Obsession

What Is an Obsession?

Obsessions are persistent, uncontrollable thoughts or ideas. When a fixation on a thought, an idea, or an emotion interferes with a person’s ability to live a happy, productive life, that fixation can be considered an unhealthy obsession. When someone acts on such thoughts, they are considered compulsions (MedlinePlus, 2012).

Having favourite thoughts or ideas that are frequently returned to is normal for many people. Obsessions become a problem when they cause worry, discomfort, and anxiety, and when they interfere with a person’s ability to live a happy and productive life.

Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Obsession?

Obsessions become problematic when disturbing thoughts last for more than hour at a time or begin to interfere with daily life. It is normal, and even necessary, to have persistent thoughts about some things, such as work problems or personal finances. However, what's considered “normal” varies among cultures and is defined by things such as family and community.

Obsessive thoughts commonly focus on:

Dirt and contamination

Aggressive thoughts

Organization and orderliness

Religion

In children, obsessions linked to unrealistic fears can lead to pathology. Parents need to talk to their children about any uncomfortable thoughts they may have (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology, 2013).

Treatments

How Is Obsession Treated?

People who are having trouble dealing with obsessive thoughts or emotions may consider seeing a mental health professional, who will work with them to change thinking patterns.

There are things people can do to keep normal obsessions from becoming a psychological problem (Doverspike, W., 2013), including:

      Get out of your head. Don't analyse an obsession or think about it over and over. Becoming obsessed with an obsession exacerbates it.

      Do something else. Participate in a physical activity or shift to thinking about something positive. Writing about things you enjoy can help, as can exercise.

      Talk to a friend or loved one about your concerns.

      Listen to music or engage in other activities that unlock feelings beneath the surface. This may help you better understand your obsessions.

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What Do You Want to Know About Stress Management?

                                              

Stress is your body’s response to certain situations. It is a subjective condition. Something that may be stressful for one person—speaking in public, for instance—may not be stressful for someone else. Not all stresses are “bad.” For example, graduating from college may be considered a “good” form of stress. 

Stress can affect your physical health, your mental health, and your behaviour. In response to stressful stimuli, your body turns on its biological response. Chemicals and hormones are released that are meant to help your body rise to the challenge. Your heart rate increases, your brain works faster, you have more focus, and you experience  a sudden burst of energy. This response is natural and basic; it’s what kept our ancestors from falling victim to hungry predators.

Stress overload, however, can have harmful effects. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), many people report suffering the health effects of too much stress, and 22 percent say they are under “extreme” stress. We cannot eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn to avoid and manage it.

Is All Stress Bad?

No, not all stress is bad. In fact, it can be healthy because it helps us avoid accidents, power through unexpected deadlines, or stay clear-minded in chaotic situations. But stress is meant to be temporary. Once we’ve passed the “fight or flight” moment, our bodies should return to a natural state—heart rate slows, muscles release, breathing returns to normal. But the circumstances of chronic stress so many of us face as a result of the pressures and demands of our modern lives mean our bodies may frequently be in a heightened state with our heart pumping hard and our blood vessels constricted. Over time, these physiologic demands begin to take a toll on the body. This is the unhealthy side of stress.

What Are the Types of Stress?

Acute Stress

Acute stress is your body’s immediate reaction to a new challenge, event, or demand—the fight or flight response. You may experience a biological response to cope with  the pressures of a near-miss automobile accident, an argument with a family member, or a costly mistake at work. Acute stress isn’t always caused by negative stress; it’s also the experience you have when riding a roller coaster or having a person jump out at you in a haunted house.

Isolated episodes of acute stress should not have any lingering health effects. In fact, they might actually be healthy for you. Stressful situations give your body and brain practice in developing the best response to future stressful situations.

Severe acute stress such as stress suffered as the victim of a crime or life-threatening situation can lead to mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder.

