Birth Control

Choosing Contraception

Deciding about birth control isn't easy. There are many, many methods available to people in the U.S. and medical scientists are quickly developing more. Couples should discuss their choices with each other so that they can decide on what's best for them both. We'll give you a quick list of the types of birth control currently available, but it's important to get all the facts from birth control experts, like Planned Parenthood. Oral contraceptives are commonly called the pill and the woman takes one each day, regardless of if she expects to have intercourse or not. There is also something called the morning-after pill which is taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. Barrier methods actually act as barriers to sperm so that they don't reach and fertilize the egg. These methods include the diaphragm, contraceptive foam, cream, jelly and film, cervical cap, sponge and condom. The IUD is a device which a woman wears inside her uterus and it can stay there without removal for several years. Natural family planning the rhythm methods require the charting of the body changes and functions. Tubal ligation and vasectomy are permanent methods of birth control for men and women who are serious about not having any more children. And the newest methods for birth control are Norplant and Premarin. Norplant lasts five years and consists of small implants worn inside the woman's arm. Permarian simply involves one shot of contraceptive hormone every three months.

Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives are birth control pills, usually just called "the pill". Women can only get pregnant during the time of the month when their ovaries release an egg and the pill works by stopping the ovaries from releasing the egg. It's a highly effective method of birth control, around 97% effective if taken properly, but that's the key, to take it properly. It must be taken every day without fail. The pill isn't right for everyone and there are some women who shouldn't take it. Those who have certain health problems, like high blood pressure or blood clotting problems; but only a doctor can determine that from your medical history information. As with all other methods of birth control, there are risks and benefits to consider. Some of the benefits of the pill are things like less cramps, tension, and moodiness. Many other women also experience their complexion clearing up if they had acne. On the other hand, a women must get into a routine of taking the pill each and every day, and there may be some weight gain with certain kinds of pills, and also some nausea or some spotting between periods can occur. There is much more to learn about birth control pills and other methods.

Pill Risk and Side Effects

Thousands of women use the pill, but it's not right for everyone and can cause some women discomfort. On the other hand, there are many benefits to using the pill. When using this method, many women report light menstrual periods, less cramps, regular periods and their skin often clears up. Plus, there is less pre-menstrual tension. Medically, the pill also offers some protection against breast tumors, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. Minor side effect include breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain and some spotting between periods. These things usually clear up after tow or three months after first getting stated on the pill. More seriously, there is also a slightly increased risk of developing blood clots or liver tumors, but this is rare for women under the age of 30. The pill is a very effective method of birth control but it must be prescribed by a doctor or nurse and only after a physical exam and review of the patients medical history. To find the birth control that's right for your, get the facts about all methods and then decide.

The IUD

IUD stands for Intrauterine Contraceptive Device meaning a device that goes inside the uterus. This small apparatus must be fitted by a doctor or a nurse. A physical exam in a doctor's office or clinic is required. The IUD is about 95% effective and becomes even more effective if the couple also uses condoms and/or contraceptive foam during the woman's most fertile time of the month, about two weeks before her next period. The advantages of choosing this method of birth control are: it doesn't interfere with intercourse, the IUD is always in place and doesn't have to be put in and taken out all the time. It's very effective and it can be left in place from one to four years. On the downside are things like possibly more bleeding or cramping during the woman's period, her partner may be able to feel the string during intercourse, and there could also be an increased risk of some other problems. Not every woman is a good candidate or IUD use, but you can find out if it's right for your by getting all the facts.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is considered a permanent birth control method because once a woman has a successful tubal ligation, she never gain has to use any other method, and she can not become pregnant. This procedures is often referred to as tube tying because the tubes between the ovaries and uterus are closed off. When this is done, a man's sperm cannot reach a woman's egg to fertilize it. The operation is considered rather simple and it only take about 30 minutes and does not require the woman to stay in a hospital or medical center overnight. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia which means that the patient will be asleep and not feel any pain or discomfort. After the operation, there can be some cramping and slight pain, but most women say it is relieved with aspirin or other simple pain relievers. Tubal ligation is very effective; about 99% effective. A woman should still have the same desires and ability to have orgasms after the operation, but having a tubal ligation is a serious decision because it's permanent. There is much more to learn and to consider about tubal ligation and other methods of birth control, so it's important to get all the facts.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control for men. After a man has a successful vasectomy, he never gain has to worry about birth control. Vasectomy involves a simple operation by a doctor and is just about 99.6% effective. Many men who do not want to cause any pregnancy or have any more children, and if they are absolutely certain of this, choose vasectomy. This procedure only takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is performed in a doctor's office or clinic under a local anesthesia. The man is not put to sleep. The doctor makes a small incision in the scrotum and takes out a small section of the tube called the vas deferens. Since the sperm travels through this to enter a man's semen, a piece is removed, and then the sperm can't mix with the semen and no pregnancy can occur. After the operation and a few negative sperm counts by the laboratory, a man is then considered to have a successful vasectomy. Sexually, nothing should change. It doesn't interfere with normal sex hormones, semen, organism or the ability to have intercourse. No other birth control method is ever required of the man or his partner. Vasectomy requires serious thought since it's permanent. Anyone consider vasectomy need to get all the facts and talk to professionals before deciding.

