Sex Too Soon

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Sex is a very natural act, performed between two (consenting) people who want to share intimacy and love. The act of sex itself is very pleasurable, but very often, young people get involved in sex for mainly the physical reasons and forget other aspects of it until they’re faced with difficult decisions.

Some of the dangers in teenagers or even young adults having sex too soon involve more of the emotional aspect of the act than it does the physical. Young people, whether it’s in age or their maturity level, may think that they have the emotional capabilities to deal with sex, but once they’ve become involved in a relationship, they may find that they are not ready for such an emotional ride.

Basically, having sex too soon means engaging in a sexual relationship that the person is neither physically or emotionally prepared to do. To be physically ready means that the person must at least be developing and maturing physically to accommodate being sexual. This doesn’t mean necessarily that their anatomy is prepared, but probably that the development of their hormones is in such a state that can be controlled. If the girl hasn’t started menstruating before she begins a sex life, she runs the risk of becoming pregnant at a very young age.

For the young man, he also runs a risk since his body is still growing and developing and his body’s sperm count may in full bloom. Also, both the developing young man and woman must caution against their underdeveloped emotions. Their bodies may be changing at a fast rate, but their emotional state may lag far behind. When this happens, they run the risk of tying physical pleasure with emotional satisfaction and many times, the two may not match up. Taking the time to allow both developments to mature will likely be better for them in the long run.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Health, Sexual Life, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Human sexual activity, Human sexuality, Sexual intercourse

Benefits Of Barrier Methods Of Birth Control

Various forms of barrier methods of birth control have existed since ancient people made condoms from animal intestines. Until rubber diaphragms were invented, women created crude birth control barriers from sponges, fruit rinds, dough and other concoctions.

Even then, people knew the benefits of the barrier method. Fortunately, there are much safer and more effective products on the market. Today’s barrier methods (the condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge) are comfortable, easy to use, and prevent pregnancy when used correctly.

Condoms are probably the oldest contraceptive in the world and are still popular. They are easy to obtain and very low cost. Most are made from rubber, though there are a few natural skin condoms on the market. Some condoms contain spermicide for added protection. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Diaphragms and cervical caps are made from rubber or silicone, and are used with spermicide to form a barrier against the cervix. They are affordable, easy to use and safe for people whose health prevents them from using the pill or other hormonal methods. There is no need to worry about missing doses, monitoring blood pressure, or making appointments for injections.

Contraceptive sponges are made from absorbent synthetic foam that has been saturated with spermicide. They are available without a prescription, do not require any fitting, and can remain in place for 30 hours

Barrier methods have very few side effects. There are no hormones to affect mood or cause weight gain and can be used by nearly everyone. They do not require any surgical procedures, are immediately effective, and do not involve any surgical or painful procedures. There is also recent evidence that spermicide may offer some protection against certain diseases, though it is not known exactly how this works. Investigation and study of this evidence may help barrier methods of contraception become more popular in the future.

Filed Under: Advice, Pregnancy, Sexual Health Tagged With: Barrier contraception, birthcontrol, Condom

Using Effective Birth Control

Anyone who uses any form of birth control or are interested in finding a good birth control needs to understand how they work and how they’re likely to work with your body in preventing pregnancy. Birth control methods are meant to stop the sperm from joining with the female’s egg and creating a pregnancy. This can be achieved in several ways including the use of:

- Birth control pills
Probably the most commonly used form of avoiding pregnancy because it is easy, convenient and flexible for most women to use. Taking a pill a day for 20-24 days out of the month is what many women prefer to do and not be bothered with other ways.

- Condoms
Condoms are good for preventing the flow of sperm to unite with the woman’s egg, but they are also great for protecting the person against certain sexually-transmitted diseases. Although they are not fail-proof for pregnancy, they do offer good protection.

- The Withdrawal Method
Very common but also very ineffective since the procedure is not guaranteed. The presence of sperm is in drops of semen that are excreted during sex and has the potential to unite with the egg, even before ejaculation. Pregnancy can and often does occur with this procedure, which is why it is not a suggested remedy for helping to avoid a pregnancy.

Some of these methods will work, and some of them will not. Choosing to use any of these forms of birth controls is a matter of preference. Many people will decide to test them or use several methods at once for more effectiveness and to ensure that there are no slip-ups. With whatever method is chosen, the main thing is to be sure that it is right for the person, their lifestyle and that they fully understand how each method works and the mechanics of each style.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Health, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: birthcontrol, Condom, Pregnancy, Sexually transmitted disease

Birth Control Options

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Many people today have decided to head to Planned Parenthood for their birth control options. For many, going to Planned Parenthood can help you save some money on your prescription birth control, over just going to your regular doctor. If you are trying to save up for something like designer jewelry, this could be an option for you.

You may be wondering what types of birth control options you can find at Planned Parenthood. Almost any type of birth control you may want is available. In fact, they may even have options that your doctor may not offer. Even if they have a smaller selection than your doctor, they still have more than enough options for many women.

If you are looking to go on the pill, there are different varieties that are offered. If you’re looking for a particular brand birth control pill, you’ll want to check and make sure that it is offered. If the specific type of pill that you want is not offered, you can discuss your other options with the nurse.

Another option for birth control, especially if you have had children before, is an IUD, or inter-uterine device. This is a small device that is put into your uterus that gives off a low dose of hormone that keeps you from getting pregnant. Generally, these IUDs will last for up to five years. If you decide before the five years are up that you want to get pregnant, you can just head to your doctor, or back to Planned Parenthood, and get the device removed.

