GENERIC NAME: Oral Contraceptives or OCs (also known as Birth Control Pills or BCPs)

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are medications that prevent pregnancy. They are one type of birth control. OCs may contain combinations of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Combinations of estrogen and progestin prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the release of the hormones LH and FSH from the pituitary gland in the brain. LH and FSH play key roles in the development of the egg and preparation of the lining of the uterus for implantation of the embryo. Progestin also makes the uterine mucus that surrounds the egg more difficult for sperm to penetrate and, therefore, for fertilization to take place. In some women, progestin inhibits ovulation (release of the egg).

The combination OCs are called “monophasic,” “biphasic,” or “triphasic.” Monophasic OCs deliver the same amount of estrogen and progestin every day. Biphasic OCs deliver the same amount of estrogen every day for the first 21 days of the cycle. During the first half of the cycle, the progestin/estrogen ratio is lower to allow the endometrium to thicken as it normally does. During the second half of the cycle, the progestin/estrogen ratio is higher to allow normal shedding of the lining of the uterus to occur. The triphasic OCs have constant or changing estrogen concentrations and varying progestin concentrations throughout the cycle. There is no evidence that bi- or tri-phasic OCs are superior to monophasic OCs, or vice-versa.

PRESCRIBED FOR: OCs are prescribed for the prevention of pregnancy. When taken as directed, OCs fail in less than 1 in every 200 users over the first year of use. OCs also are prescribed to treat mid-cycle pain which some women experience with ovulation. OCs, while regulating the menstrual cycle, reduce menstural cramps and heavy bleeding, and, because of the reduced bleeding, they may prevent the anemia that can develop in some women. Doctors sometimes prescribe higher doses of OCs for use as “morning after” pills to be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent fertilization and pregnancy.

DOSING: Many of the OCs come in easy to use dispensers in which the day of the week or a consecutive number (1, 2, 3, etc.) is written on the dispenser with a corresponding tablet for each day or number. For example, some Ortho-Novum dispensers are labeled “Sunday” next to the first tablet. Thus, the first tablet is to be taken on the first Sunday after menstruation begins (the first Sunday following the first day of a woman’s period). If her period begins on Sunday, the first tablet should be taken on that day. For OCs that use consecutive numbers, the first tablet (#1) is taken on the first day of the menstrual period (the first day of bleeding). Tablet #2 is taken on the second day, and so on. Still other packages instruct women to begin on day 5 of the cycle. For such products, women count from day 1 of their menstrual cycle (day 1 is the first day of bleeding). On the fifth day, the first tablet is taken. Tablets then are taken daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Estrogens can inhibit the metabolism (elimination) of cyclosporine, resulting in increased cyclosporine blood levels. Such increased blood levels can result in kidney and/or liver damage. If this combination cannot be avoided, cyclosporine concentrations can be monitored, and the dose of cyclosporine can be adjusted to assure that its blood levels do not become elevated.

Estrogens appear to increase the risk of liver disease in patients receiving dantrolene through an unknown mechanism. Women over 35 years of age and those with a history of liver disease are especially at risk.

Estrogens increase the liver’s ability to manufacture clotting factors. Because of this, patients receiving warfarin (Coumadin) need to be monitored for loss of anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect if an estrogen is begun.

Currently, there is only one available birth control or contraceptive patch and this is the Ortho Evra birth control patch. The way that these contraceptive patches work is that they are applied to the surface of the skin, then the pregnancy is prevented through the release of estrogen and progestin hormones.

The woman generally applies the patch to the upper outside arm, abdomen, thigh, or buttocks. This application should take place on the first day of her menstrual cycle. It is from that day forward that she is to acknowledge this as her “patch change day”. This means that after one week, she will need to remove the patch and reapply a new one. She will need to repeat this again one week later, then on the final week, she does not wear a patch at all.

We can take a more in depth look at how the mechanism behind the birth control patch works. During ovulation, the female releases an oocyte (egg) that plays the crucial role in pregnancy. The birth control patch prevents a woman from ovulating, so without the release of the oocyte, the pregnancy is averted.

There is also another mechanism that takes place as a result of the birth control patch that deals with the sperm. Through changes in cervical mucus caused by the contraceptive patch, the sperm inhibited in its penetration.