Chronic Stress

If acute stress isn’t resolved and begins to increase or lasts for long periods of time, it becomes chronic stress. Chronic  stress can be detrimental to your health. It can contribute to several serious diseases or health risks, such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

How Should Stress Be Managed?

The goal of stress management isn’t to get rid of it completely. That would be entirely impossible. In fact, stress can be healthy in some situations.

Instead, the goal is to identify a person’s stressors—what it is that causes him or her the most problems, or demands the most energy—and find ways to overcome the negative stress those things normally induce.

By managing chronic stress and episodes of acute stress, when possible, you can reduce your risks of stress-related illnesses and disease. You will also feel better, think more clearly, and relate with others better without the distraction of stress.

Create a Healthy Office

                                     
 Add up the number of hours you spend in your office. How does that compare to the number of waking hours you spend at home? Close to the same? Many people spend seven or more hours each day in their offices, but most rarely think about how those cubes or rooms impact their health. These tips will help you feel as healthy and happy in the office as you do at home.

Get the Right Chair

If you’re sitting in it all day, shouldn't it be doing your back and body some favours? Look for one that has low-back support and adjustable height and arm rests. You should be sitting straight with your knees bent and at 90-degree angles to your ankles. Don’t sit cross-legged for long periods of time. When you sit this way, your spine isn’t straight, and it’s difficult to square your hips and shoulders, upping your chances of back pain. You’re also cutting off blood flow, which increases your risk of varicose veins.

Invest in a Headset

Pinning the phone between your shoulder and ear is an instinctive move for many—but it could be doing a number in your neck and back. Use a headset or speakerphone on longer phone calls. (Just be aware of neighbours if you’re speaking with a speakerphone).

Reduce Headaches

Many headache causers lurk in offices. Identifying them can help you ward them off—and their accompanying headaches.

Keep Smells to a Minimum

Perfumes, candles, hand lotions—they’re all possible culprits if you have a sensitivity to scents. Don’t have them in your office. Politely ask colleagues not to wear heavy perfumes, too. Keep an aspritin-acetaminophen combination over-the-counter medicine (such as Excedrin) handy if all else fails.

Ward off Hunger

For some people, skipping lunch is the fastest way to five o’clock, but doing so may trigger a headache. Low blood sugar is the problem here. But don’t pick up a candy bar for a quick cure. You’ll need something with a mix of protein and carbs—such as peanut butter on wheat toast—to keep you feeling strong longer.

Beat Poor Posture

That’s right—your posture may be causing more than just back pain. Slouching at your desk can put a strain on your neck, which may lead to tension headaches. Adopt proper chair posture, and these headaches should be a thing of the past.

Splash Happy Colours

Though you likely can’t paint your office walls, you can add accessories for an instant mood booster.

·         Reds and violets stimulate your body and cause it to pump more adrenaline. In fact, one British study found that Olympians who wore red body suits in their competitions won more often than those who wore blue. The reason: the researchers think the colour red evokes more energy.

·         Green and yellow evoke feelings of happiness and make you feel more upbeat. In fact, one study out of Amsterdam found that adults reported feeling happier when around these two colours.

·         Blue is a calming colour, and people respond better to challenging tasks when they’re surrounded by it, according to research from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Bring in Some Flowers

Flowers can alter your brain chemistry and make you feel more positive. In fact, one study from Harvard Medical School found that people who kept fresh-cut flowers in their house reported less anxiety and felt more compassionate toward others. Another reason to keep some buds in your cube: women have more innovative ideas and solutions to problems when fresh flowers are near, according to research from Texas A&M University.

What Do You Want to Know About Men's Health?

                                  

Everyone knows the importance of a healthy lifestyle. However, a busy schedule may prevent regular exercise, and you may develop a routine of eating junk foods. You can’t afford to be passive about your health. Take a proactive approach with these simple steps.

