Birth Control

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Levlen 

A birth control pill with added attractions

No longer do pharmaceutical companies rely on making single purpose drugs. They've found value in offering people a multipurpose solution for related and unrelated ailments. Levlen is a oral contraceptive that's also prescribed for problems related to the female menstrual cycle and much more.

This is an combination oral contraceptive and all combination oral contraceptives combines two types of hormones as active principles: estrogens and progestins. The medical action on the woman's body prevents the development of the egg in the ovaries and thus conception. Nevertheless, this birth control pill is used for other health conditions besides contraception.

When and how is it's used?

Though the main function of hormonal pills is birth control, doctors also prescribe Levlen to fight health problems such as endometriosis, acne or PMS. Too intense a pre-menstrual syndrome can be treated definite period of time, three months on the average. As for other health conditions, only regular medical checks and constant monitoring can help the doctor determine the length of the treatment.

When you turn to using Levlen as an oral contraceptive you'll have to undergo several medical exams in order to determine whether your health condition allows you to take the pill for an indefinite period of time. In order to assure a 98% efficiency rate it is absolutely necessary that you follow some administration rules.

It is important to maintain the same amount of hormones in the blood; therefore, the pill at the same time every day, preferably before going to bed. If you take it in the evening, you'll find it easier to cope with the possible side effects that may appear during the first weeks of administration.

When you start using this or any birth control pills for the first time, you'll need a seven-day period for the body to adjust to the hormones; in the meantime use a supplementary birth control method to avoid getting pregnant. Your doctor may even suggest that you carry on with the extra protection for at least a full cycle, that is three weeks.

What side effects may occur?

The good news is that non-smoking women have very few chances of suffering from severe side effects during administration. More serious symptoms appear for women who smoke or who have a medical history that includes: liver dysfunctions, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure and breast cancer. Here are some of the most common Levlen side effects that should actually disappear after a few weeks of administration:

* Women who smoke while using it have a higher chance of cardiovascular side effects.

* Women over thirty-five could be more affected by prolonged monthly bleeding, complete cessation of the menstrual bleeding, increased blood pressure and vaginal infections.

* Nausea and sweating are also often associated with administration of this pill during the first three weeks of treatment.

* Weight gain, acne and hairiness have also been reported but on a rare basis.

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Mircette 

The combination birth control pill

Mircette is a combination oral contraceptive that utilizes both progesterone and estrogen to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The synthetic hormones used are Desogestrel, progesterone, and ethil estradiol, an estrogine. Desogestril has lower androgen (male hormone) levels and is reported to hanve a greater effect in inhibiting ovulation than levonorgestrel. Ethinyl estrdiol advantage is that it is absorbed quickly and last in the body longer.

Combination birth control pills work by inhibiting ovulation, thining the uterine walls and thicken the mucus on the cervical walls. Estrogen in Mircette inhibits ovulation while the progesterone effects the changes in the uterus.

Combination pills are usually more effective than single ingredient (estrogen only) oral contraceptives. There are two types of combination pills: those that have non-changing doses of hormones (monophasic) or varying levels of hormones (multiphasic)

Multiphasic birth control comes in two types, Biphasic and triphasic. In both the, estrogine levels remain the same but the progesterone levels vary in strength. Biphasic birth control pills change progeterone hormone levels twice during the 28 day pack and triphasic contraceptive like Ortho Tri-Cyclen, change the strength of progesterone 3 times during the 28 day pack.

In all cases, the last 7 days have no hormones and are provided to maintain the habit of taking pills every day.

There aren't significant differences in the effectiveness between monophasic and multiphasic pills. Deciding on the type requires consulting a doctor and how your body reacts to the medication. It's is possible for someone to go through a few different brands before they find the one that works best for them.

Desogen 

If your looking to treat acne with your birth control pilll, you may need to look elsewhere

Acne isn't just a teenager's problem. It's as much of problem to adults as it is to adolescents. In recent years women taking oral contraceptives have had the benefit of relieving acne, as long as they found a brand that worked well for them. Beware, there could be a big "miss" along the way to finding one that works for you, and that can be worse than no acne treatment at all.

