Archive for category Birth Control

Options For Permanent Birth Control

Many women choose to undergo a permanent birth control procedure while this procedure has become a medical necessity for many others. Permanent birth control can be achieved through several effective methods these days. One such popular method is the tubal ligation by which a woman can be sterilized by tying, clipping or having the ends of the fallopian tubes burnt.

Any of the above mentioned methods will help prevent the egg from entering the uterus, where the fertilization takes place. Sterilization through this method is referred to as electro-cauterization. In earlier days, this procedure was performed through the vagina of a woman and at times, it took months to completely recover from the procedure.

Currently there are several alternative procedures to tubal ligation. Tubal ligation itself is performed by three different methods. Within 2 days of a woman delivering a baby, a procedure called minilaparotomy which lasts 20 minutes, is performed. This is not considered to be a major surgery and is usually performed with the patient under local anesthesia. This procedure of sterilization has been preferred by many women over oral contraceptives.

Laparoscopic treatment is the second type of tubal ligation. A small incision is made in the abdomen area and a small quantity of carbon dioxide is placed inside. This procedure is done by experienced surgeons only as it requires the usage of certain special surgical instruments. The entire procedure lasts only ten minutes and the patient can recover very quickly without any complications.

Using a laser or some other electro device, the fallopian tubes are fused together and clipped by bands. Laparoscopy is the third type of tubal sterilization that is often performed soon after a cesarean delivery. Since the fallopian tubes are visible immediately after the delivery, the surgeon can perform the procedure freely with more room and freedom.

There are other procedures of permanent birth control that are practiced and hysteroscopic sterilization is one such method that is mostly performed on outpatients. Through the vagina of the woman, a small tube is inserted into the opening of the fallopian tubes, thereby blocking the tube and preventing any possibility of pregnancy. Recovery time after this procedure is about 24 hours and there are no risks of any side effects. The position of the inserted tube can be verified through an imaging x-ray several months after the procedure. Another popular sterilization procedure is ‘Essure’ which involves no surgery, laser treatments or altering the fallopian tubes. Read the rest of this entry »

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Birth Control and the Importance of Choice

In weighing birth control options, “How much is plan B?” is a vital question to ask. Each birth control method differs from the other, and these differences aren’t manifested only in terms of cost. They differ in the way they are administered, in how often they need to be used, in how long they stay effective, in their possible side effects, and others. Also, each birth control method needs to fit the needs of the person who wants to use it, so it’s mostly on a case-by-case basis. However, before even beginning to weigh these options, people first need to understand exactly what this is all about.

Birth control or contraception is an important aspect of family planning. All living beings are precious, and the quality of life is something we need to guard conscientiously. When babies are born in this world, it should be because they are wanted. It should be because their parents are excited to see them and give them full, quality lives. Raising a child is an enormous responsibility, and only those who are ready to take that responsibility should do it. This is precisely one of the reasons why contraceptives exist. Contraceptives are there to prevent any unwanted pregnancies, thereby ensuring the quality of life – not only for the babies that do get born, but for the children who are already here. Various methods of birth control have been used to plan the spacing between children, and families are all the better for it. Timing is a very important part of family planning, because not only should they ask themselves if they are responsible enough to raise a child, they should also ask themselves if NOW is a good time to do so. This proactive stance parents take is admirable, because it shows that they are really giving a lot of thought into planning their family life.

Of course, this isn’t just about family planning. It is also useful for a lot of health reasons. Some contraceptives have been used to prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases, which continue to affect so many people everywhere in the world. We live in different times, and people are free to make their own choices, but to be responsible about those choices is another thing. No sexually active adult in the right mind would risk contracting a sexually transmitted disease if properly educated about it and the ways to prevent it. This is another reason why contraceptives exist.

At the end of the day, this is about the choices we make. Choosing to practice birth control is actually about taking responsibility for your sexual life. But the choice does not end there. Birth control is not a bag of jelly beans that people pick randomly from. You know your individual needs, so the next step is to fit those needs with the various options available. The bottom line is that it’s important to make an informed choice when it comes to birth control, and because information is now readily available, this shouldn’t be too hard to do. Read the rest of this entry »

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