Visit the Doctor

Men are notorious for avoiding the doctor and ignoring unusual symptoms. This may in part explain why women live an average of five years longer than men. It’s important for men to be vigilant about their health. Schedule yearly check-ups and keep these appointments. Your doctor can monitor your blood pressure, and can also check for an elevated level of fat and cholesterol in the blood (dyslipidemia). Both are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you find you need an extra push, ask your family to hold you accountable. It’s in your best interest and theirs.

Eat Natural Foods

Packaged and processed foods are often full of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and calories. Avoid the fake stuff, and opt for:

• fresh fruits and vegetables
• whole grains
• fiber-rich foods, such as beans and leafy greens
• fresh fish
• lean cuts of meat and poultry

When shopping for groceries, shop the perimeter of the store. This is where you will find the fresh foods. You should avoid the inside aisles for the most part, as this is where most of the boxed and processed foods are located.

Get Moving 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American men. Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease and keep your ticker strong. Aim for 30 minutes of movement at least five days a week. Aerobic exercise — including walking, jogging, swimming, or sports such as tennis or basketball — is good. Combining aerobic exercise with weight training is even better.

Maintain a Healthy Waist 

To determine if your health is at risk, measure your waist. A waist measurement that is more than 40 inches could be cause for concern, according to WakeMed Health and Hospitals. Men with large waists are at an increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health issues.

Get Your Vitamins 

A daily multivitamin will help ensure your body gets what it needs to function properly.                           Eating whole, vitamin-rich foods serves up extra benefits like plenty of healthy fiber, minerals, and natural antioxidant compounds. Pack your meals with vitamin-rich foods, but keep taking the multivitamin. You may also need to supplement with fish oil for adequate omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3. Many studies suggest that most Americans get too few of these essential nutrients.

Avoid Unhealthy Habits

We are stating the obvious here, but smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. It’s also important to steer clear of people who are actively smoking. Second-hand smoke is also very dangerous. Nearly 3,000 non-smoking Americans die from lung cancer every year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking causes other health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and heart disease. It also contributes to the development of cancer in virtually every organ.

Other health-damaging behaviors include excessive alcohol consumption and recreational or habitual drug use. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, that is no more than two drinks per day, meaning 24 ounces of beer, 10 ounces of wine, or 3 ounces of spirits. Two glasses of wine a day may even lower your risk of heart disease. Doctors do not recommend substituting drinking for healthier activities, such as exercise. Cocaine use can cause heart attacks and strokes, while addictive drugs like opiates lead to many negative health behaviors.

Some men use anabolic steroids to increase their muscle mass. This can lead to serious health consequences. Possible outcomes include sterility, heart disease, skin disease, and behavioral problems. Injection drugs of all sorts can lead to serious infections and skin breakdown at the site of injection.

Protect Your Skin

Melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers. According to the American Academy of Dermatology(AAD), Caucasians and men over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing melanoma. Also, the number of men dying from malignant melanoma has doubled in the past 30 years. This increase is believed to be due to decades of working or playing in the sun without sunscreen or other protective measures. Ironically, it may also be due to declining levels of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D. When outside, use sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Conduct a monthly skin check, looking for new or unusual moles and changes in existing moles. Use a mirror to help see places you cannot readily view. Visit a dermatologist once a year for a full body skin check.

Get Your Prostate Checked

Prostate cancer is the top cancer diagnosis for American men. Talk to your doctor about prostate screening tests. These include the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test for prostate cancer and the digital rectal exam (DRE), which is used to check for an enlarged prostate.

Not all doctors advise annual screenings, but depending on individual risk factors, yours may suggest one or more of these tests to catch potential problems before they seriously threaten your health.

Check for Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s important to begin screening for colorectal cancer starting at the age of 50. A colonoscopy can check for cancer cells in the colon and non-cancerous growths (polyps), which can develop into cancer at a later time.  

What Is Back Pain?

                     

Lower back pain (lumbago) is not a disorder. It’s a symptom. It usually refers to a problem with one or more parts of the lower back like:

• ligaments
• muscles
• nerves
• the bony structures that make up the spine (vertebral bodies)

It can also describe pain caused by a problem with nearby organs, like the kidneys or lungs.