The popular Desogen oral contraceptive is effective at birth control and sometimes helps acne. As will all birth control pills, it works by regulating hormones and this usually comes with some side effects. Some brands have positive side effects like relieving acne. If you're looking for a birth control pill to do double duty, Desogen may not be for you.

Depending on the patient and the severity of acne, some doctors prescribe contraceptive pills to resolve hormone imbalances that lead to sever cases of adult acne. Reports from users of this pill tells us that when it misses treating acne, it misses big. In some cases it makes acne worse.

Some people report it as being a working treatment, noticing their acne clearing up. This birth control pill can work well but it's a good idea to be aware of the negatives.

Taking to prevent acne

Follow the prescription given to you by the doctor and the products manufacture. The regular prescribed dosage is what works for both preventing pregnancy and treating acne in some people. Remember, this is birth control first and an acne treatment second.

If you miss a dose it won't impact your acne much, but it will increase your risk of an unwanted pregnancy. If you do miss a dose you should look at the information sheet that was included with your medication. Normally, it is ok to take a pill as soon as you remember as long as it's within 12 hours from your normal time, but it is important you check this out with your doctor.

It's advised to use a back-up method of birth control if you do miss a dose beyond 12 hours. You are at greater risk of getting pregnant. Your doctor or the product packaging will have instructions on getting back on the regularly scheduled timed dosages.

Acne is a very painful and emotional condition which can be made better with Desogen in some people, while others find that it makes the condition worse. Consult your doctor. They have the experience and you could fit in the category where Desogen well. If you have acne and don't' want to risk getting worse acne, you might be better off asking your doctor for other options.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen 

The first birth control pill approved by the FDA to treat acne...it ain't the last


Ortho Tri-Cyclen
was the first birth control pill to be approved by the FDA to treat acne, YAZ is another. Most think of acne as an adolescent problem that goes away when you "grow up". Nothing could be further from the truth as adult acne is more prevalent than most people realize.

I'm sure we've all had the experience of trying all possible over the counter lotions, wipes, and cleansers during our youth to fight acne. We've all remember most don't work or leave your skin in a very different state than before you used it. Then something magical happens, one day it's just not as bad. Granted you've gotten older so may be that was it. The one or two pimples you get are nothing compared to the horrors of the past.

Sorry to say that this isn't the case for a lot of people. Acne prevails in a large adult population. A study published in the October 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology studied 749 people between the ages of 25 and 58. 54 percent of women and 40% of men in the study group suffered from some form of acne. Additionally, adult acne didn't diminish until the age of 44

Women have more hope than men

First, acne is not caused by dirt and oil. Bacteria that every one has it on the skin, is the cause of acne and clogged, oily pores make and ideal environment for the bacteria to grow. People who are hypersensitive to the bacteria get an immune response, similar to an allergic reaction, and the result is acne we all know says Guy Webster, MD, PhD, vice chairman of the department of dermatology at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia

Hormone manipulation (which is how birth control pills work) could be a solution for some women. All women have some level of androgens and excessive amounts in women are believed to lead to acne. Unfortunately, hormones levels for change drastically during the month and androgen levels can increase. This is believed to be the reason for flash break-outs at some points during the menstrual cycle. The progesterone in Ortho Tri-Cyclen is lower in androgens than in other pills.

Studies Show...

In the November 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, a study on the effectiveness of this pill as an acne treatment was published. 93.7% of the 247 women studied showed an improvement in completion. 65.4% of the placebo group showed improvement as well.

Does this mean you should run out and get oral ontraceptives to treat acne? It really depends on the individual and a doctor consultation.

There is hope, and a lot of women have found an acne treatment built into their birth control.

Ovral 

Combination vs Singl Hormone Oral Contraceptives

Ovral or Ethinyl estradiol and norgestrel, is a combination oral contraceptive pill that prevents ovulation, changes uterine lining and cervical mucus. These two changes to the body prevents pregnancy by

1) Changing hormone levels so that an egg in not released.
2) Thinning the uterine lining make it difficult for an egg to implant
3) Changing the cervical mucus make it difficult for sperm to find the uterus.

This protection strategy is what makes hormonal contraception highly effective.

Combination birth control pills like Ovral, Mircette, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and many others, are usually more effective than single hormone oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen only.