Breast Health

Breast Health Statistics

Every eleven minutes in the U.S., a woman dies of breast cancer. Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with it. By the age of 85, one in nine women will have developed breast cancer. This year alone, we will lose over 46,000 women to this disease. Although 809% of the women that develop breast cancer have no risk factors other than being a woman. The following factors put a woman at a higher risk: Age: 70% of the women who develop breast cancer are over the age of 50. Heredity: history of a mother, a sister or a daughter that developed breast cancer, and No parity: never haveing had a child or late chold bearing -- having your first child after the age of 30. Early detection by mammography alone will save the lives of one in three of the women who die of breast cancer. Early detection in most cases allows for breast conservation -- saving not only the life, but the breast of a woman. Every woman should follow the guidelines of the American Cancer Society by having regular mammograms, preforming monthly self-breast exams and having a physical exam performed yearly by a health care practitioner.

Breast Self-Exam

90% of breast lumps are found by women themselves. Self-breast exams take only fifteen minutes per mont and is a tool that may save not only your life, but your breast. This easy and effective method for detection of changes will allow you to feel in charge of your breast health. Self-exams should be performed seven to ten days before your period starts -- when your breast size is least stimulated by hormones. After menopause, or if you've had an hysterectomy, do you exam on the first day of the month. After a few months, you will become familiar with the normal feeling of the structures within your breast and you will be able to detect slight changes should they occur. The types of changes that you should be aware of are lumps that you can see or feel, dimpling orpuckering of the breast skin, changes in the contour or wsize of oe breast in comparison to another, any unuusal discharge from the nipple, a nipple that retracts -- pulls into the breast and a thickening of any area of the breast tissue. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment to see your doctor to help you determine if there is a need for further care. Self breast exam may indeed be your early detection tool. You are worth the time it takes to perform this monthly exam.

When to Get a Mammogram

The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute have guidelines for women to follow concerning mammography. Mammography offers the earliest form of detection and can find the cancer years before you can feel it. Early detection allows for a woman to not only save her life, but her breasts. The guidelines are as follows: * Before age of 40, have a mammogram if recommended by your physician. * By the age of 40, have your first mammogram. * Ages 41-49, have a mammogram every one to two years according to the recommendation of your physician and the radiologists. * Age 50 and over, have a mammogram yearly for the rest of your life. 70% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Quality mammography is the utmost importance. Be sure that the facility you choose is accredited by either the Department of Health Services, Radiology Division, or the American College of Radiology. This accreditation will assure you that the facility has quality equipment and processing, as well as trained technologists and a radiologist that specializes in reading mammograms. If you had a previous mammogram, bring those films with you to your appointment for comparison with your latest exam. This may help find a cancer at an earlier stage. Normally, the results of your mammogram are forwarded to your physician to be included with your medical records. If you do not hear from your physician, do not hesitate to call for your results. Remember, the key is early detection.

The Mammogram

Mammography is a low dose x-ray that creates an image of your breast. The tests show the inside of your breasts, and can show irregularities before they can be found by your or your doctor. Mammography is a test that takes about 20 minutes to perform. Be sure to schedule your mammogram at least seven days after your last period started and two week before your next period is scheduled to begin. This is a time when your breasts will be least tender. The test is not painful, however, some women experience minor discomfort for a few moments during the test. On the day of the mammogram, don't use deodorant, perfume or powder. After your mammogram, the test results will be sent to your physician. Always contact your physician to find out the results of your test. Never rely totally on the doctor to call you an any results. Early detection is your best protection against breast cancer. Combine a regularly scheduled mammogram with your self-breast exam and fight back against breast cancer. Having a mammogram is a healthy thing to do.