According to the American Associate of Neurological Surgeons, 75 to 80 percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime. Fifty percent of those will have more than one episode. Although it can be painful, in 90 percent of all cases, the pain goes away without surgery. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing back pack.

Understanding the Back

To understand the causes of lower back pain it helps to understand the back. Your back is composed of many parts, including:

• the spine
• muscles
• tendons
• ligaments
• nerves
• blood vessels

The lower spine is one of the keys to low back pain. It’s made up of:

• the bones of the lower spine (lumbar and sacral vertebrae)
• disks of cartilage between the vertebrae
• nerves and your spinal cord
• muscles and ligaments that hold it together

What Causes Back Pain?

The most common causes of lower back pain are strain and problems with back structures.

Strain

Strained muscles and ligaments often cause back pain. Strain commonly occurs with incorrect lifting of heavy objects and sudden awkward movements. Strain can also result from over-activity. An example is the sore feeling and “stiffness” that might occur after a few hours of yard work or after playing a sport.

Structural Problems

Vertebrae are the interlocking bones stacked on top of one another at the back of the torso or trunk of your body. Disks made of cartilage cushion the area between each vertebra. Disk injuries are a fairly common cause of back pain.

Sometimes these disks can bulge (herniate) or rupture. Nerves can get compressed when this happens. Herniated disks can be very painful. A bulging disk pressing on the nerve that travels from your back down your leg can cause sciatica or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be experienced as a pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg.

Abnormalities of the skeleton can also cause back pain. This includes scoliosis or narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis.

Loss of bone density and thinning of the bone (osteoporosis) is very and can lead to fractures in your vertebrae. These fractures can cause serious pain and are referred to as compression fractures.

Other Causes of Back Pain

There are many other potential causes of back pain, but most of these are rare. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience regular back pain that does not go away. After ruling out the more common causes of back pain, your doctor will perform tests to determine if you have a more rare cause. These can include:

• narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• displacement of one vertebral body onto another (degenerative spondylolisthesis)
• loss of nerve function at the lower spinal cord (cauda equine syndrome)
• fungal or bacterial infection of the spine (typically Staphylococcus or E. coli)
• cancer or non-malignant tumor in the spine

What Are the Characteristics of Back Pain?

Back pain can have many symptoms including:

• a dull aching sensation in the lower back
• a stabbing or shooting pain that can radiate down the leg to the foot
• an inability to stand up straight
• a decreased range of motion and diminished ability to flex the back
•  

The symptoms of back pain, if due to strain or misuse, are usually short-lived but can last for days or weeks. Back pain is chronic when symptoms have been present for longer than three months.

Back Pain Symptoms That May Indicate a Serious Problem

The Mayo Clinic recommends you see your doctor if back pain does not improve within the first 72 hours of self-care. There are times when back pain can be a symptom of a serious medical problem. Symptoms that can indicate a more serious medical problem are:

• loss of bowel or bladder control
• numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
• onset following trauma such as a fall or a blow to the back
• intense, constant pain that gets worse at night
• presence of unexplained weight loss
• pain associated with a throbbing sensation in the abdomen
• presence of fever

Risk Factors For Back Pain

You are at an increased risk for back pain if you:

• work in a sedentary environment. Going from a sedentary workplace to high-impact activity can lead to back strain.
• are of older age
• are female
• are obese
• are a smoker

Studies show that your emotional health also has an effect on your risk for back pain. You are at a high risk for back pain if you have a stressful job or suffer from depression and anxiety.

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?

A physical exam is typically all that’s needed to diagnose back pain. During the physical exam, your doctor will test the range of motion of your spine and your ability to sit, stand, and walk. The doctor may also test your reflexes, leg strength, and your ability to detect sensations in your legs.