How should I take it?

All medication should be taken as the doctor prescribes it and/or by the manufacture suggests. Changing the amounts, or time you take it, could change how effective Ovral birth control pill can be.

Start the oral contraceptive on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions)

Condoms or a spermicide should used as a back up means of birth control when you first start using this medication. (Follow your doctor's instructions).

The contraceptive comes in a 28 day pack. One pill is to be taken every day, at the same time of day. There are 21 hormonal pills and 7 "filler" pills. Take them all. Breaking the regularly prescribed dosage raises the risk getting pregnant. Remember to get the prescription refilled before the one you are using runs out.

A few Precautions

Any doctor you see needs to know your taking this or any birth control pill because that information has an effect what treatments, or other drugs you can be given. Also, medical tests or surgery are time when your doctor needs to know what birth control pill you are taking. You may have to stop oral contraceptives because of incompatibilities with medical test or surgery.

You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Alesse 

An effective combination birth control pill

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol, known as Alesse, is an effective birth control method. This is a combination oral contraceptive that prevents ovulation and changes the uterus so that eggs have extreme difficulty implanting. The drug is also marketed under a few different brands including: Aviane, Levlite, Levlen, Levota, Tri-leven, Triphasil, Trivora and Triphasil-28.

This brand or other brands

Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol are the synthetic hormones used in Alesse and the other brands. Levonorgestrel is the estrogen and Ethinyl Estradiol is the progestin. This doesn't mean that they are identical. The difference is mainly due to the dosages and whether or not the birth control pill is triphasic, biphasic or uniphasic. If you are to switch between brands thinking they are the same you might be surprised by the way the new brand interacts with your body. A doctor's consultation would be best.

What are mutlphasic oral contraceptives?

Combination birth control pills contain both estrogen and progestin and they are mutiphasic or singlephasic. A singlephasic pill will have the same dosage throughout the entire 21 day pack pills. The other 7 pills (of 28) have no hormones and are there to maintain the habit of taking them regularly. In multiphasic pills the dosage of progestin changes during the 21 days. Estrogen levels usually remain the same. In biphasic pills there are two different levels of progestin and in triphasic there are 3. The levels of hormones and the way they are delivered change from brand to brand even though the actual hormones are the same.

Usage Precautions

Women who are pregnant should not take any hormonal oral contraceptives as well ass women who have just given birth. Anyone with heart problems, blood clots or circulatory problems related to diabetes, uterine or breast cancer (cancers related to hormones), high blood pressure, abnormal menstrual bleeding and liver problems is also advised to avoid Alesse. Also, smokers especially if they are over the age of 35 should avoid hormonal contraceptives.

When starting out using any birth control pill, it's a good idea to use another form of birth control such as condoms or a spermicidal cream as a backup. Your doctor can give specific information as to how long a period of time to use a back up plan before relying on the contraceptive pill alone.

Tri Levlen 

Everything You Need to Know

Tri Levlen (ethinyl estradiol plus levonorgestrel) is a three phase (3 hormone levels) oral contraceptive that imitates the natural menstrual cycle. The combination or hormones prevent ovulation and changes the cervical mucus lining. These two changes make it and effective means of birth control. Eggs stay in the ovray when ovulation is prevented. Changing the uterine lining make egg implantation helps prevent egg implantation and makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.

Who is it for?

Tri-Levlen is for women who want to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Women who suspect they are pregnant or who have just had a child should not be on birth control medication. Hormone level are changed using hormonal birth control pills and the changes can affect the development of a fetus or a nursing mother as the hormones may pass on the feeding baby.

Do you need to undergo a medical test or surgery? Do you need to go on bed rest? Then your doctor may require you to stop taking this, or any oral contraceptives, at least temporarily.

What you should know

A doctor will examine your medical history full y before prescribing Trui-Lelen for birth control. People who have a history of blood clot, stroke, diabetes-induced circulation, any hormonal-related cancers (like uterine or breast cancer), liver disease cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, migraine headaches, severe high blood pressure, valve disorders are advised to stay away from Tri Levlen. Also smokers 35 are advised there is a higer risk of cardiovascular problem because of the interactions of the nicotine drug and Tri-Levlen

Proper dosage

Take one pill every day, 24 hours apart. When your supply runs out, immediately start using a new pack. Remember that if you fail to use this pill regularly, you may get pregnant. Make it a habit to have your prescription refilled way before you completely run out. Also, your doctor may require to see you regularly while you are on Tri Levlen. Be sure to attend every appointment. Do not stop nor resume intake without your doctor's advice.