If You Find a Lump

The key word is change. 90% of breast lumps are found by women themselves. Along with mammography, performing a monthly self-breast exam offers women the best chance to find a change early enough, to not only save her life, but to save her breasts. Any change should be reported to your physician, but don't panic because 9 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. Other than a lump in the breast that you can see or feel, what else should you be aware of? A dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast, a change in the contour of the breast, an enlargement of only one breast, an unusual discharge from the nipple, a nipple that retracts into the breast, a thickening of any area of the breast tissue. Remember, your doctor is your helpmate to determine whether there is a reason for concern. Call for an appointment if you notice any of the described symptoms. Although 1 out of 9 women will develop breast cancer, 9 out of 10 can fight back. Early detection is the best defense.

Cancer

Breast Cancer

It is estimated that 182,000 women in the United states will develop breast cancer this year. While experts donot know how breast cancer can be prvented, early detecion can significantly increase chances for long term survival. If you notice any changes in your breast, contact your doctor. The American Cancer Sociatey recomends all women have a screeing; mammogrmas by the age of 40, and regular mammograms after that. You should also do breast self-exam every month. A mammogram can dectect a lump before it can be felt. A biopsy is usually done next. Needle or Aspirational breast biopsy is a new non-surgical method of diagnosing beast cancer. The treatment of breast cancer can include surgery, followe by chemotherapy, radiation for hormone therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells any where in the body. Chemotherapy treatment can include a single drug, or multiple drugs used alone or with surgery, and radiation. Chemotherapy can be given in the hospital, doctor's office, or in the patient's home. Treatment can be daily, weekly or monthly, lasting from three months to three years. Chemotherapy can be given orally as an injection or intravenously. Not everyone experiences side effects, although some people do have nausea, vomiting, hair loss and fatigue. With today's medical advances, many of these side effects can be eliminated or controlled.

General Cancer Service

Cancer can be caused by internal and external factors. An example of internal factors is hormones. An example of external factors include chemical, radiation and viruses. This year one in every five deaths in the U.S. will be attributed to cancer. But, as we learn more about treating and controlling cancer, the survival rate is growing. Today, more than 8 million Americans are alive who have had cancer. Many types of cancer can be prevented. 90% of skin cancers can be prevented by proper protection from the sun. Almost all lung cancer is caused by smoking and can be prevented. Cancer is commonly treated by surgery, radiation therapy, also known as x-ray therapy or chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is the use of high energy substances, usually in the form of rays. To destroy cancer cells radiation can be used alone or in combinatin with surgery and chemotherapy. There are two types of radiation, internal and external. The most common is external, being radiation. A machine generates a high energy beam that is directed at the tumor. Treatment is given daily for a number of weeks. Internal radiation consists of inserting a radioactive substance directly into the tumor or body part afected. The most common side effects of radiation are fatigue, skin changes and loss of appetite. Not everyone experiences side effects. Any side effects should be reported to your doctor who can help find ways to reduce the discomfort.

Skin Cancer

It is estimated that 700,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. This make it the most common type of cancer. There are some types of skin cancer that are highly curable and prventive. However, melanoma is far less common and a much more serious type of skin cancer. If diagnosed early, melanoma can be completely cured, but if left undetected, it can spread throughout the body. Most skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet sun light. You can prevent skin cancer by avoiding the sun's rays between the hours of 10a.m. and 3p.m. When in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. See your doctor if any unusual skin contusions develop.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue resembling the inner lining of the uterus appears at unusual locations in the lower abdomen. Women most commonly affected by this disorder are between ages of 20 and 30. Symptoms of endometriosis may begin abruptly or can develop over many years. Sings and symptoms to watch for are increased pelvic pain during menstrual periods, especially the last days, pain with sexual intercourse, blood in the urine, back pain, pain with intestinal contractions and sometimes blood in the stool. Diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult. In addition to observing symptoms, a physician could use other diagnostic measures such as laboratory studies, x-rays or surgical diagnostic procedures. Without treatment, endometriosis usually becomes increasingly severe. Child birth has been known to sure some women with endometriosis. Also, symptoms can be relieved with medication, and endometriosis is sometimes curable with surgery.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy - surgical removal of the uterus and surrounding organs if necessary, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Women undergo hysterectomies for suspected cancer, fibroid tumors, severe menstrual pain, chronic bleeding or infection, endometriosis, or voluntary sterilization. There are variations of hysterectomy's and different methods of removing the uterus and surrounding organs. Until recently, the common method performed through an incision in the abdomen. In other cases, the uterus was removed vaginally. A newer procedure called laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy or LAVH for short, has become more common. Three to four incisions are made in the abdomen region giving the surgeon access to the organs. A tiny telescope connected to a camera is inserted allowing the surgeon to view a magnified image of the patient's internal organs on a video monitor. Other tube-like instruments are inserted in the remaining incisions. The surgeon is able to detect the uterus and remove it through the vagina. Usually, a couple days hospitalization is required following this procedure. Abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy's usually required four days.