If a more serious condition is suspected, your doctor might order other tests. These might include:

• blood and urine tests to check for underlying conditions
• X-rays of the spine to show alignment of your bones and check for breaks
• computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess your disks, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels
• bone scan
• electromyography (EMG) to test nerve conduction

Treatment

Medication

The majority of back pain episodes are relieved by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Pain relievers (analgesics) like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are also an option. Except for acetaminophen, these medications should be taken with food because they can irritate the stomach and cause it to bleed.

If back pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe medications that contain a narcotic such as codeine. Low-dose amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can also relieve back pain.

Your doctor might recommend cortisone steroid injections for severe back pain. Pain relief from steroid injections lasts no longer than a few months. The body builds up immunity to the effects of cortisone.

Home Remedies

Ice packs may relieve discomfort and help lessen inflammation in acute phases of back pain. Warm compresses may relieve pain when inflammation has subsided.

Exercises to improve posture and strengthen the muscles of the back and abdominal muscles (core muscles) are a treatment option that should be strongly considered. Improving posture, using proper lifting techniques, and having muscles help to prevent recurrences.

Surgery

Surgery is a treatment of last resort and is rarely needed for back pain. It’s usually reserved for structural abnormalities that have not responded to conservative treatment, severe, unremitting pain, and nerve compression that cause muscles to become weak.

Spinal fusion is a surgery in which painful vertebrae are fused into one single, more solid bone. It helps eliminate painful motion of the spine.

Surgery to partially remove and replace disks and vertebrae may be done to relieve pain caused by degenerative bone diseases.

Alternative Medicine

According to the Mayo Clinic, devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens, a plant in the sesame family) and willow bark (Salix alba) taken orally and capsicum (Capsicum frutescens, chili pepper) plaster applied topically may relieve low back pain. These herbs are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Other alternative therapies include:

• acupuncture
• massage
• chiropractic adjustments
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• progressive relaxation

Be sure to talk to your doctor before undergoing any alternative or complementary treatment. 

What Do You Want to Know About Birth Control?

                                                     

Birth control, also known as contraception, can help prevent an unwanted pregnancy until you are ready to have a baby. Some forms of birth control also help protect you from a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

There are many different types of birth control and no single method is right for everyone. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each type of birth control and select the one most suited to your needs and lifestyle. Think carefully about how easy it is to use and if you are comfortable using it. You will also want to consider if and when you are planning to have children.

Other important questions to consider when choosing a birth control method include:

• Does it contain hormones?
• Does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
• Does it require a visit to a doctor or a prescription from a doctor?
• Does it require preparation right before sex?
• Is it quickly reversible?
• Is it easy to use and will I remember to take it?
• Does it decrease monthly bleeding and cramping (females)?
• Is it noticeable and do I want my partner to be aware that I am using it?
• Is it safe?
• Am I allergic to any of its components?
• Does it have side effects and how long will they last?
• Will it affect my sex drive/sensation during sex?
• How effective is it?
• How much does it cost?
• Am I willing to pay a lot more now if the method lasts for a long time?
• How often do I have to take it?

What Types of Birth Control Are Available?

Some methods of birth control work better than others. The following is a list of the various types of birth control available, sorted by how effective they are at preventing pregnancies.

Extremely Effective (99-100%)

• abstinence: Abstinence is complete avoidance of sex.
• intrauterine device (IUD): This is a small, T-shaped piece of plastic that is put inside a woman’s uterus by a doctor. There are two kinds. A copper IUD releases a small amount of copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. The complete mechanisms of action of hormonal IUDs are not completely understood. There are several different types available, all of which release small amounts of hormones into the uterine cavity. Some of the methods by which this inhibits conception include thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, alteration of the uterine lining to make it inhospitable for a fertilized egg to implant, and also, in some cases, partially suppressing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).
• implants: An implant is a soft plastic rod that is placed just under the skin of your arm by a doctor. The rod releases a synthetic progestin hormone over three years. Its primary mechanism of action is to prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries.
• sterilization: This is a permanent method of birth control that involves cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm (in men) or the tubes that carry eggs to the uterus (in women).