When placed upon the skin, the Ortho Evra birth control patch releases a type of estrogen known as ethinyl estradiol and a type of progestin known as norelgestromin into the systemic circulation. This release is a gradual daily release.

The Birth Control or Contraceptive Patch has been subject to several lawsuits due to their negative side effects. The most common of these lawsuits have been due to associated strokes and thromboembolic risks that result from the hormone absorption.

Not only the birth control patch, but all of the hormonal type birth control products have the risk of causing a fatal or serious thromboembolic event. Recent studies have shown that women who were using the contraceptive patch had a doubled risk of having thromboembolic events as opposed to those women who took the contraceptive pill.

Although, other studies have shown that there is no increase in risk for either the patch or the pill. These studies showed that they had similar risks of thromboembolic events.

Studies have shown that women who smoke and are over the age of 35 have a significant increased risk of having thromboembolism or cardiovascular disease. This is why there are warning labels that advise strongly that women who are using the contraceptive patch do not smoke.

The manufacturer of the contraceptive patch has stated that the patches can contribute up to 60% increase in estrogen levels in the bloodstream of the woman wearing the patch as compared to those women who are taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

A revised label was placed on the packaging for the birth control patch that stated that due to the high exposure to estrogen that the women using the patch receive, that there may be an increased risk of blood clotting.

Let’s talk about the stages a woman undergoes before finally getting to the age of being a mum.

Such stages are: Puberty, Menstruation, Ovulation Fertility, pregnancy, child bearing and infertility. All these stages in the life of female are duely affected by the things they eat or not, what to do or not to do as in exercise etc.

Baby making is a process in a life time. It is all about recreation and reproduction. The joy of every parent is to produce and have successors in life. Baby making issues then, is mainly for new and expectant parents.

At times, sex of the baby to have will become a problem due to personal preferences. Pregnancy is one of the biggest physical changes your body undergoes, so before starting out desiring to be pregnant, make sure you are in the best possible condition of health.

Poor eating habits and regular consumption of alcohol, for instance, can lower the quality and quantity of sperm, making conception more difficult. And since infertility is nearly as much a man’s issue as a woman’s — up to 40% of fertility problems can be traced to men.

As a Dad-to-be you have some work to do to hasten or make easy the conception of your Wife. Your life style, what you eat, drink, and otherwise ingest can affect the quality of your sperm. Nutrition has a direct impact on the potency of sperm.

For a couple, eating right will boost your chances of conceiving a child. Having read this article so far, you have a glimpse of what you are supposed do in terms of your nutrition and lifestyle issues.

Let me end this article by making very clear that you and your husband are 90% responsible for enhancing your chances of your ability to conceive through proper lifestyle and the correct nutrition.

Period pains can be a real pain at times, meaning, causing you to suffer from severe stomach cramps or the actual menstrual flow putting stop to any plans of visiting a nudist camp. Some women cope and carry on regardless when menstruating, but sadly for others they find their period pains disabling in more ways than one. Aside from stomach pains there are headaches, bloating, and tenderness of the breasts. These are just some of the symptoms why women dread coming on each month. However in contrast we have women shouting “bloody hell” after a condom split and wait in anticipation for their period to show.

Approximately 75 per cent of all menstruating females suffer from premenstrual syndrome. Sadly women accept the pain involved with periods and believe it is all part of the package, when in fact, nutritionists and alternative therapists say pain is never normal and can be alleviated. One leading contributor cited for detonating the symptoms of PMS is nutrient deficiency. It is in every ailing woman`s best interest any recommendations of a natural solution for relieving period pains should be considered..

If the body cries out for nutrients then you need to replenish it. Daily diets may not contain the necessary nutrients the body needs to work efficiently. What needs to be done is to locate the area lacking in nutrient deficiency and find a suitable replacement. No doubt you aware that eating healthy is vital for persons well being. Soothing period pains by eating a proper balanced diet should be considered because it can also help ease the symptoms by normalizing hormone function.

Abstaining from food is not healthy and it is most profound to eat regularly to combat irritability and fatigue. Eating less can leave you feeling weak. Regular meals ensure your body has a constant supply of nutrients. Caffeine intake needs to be reduced to three cups of coffee or tea per day; both drinks are known to aggravate PMS. If you are desperate to stabilize the pain from your periods then talk to an herbalist. Some women find drinking herbal tea, fruit/vegetable juice or water is better for their health than that of drinking coffee or tea. Girls that enjoy the odd tipple (alcohol) should reduce consumption to three glasses of wine (or equivalent) per week). If you don`t then period pains come with more agonizing symptoms from a hangover.