No matter what form of birth control you’re interested in, you’ll want to talk to a nurse at Planned Parenthood or your normal doctor about the pros and cons of your choice. There are side effects with all drugs, and this includes birth control.

Filed Under: Advice, General, Parenthood, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care Tagged With: birthcontrol, Combined oral contraceptive pill, Family planning, Health, Intrauterine device, Options, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

Diet and Exercise Can Boost Sexual Desire

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You’ve been wanting to improve your health for a while now, but you just can’t seem to find the time or the energy. Do you know that people who are more physically and mentally healthy actually have better sex lives? That’s probably a pretty good reason to get off the couch and start improving your health.

When you feel good about yourself and your appearance, you are much better equipped to feel better in your relationships and that includes your sex life. If you are exhausted or tired most of the time, that will effect your sexual energy in a negative way.

We all know that many of us find the road to getting a healthy body and mind is difficult. It is especially difficult if this goal involves starting to exercise, losing weight or reducing stress. All you have to do is grab your running shoes to get started! We know the rewards from exercise include the fact that you will feel and look better, both of which can only enhance romantic activities.

There is no proof that a good diet and sexual performance are linked; however a less than stellar diet can cause problems with your health that can affect your sex life in a negative way.

So how do you go about achieving more healthy lifestyles so you can enhance your romance and sex life? Simply eating a balanced diet and exercising each day is a simple road to follow. The two are basically the ying to each others yang - they work together in tandem.

Individuals who engage in regular exercise actually find that they have a high level of desire according to studies. These people exhibit high levels of confidence and often have a greater ability to achieve orgasm and greater satisfaction. Even a moderate level of daily exercise, say between 20 and 30 minutes per day, can help boost your sexual desire.

Filed Under: Advice, Contraception, Parenthood, Pregnancy Tagged With: Health, Human sexual activity, Libido, Sexology, Sexual dysfunction, Sexual intercourse, Sexuality, Weight loss

Get Involved with Teen Pregnancy Prevention!

Planned Parenthood online needs your help in the constant raging battles of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Help is needed in many different arenas, and for many different skill sets. Whether you want a secretarial position, or something more active, Planned Parenthood needs your help in advocating for teens and their sexual health.

Once you decide to take action, there are a lot of things that you can do. From visiting town halls in your local region, to a visit out to Capitol Hill to wave signs at senators, Planned Parenthood needs to constantly advocate for the sexual health and wellness of teens, and the spreading of information for preventative methods. Affordable health care for the reproductive system is not common, and teens are often the poorest part of our culture, so they need your voice to support them and help Planned Parenthood get funding.

Donate to your local Planned Parenthood, or to the organization at large, so that teens can find support and affordable or free assistance. Don’t leave your kids vulnerable to curiosity and the ensuing STDs and unwanted pregnancies; it was cute in Juno, but in real life it’s much more complicated than that.

Get a job working for Planned Parenthood, and enjoy the rewarding feeling of serving the public on a daily basis. An equal opportunity employer, Planned Parenthood reviews all applications.

Volunteers are needed in the offices, too! If you don’t want to wave signs and write letters to senators, then volunteering in an office may be the perfect way for you to help out.

If you want to help, but don’t have funds or time, you can spread the word by simply adding Planned Parenthood on Facebook. Your link to Planned Parenthood could lead to hundreds of potential contributors or volunteers, which is much appreciated.

Your efforts on behalf of America’s teens are the difference that is needed in the world. Thanks!

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Health, Sexual Life Tagged With: Health, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

How Does the Birth Control Pill Really Work?

Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.

The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.

If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.

There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.

Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

The birth control pill, commonly referred to as “The Pill”, is an oral contraceptive pill used by females as a birth control method. The combination pill contains man-made female hormones- estrogen and progestin, which are naturally produced in the ovaries. The hormones in the pill suppress the pituitary gland, which stops ovulation. Ovulation is the development and release of an egg in the ovary. If ovulation stops and there is no egg to be fertilized, then a woman cannot get pregnant.
Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.
The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.
If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.
There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.
Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Sexual Orientation, Sexual Problem Tagged With: Cervix, Health, Pregnancy

Tools for Parents

For many parents, the discussion of contraception, pregnancy, disease, or other topics related to sex can be an uncomfortable one. Many parents end up simply turning a blind eye to the behaviors of their children, just to avoid talking about it. However, the first step to safe sex and the health of children must be taken in the home. Children and teenagers should be taught that there will be consequences to their actions of having unsafe sex, especially if it is with multiple partners. Planned Parenthood clinics and their website have many tools available for parents to aid them in having this difficult conversation. A free, step-by-step tutorial is available online for parents emphasizing the best way to start the discussion, what specific points are the most necessary to emphasize, and when is the best time for children to learn this information. For example, the tutorial explains ways to lead into the topic, such as watching a favorite television program where a character begins puberty, or pointing a friend or family member who is pregnant and discussing how it happens. The website also features books and magazine articles, written by child psychologists and sex experts, that can be used by parents to best explain these important matters in frank and serious ways.

Planned Parenthood clinics also have counselors available to parents to help them through the conversations with their children. Additionally, some clinics offer group classes which parents and children can attend together to have questions answered in a comfortable and non-threatening setting. Without this crucial knowledge, children and teenagers may not ever learn the potential implications of having unprotected sex. Even parents who try to simply teach abstinence only may be surprised to find that their children are still engaging in unprotected sex. All parents should emphasize that unwanted pregnancy and many diseases can result from sex, and should offer the tools necessary to prevent their children from being unsafe

Filed Under: Contraception, Parenthood, Pregnancy Tagged With: Abstinence-only sex education, Birth control, Child, Sex education