Very Effective (>91%)

• shot: This is an injection of a progestin hormone which is slowly absorbed by your body and prevents any eggs from leaving your ovaries. Each injection works for approximately 12 weeks, so it’s extremely important to receive subsequent injections on schedule if you wish to maintain contraception.
• patch: This is a small sticky patch worn on the skin that sends steady levels of hormones into your bloodstream.
• vaginal ring: This is a soft, plastic ring that you put in your vagina, where it releases a steady dose of sex hormones.
• birth control pills: This is a set of pills usually taken every single day at the same time, which contain hormones called estrogen and progesterone. The pill works by stopping the release of eggs from your ovaries.

Effective (>80%)

• condoms: This is a thin, disposable wrap placed over the erect penis. If used correctly, sperm will be trapped inside the condom and will not be able to get inside the vagina
• cervical barriers (diaphragm, cap, or shield): A cervical barrier is a small rubber cup that you fill with spermicidal jelly and place in your vagina, over the cervix, before sex. This prevents sperm from entering your uterus.

Moderately Effective (>70%)

• spermicides: These are chemicals that come in the form of jellies, creams, or foams that kill sperm. They are usually used together with a cervical barrier, such as a diaphragm.
• sponge: This is a small foam pad soaked in spermicide and placed in the vagina over the cervix.
• fertility tracking: This method involves very carefully tracking changes in your body so you can know when you are most likely to be fertile and when you are not. You are not likely to get pregnant if you have sexual intercourse on the days you are not fertile.

Emergency Contraceptives

Emergency contraceptive pills are used to prevent pregnancy after you have already had unprotected sex (sex without using a birth control method). They are sometimes called the “morning after pill.” They may be used as a backup if your normal birth control method fails or you forget to take it.

Emergency contraceptives can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after sex. They will not work if you are already pregnant.

Ineffective Forms of Birth Control

These methods are not a reliable form of birth control:

• douching
• urinating after intercourse
• feminine hygiene products
• home-made condoms

What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Type?

All methods of birth control, including the emergency contraceptive pill, have been carefully tested and are considered very safe. However, every method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Abstinence

Pros:

₋          There are no health risks.

₋          It’s completely free.

Cons:

₋          It requires self-control and offers no protection if you change your mind and decide to have sex. You should always have another birth control method nearby.

₋          You can still get STDs from oral sex or skin-to-skin contact, such as rubbing each other’s genitals.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Pros:

₋          It lasts up to 12 years (copper IUD) or up to five years (hormonal IUD).

₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.

₋          It is completely undetectable during sex.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          It requires insertion by a doctor.

₋          The cost up front is high ($500 or more).

₋          It may cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

₋          It is possible to get an infection when the IUD is inserted (this is rare).

Implants

Pros:

₋          It is effective for up to three years.

₋          It is convenient and private.

₋          The cost up front is high ($400 or more).

Cons:

₋          It must be inserted and removed by doctor who has had special training.

₋          There’s the possibility of infection at the site of insertion.

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          Periods will change and bleeding may become irregular.

Sterilization

Pros:

₋          It’s permanent and is a good choice for men or women who do not want any more children.

₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use this method.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          It requires surgical procedure by a doctor.

₋          The cost up front is high if you don’t have health insurance.

₋          It is irreversible, so you must be absolutely certain that you don’t want any more children before you decide to take this stop.

₋          It carries typical surgery risks.

Shot

Pros:

₋          You only have to get it four times a year (every 12 weeks).

₋          The effects wear off after the 12-week period.

₋          It reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.

₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.

₋          No one can tell that you are using it.

₋          After a few shots, many women will stop having periods altogether. This is safe.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          It requires a doctor visit.

₋          It may cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

₋          It may decrease the strength of your bones since it lowers your body’s natural estrogen levels.