Desogen Birth Contrill Pill 

What You Need to know

Desogen is prescription medication and is a widely used oral contraceptive pill. It uses a combination of hormones that that do three things to prevent pregnancy. It prevents ovulation (the release of eggs), makes it difficult for an egg to implant in the uterus and makes it unlikely for sperm to reach the uterus.

All medications have pros and cons so it follows that birth control pills aren't any different. Your doctor will look at your medical history to determine if the contraceptive is right for you. There are some health conditions that don't "mix" well with Birth control pills. Although a person of average health shouldn't have a problem, a doctors consultation is always the thing to do.[

Who shouldn't use Desogen birth control pill?

You should not use it if any of the following are true:

- you are pregnant
- you recently gave birth
- you have had a stroke
- you have suffered from circulation problems
- you have suffered from breast cancer
- any history of jaundice caused by other contraceptive pills

If you have any of the following conditions you should notify your doctor before starting to taking

- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- depression
- diabetes
- epilepsy
- irregular periods

Since birth control pills change hormone levels, they should not be taken during pregnancy. A developing unborn child can be affected by hormone levels and in some cases this can lead to birth defects.

Women who have recently given birth are advised to stay away from Desogen or any oral contraceptives that changes hormone levels. They should be cautious when taking it while breastfeeding as some of this medication can be passed on in the milk. The production of milk is also affected by this birth control pill. It's advisable not to use when nursing.

If you're over 35 and smoke taking the drug leaves you more open to the onset of heart attacks because of the interactions with nicotine.

How should it be used?

It takes time for hormone levels to reach the point where they work consistently to prevent pregnancy. During that time it is advisable to use a back up method of birth control like a condom and/or spermicide.

Usage instructions are easy to follow. Problems arise when dosages are missed. Missed dosages can be made up as long as it's within a12 hour period. Beyond that, you may need to double up on pills until you get back on the dosage schedule. If you miss taking the pill for more than a day you run the risk getting pregnant. Consult your doctor for details.

Ortho Try-Cyclen Review 

Ortho tri cyclen is a contraceptive, which is taken orally. In order to prevent pregnancy you should take it every day. It contains a low dose of hormones. This helps to be decreased the level of the hormone that causes acne. That is why according to be web site www.orthotri-cyclen.com, women who take in it have clear skin. This means that you can take it and you will have double-effect - you will be protected against pregnancy and you will enjoy a clear skin. Can you believe it?

It prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. This is possible because it consists of two hormones called norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is very important to add that these two hormones are in very small doses in Ortho. it also prevents the sperm from entering the cervix by thickening the cervical mucous.

In order to be sure that you are fully protected from pregnancy, you should take it every day following the prescribed dose. Not even one pill should be skipped. During the cycle, pills should be taken every day. On Sunday, you should start a new package.

Your menstrual cycle will soon after you take the first colored pill of the package. If the package is finished, take a new package of Ortho tri-cyclen. Be sure you have not skipped a dose. Side effects of it may be weight gain. This a side effect of almost every contraceptive pill. But let me remind you that it is a low dose hormone contraceptive so the chance of gaining weight is no greater than with the other kinds of pills.

The benefits you gain from it, besides from pregnancy prevention, are that you will have less cramping and you will have lighter periods.

You should be warned that there are medicines that are able to decrease the efficacy of it. Such medicines are some antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, barbiturates, and medications used to treat tuberculosis.

For women who are 35 and over, there is a risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent this from happening, women who are over 35 should give up smoking while they are taking any kind of oral contraceptive. Women who suspect that they are pregnant should not take an y birth control pill. As well, women who have experienced blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and other also should not take this birth control pill.

If you have experienced no circulation or cardiovascular problems, the risk of blood clot, stroke, or heart attack are very small, although smoking can increase it.

by MikeDeVonish

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