Cut down or cut out sweet edibles like cakes and biscuits. Eating healthy not only replenishes lost nutrition`s it makes sense. Oats, brown rice, nuts, brown bread, sunflower seeds and beans along with at least five portions of fruit or vegetables are all healthy foods. Oily fish eaten at least three times a week is good for the system, eating oily fish helps increase your body`s fatty acids, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin E and B. Before taking vitamin supplements talk to your doctor. Although a health eating plan is suggested to relieve period pains a proper diet also reduces stress levels. Another method tried and tested is massage. Massage has a powerful affect on relieving stress that leads to tension, pain and hormone imbalance. Yoga too comes highly recommended as a form of medication to relieve stress. Aromatherapy oils are working for some women who swear it eases their discomfort. Overnight miracles on ridding pain do not exist. It can take months for period pains to ease off. Before going on a diet or taking up exercise consult your doctor.

Herbal remedies can ease menstrual pains, aching muscles or stomach cramps. Some herbs contain hormone-like properties which help normalize the body`s hormonal levels which then encourage relief for bloating, pain, nerve tension and irritability. Try relaxing in a warm bath with a few drops of camomile or clary essential oils.

As men and women continue to marry and have children later in life because of social and financial reasons, they may pay the price by being unable to conceive and have children. As there is a decrease in fertility with advancing age, women over 35 are at a higher risk for miscarriage and other gynecological problems.

A woman’s fertility declines gradually over her life span. Although there are occasional occurrences of pregnancies in women in their late 40s and older, most women lose all fertility by age 45. There is a noticeable difference in the fertility of a woman at age 20 compared to a woman at 30, and an even noticeable decline in fertility in women between ages 35 and 40. This occurs because a woman’s eggs age as she ages. Most women start with 300,000 eggs at puberty, but by the age of menopause (50-55 years) only a few thousand eggs remain. These eggs are older, thus making fertilization and implantation less possible. In addition, the older the woman, the greater the risk for miscarriage, chromsomally abnormal children, and other medical problems associated with pregnancies and deliveries.

However, with modern technology older women have more options and success at conceiving. Although they usually do not respond as well as younger women to in vitro treatment (IVF), clinics are continually improving the success rate of IVF treatment in older women. Some clinics recommend assisted hatching, blastocyst embryo transfer, and preimplantation diagnosis.

Other fertility treatments include egg donation.embryo donation, and surrogacy. Egg donation allows implanting a younger woman’s egg in your uterus. This is particularly popular for older women and has a higher success rate than fertility drugs and other implantation methods. Embryo donation is used if the male partner also has a fertility problem associated with his sperm. If pregnancy is not possible, a surrogate may agree to become pregnant and carry your baby using your partner’s implanted sperm. Whatever the fertility problem, technology has found a way to treat it. Older women now have many options available to them to fulfill their dream of having children.

In recent years, more and more women look for a natural way to deal with menopause. For some, it’s about learning more about natural medication for menopause, including menopause herb formulas, while others search for menopause the “best stuff” for hot flashes.

That said, let’s begin with natural medication for menopause. Later in our article, we will discuss menopause the “best stuff” for hot flashes and menopause herb formulas.

Get acquainted with Black cohosh. Black cohosh is heralded as an herbal remedy for combating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. In fact, as far as a natural way to deal with menopause, black cohosh has even been recommended as an alternative to standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has proven dangers as well as it can produce unwanted side effects in many women. Indeed, this herb is considered a natural medication for menopause, meaning herbal remedy.

Meet Dong Quai. Donq Quai is a member of the celery family and one of its best-known uses is that of regulator of the female reproductive system. It’s most widespread use is to deal with women’s ailments such as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, irregularity, and the symptoms of menopause, including alleviating hot flashes and vaginal dryness, amongst others.

Chase away menopausal symptoms with Chasteberry. Chasteberry has quite the reputation has being a helpful herb for combating many menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. As such, it too is considered a natural medication for menopause as well as a natural way to deal with menopause. Chasteberry works to stabilize hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and can be beneficial in controlling symptoms of menopause. In addition, chasteberry is used to help relieve premenstrual syndrome symptoms, amongst others.