Patch

Pros:

₋          It’s easier to use than birth control pills and only needs to be changed once a week.

₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.

Cons:

₋          You need to remember to change it every week.

₋          It requires a prescription from a doctor.

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          It may cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

₋          It should not be used if you have a blood clotting disorder.

Vaginal Ring

Pros:

₋          It may clear up acne.

₋          Periods may be more regular, lighter, and less painful.

₋          You do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.

₋          Reversible.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          It requires a prescription from a doctor.

₋          It should not be used if you have a blood clotting disorder.

₋          You must insert and remove it every month.

Birth Control Pills

Pros:

₋          It’s a reversible form of contraception.

₋          They reduce menstrual cramps.

₋          They make periods regular and lighter.

₋          They reduce acne.

₋          They lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer and ovarian cysts.

₋          There are many different types available.

₋          It has a low monthly cost ($10-$50) and may be covered by your health insurance.

Cons:

₋          They do not protect against STDs.

₋          They may interfere with other medications you are taking.

₋          They can cause minor side effects and mood changes, but these should go away after the first few months.

₋          They should not be used by smokers above the age of 35 or by people who have blood clotting disorders.

₋          You MUST remember to take it every day at the same time.

₋          They require a prescription from a doctor.

Condoms

Pros:

₋          They can be purchased over the counter at a drugstore or grocery store without a prescription.

₋          They protects from STDs.

₋          They are inexpensive. You may be able to get them for free at a family planning clinic.

Cons:

₋          Some people are allergic to the latex or liquid used to package the condom.

₋          You have to interrupt sex to put the condom on.

₋          Some men or women do not like to wear them because it decreases or changes sensation during sex.

₋          Condoms are not effective it they break or rip during sex.

Cervical Barriers

Pros:

₋          They do not use hormones.

₋          They are reusable.

₋          They protect against certain STDs.

₋          A barrier can be inserted 24 hours before sex so you do not have to interrupt or stop sex to use it.

Cons:

₋          You need to plan ahead and insert the barrier properly up to 24 hours before sex.

₋          Barriers can dislodge during sex.

₋          They may cause vaginal discharge and odour.

₋          Some people are allergic to the material or the spermicide used with the barrier.

₋          They require fitting by a doctor and a prescription.

Spermicides

Pros:

₋          They can be used by women who smoke or breast-feed.

₋          They may provide lubrication during sex.

₋          They can be bought over-the-counter at a drugstore or grocery store without a prescription.

₋          They do not contain any hormones and will not change your periods.

Cons:

₋          They do not protect against STDs.

₋          They may cause allergic reactions in some people or irritation if used more than twice a day.

₋          You may have to interrupt sex to use a spermicide.

Sponge

Pros:

₋          It can be bought over the counter at a drug store or grocery store without a prescription.

₋          It is easy to insert and can be used for a 24-hour period, during which you can have sex multiple times.

₋          No chemicals or hormones.

Cons:

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          Some people are allergic to the spermicide in the sponge.

Fertility Tracking

Pros:

₋          There are no health risks.

₋          No hormones or chemicals will enter your body.

Cons:

₋          You will need to learn from a trained expert how to check and record your body signs for this method to work.

₋          It requires keeping a daily record (there are also electronic devices and mobile calendars or applications to help keep track of changes).

₋          It does not protect against STDs.

₋          This is only an option for women who have regular periods.

How Do I Choose the Method That’s Right for Me?

Figuring out which method to use can be a bit overwhelming. A method that’s perfect for one woman may not be right for another.

Take a moment to consider all of the important questions and all of the available options. Then weigh the pros and cons of each option as it applies to your own lifestyle and future plans. You may even decide to use a combination of birth control methods for extra protection against pregnancy and STDs.

You can always talk to a doctor or to a clinic that specializes in family planning to help you choose a method that is right for you. The more you know, the more in control you can be of your sexual health as well as when you may want to have children.