Mammography

General Information

Breast cancer is the number one cause of death by cancer in women. About one in every two women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. An early sign of breast cancer can be a lump that can b felt but not seen. For this reason, doctors encourage women to examine themselves monthly for the early detection of lumps. If you discover a lump, see your doctor immediately, a mammogram may be recommended. This procedure consists of a low dose x-ray of the breast which can help diagnose the lump which has been discovered as well as show a lump so small it can not yet be felt through manual examination. High risk groups include women over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer. A baseline or comparison x-ray is suggested for all women between 35 and 40 years of age. The American Cancer Society then recommends a mammogram every two years between the ages of 40 to 50. A guideline calls for a mammogram every year after age 50. A rate of cure for breast cancer is relatively high when the disease is detected in it early states. If you have questions about self-examination or suspect you may be at high risk, contact your physician.

What is a Mammogram

A mammogram is a safe, low dose x-ray of the breast tissue. It is a very effective way to detect breast cancer. The equipment preferred in mammography uses low dose film screen methods which results in the greatest detail while only exposing the patient to small amounts of radiation. Films are taken in a darkened room and then developed by a special process which enhances the detail. Films are then interpreted by a certified radiologist who will in turn forward the results to your doctor. A mammogram is virtually painless and only takes about 15 minutes. In addition to mammography, your doctor should perform a thorough examination of the breast tissue. While mammography is very effective, it is not conclusive and may not detect some tumors. A women should perform self examination of the breast at least once a month.

Who Needs One

A mammogram is a safe low dose x-ray of the breast tissue. It is very effective in the early detection of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society currently recommends women have an initial mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. Women 40 to 45 years of age should have a mammography every one to two years as recommended by the American Cancer Society. Women over the age of 50 should have mammograms done annually. At any age, women should be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and should any appear, consult their personal physician. The physician will decide if a mammogram is necessary. Such symptoms include lumps, nipple discharge, redness and indentations of the skin or uncommon discomfort. It is highly recommended that every woman perform self examination of the breast at least once a month.

Benefits of a Mammogram

A mammogram is a safe low dose x-ray examination of the breast tissue. It's most important benefit is its early detection of breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime which makes early detection critical. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. There isn't an rule for predicting who will contract the disease and no specific way to prevent it. A woman's most reliable defense against breast cancer is mammography, annual physical exams and monthly self breast examination. The America Cancer Society states early detection and treatment of breast cancer increases a woman's survival rte to almost ninety percent. Breast cancer which is not detected early can spread to other parts of the body and the survival rate drastically drops.

What To Do When You Find a Lump

Each month, a woman should perform a breast self-examination. This should be done at the same time each month. Preferably right after menstruation'. Doing a regular monthly self-exam helps establish what looks and feels normal, making it easier to detect changes such as a lump. If you find a lump, or any other change check the same area of the opposite breast. If you find a similar lumpiness or thickening, the change if probably normal. Some women's breasts have normal areas of thickening. Such as at the base of each breast, or in the upper outer area. These still need to be checked thoroughly for any dominant lump. If you discover something new in one breast, you should report this to your doctor or nurse right away. Most of the time, the change will turn out to be benign. But in the unlikely event of cancer, early detection can make all the difference. When you visit the doctor to discuss the change in your breast, be specific. Show the doctor or nurse exactly where the lump is, and how to find it. You have the greatest familiarity with your own breasts and may be able to detect changes before your doctor can.

Maternity

Diagnosing Pregnancy

Three of the most common signs of early pregnancy are missed period, morning sickness, which can occur any time of day, and tender or swollen breasts. When a woman has been experiencing any of these symptoms, or has other reasons to think that she is pregnant, she may use one of three basic types of pregnancy tests available. The most common and easiest to perform is one of the many home pregnancy tests. This test utilizes a first in the morning urine sample to diagnose pregnancy. If this test is performed correctly, it can give 95% accurate results 15 days following conception. A lab urine test is a procedure similar to the home pregnancy test. A high degree of accuracy is attributed to the test being performed by a trained professional who is more likely to conduct the test correctly. The serum pregnancy test, or blood test can detect pregnancy with 95% plus accuracy as early as eight to ten days after conception and with virtually 100% accuracy six weeks after conception. Questions about symptoms or test options are best answered by a qualified physician, specializing in obstetrics.