Try your luck with red clover. Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens — naturally occurring plant compounds. Studies suggest that herbs rich in these plant-based compounds may relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. More specifically, red clover is rich in isoflavones, an important class of phytoestrogens. It may even play a role in osteoporosis prevention.

Check out soy products. Soybeans harbor isoflavones (class of phytoestrogens). Research suggest that high intake of soy reduces menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Like red clover, soy may possibly reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Become familiar with other natural medication for menopause, meaning natural alternatives that may help. Some other natural herbs and substances that may help in your quest for a natural way to deal with menopause include:

* Vitamin E may reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
* DHEA may possibly reduce hot flashes as well as bone loss.
* Sage is an herb that may help suppress perspiration and harbors phytoestrogen properties.
* Wild yam root and sarsaparilla are natural estrogen promoters and they too have been used as a natural way to deal with menopause symptoms.

 Yasmin is a birth control pill which contains a different type of Progestin. Yasmin has been prescribed to over three million women world-wide. Yasmin is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, PLUS Yasmin can help give you shorter, lighter periods, regulate your cycle, and even reduce cramps.

 Birth Control Warning:
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious side effects from oral contraceptives, including heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes. This risk is higher for women over 35 years old and heavy smokers (15 or more cigarettes per day). If you take oral contraceptives, you should not smoke.

How should Yasmin be used?
Oral contraceptives come in packets of 21 or 28 tablets to take by mouth once a day. To avoid upset stomach, take oral contraceptives with food or milk. Take the Yasmin tablet routinely at the same time every day (e.g., after dinner or at bedtime) to help you remember to take the tablet regularly. Missing doses increases your risk of becoming pregnant.

When first starting on Yasmin Birth Control Pills, use an additional method of birth control until you have correctly taken 7 days’ worth of medicine.

If you have a 21-tablet Yasmin packet, take one tablet daily for 21 days and then none for seven days. Then start a new packet.

If you have a 28-tablet Yasmin packet, take one tablet daily for 28 days. The last seven tablets are a different color. These tablets are not birth-control pills; they contain iron (ferrous fumarate) or an inactive ingredient. You should take one tablet daily continuously for 28 days in the order specified in your packet, starting a new packet the day after taking your 28th tablet.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully concerning when to take your first tablet (on the first or fifth day of your menstrual period or on the first Sunday after or on which bleeding begins). Take the oral contraceptive exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

 
If you have recently given birth, wait until 4 weeks after giving birth to begin taking oral contraceptives.

 Other uses for Yasmin birth control pills
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking oral contraceptives:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogen, progestin, or any other medications.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol); antibiotics; anticoagulants (’blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); atorvastatin (Lipitor); clofibrate (Atromid-S); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grifulvin, Grisactin); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and topiramate (Topamax); morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, MSIR, others); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and prednisolone (Prelone); phenylbutazone; rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); temazepam (Restoril); theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur); and thyroid medication such as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid). Before taking Yasmin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); angiotensin II antagonists such as irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and valsartan (Diovan); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); diuretics (’water pills’) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium); or heparin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or cancer; endometrial cancer; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol and fats; diabetes (high blood sugar); asthma; stroke; blood clots; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); heart attack; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; depression; liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; adrenal insufficiency (for Yasmin); jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods; and excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle.

Do not take oral contraceptives if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, call your doctor immediately.

If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking oral contraceptives.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you wear contact lenses. If you notice changes in vision or ability to wear your lenses while taking hormone replacement therapy, see an eye doctor.

Oral contraceptives may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach cramps or bloating
• diarrhea
• constipation
• gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
• weight gain or weight loss
• brown or black skin patches
• acne
• swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
• hair growth in unusual places
• bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
• changes in menstrual flow
• painful or missed periods
• breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
• difficulty wearing contact lenses

Some side effects can be seious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
• severe headache
• shortness of breath
• severe vomiting
• partial or complete loss of vision
• double vision
• speech problems
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
• coughing up blood
• calf pain
• severe stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• severe depression
• unusual bleeding
• loss of appetite
• extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy
• fever
• dark-colored urine
• light-colored stool
• rash

Oral contraceptives may increase the risk of developing endometrial and breast cancer, gallbladder disease, liver tumors, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.