Is it safe to take birth control pills and antidepressants at the same time?
18Aug

Walk-in Clinic Offering Abortion Pills – We Respect Your Choice

There can be several reasons why you might want to get an abortion done. And no matter what your reason is, we respect your choice. We understand that you are not prepared for pregnancy. But, before you take any drastic steps, you should have the right information that can guide you and help you make a smart choice. When you are looking for ways to terminate the pregnancy, it is very important to understand the implications of the method of pregnancy termination that you choose. The best thing that you can do here is to visit a walk-in abortion clinic. Now, while there are several clinics that can offer guidance, consultation, and required treatment after an appointment, sometimes, you need a quick response. It is not always possible that you wait for an appointment. Pregnancy, if unwanted, is an emergency for most women. And a walk-in abortion clinic helps get instant help in such situations. Now, if you are looking for abortion using the abortion pill, you need to act fast. It is best to get an abortion early on in pregnancy for the best results. Some of the reasons for this include:
  • The success rate of abortion is much higher.
  • The dosage of medication required for pregnancy termination is less.
  • Bleeding and abdominal pain are minimum.
  • Chances of ectopic are low.
Also, if you get an abortion pill early on, you don’t have to face the mental frustration for longer. Again, it is essential to talk to your medical care provider before you make the final call. At Her Smart Choice, we are always available for you. No matter what reasons you have for pregnancy termination, you will have our complete support always. And it will not just be blank support, but guidance and advice as well. We will make sure that the decision that you take is in the best interest of your mental, physical, and sexual well-being. We have a walk-in facility, and for urgent cases that need immediate attention, we offer quick care. If you have time, you can schedule an appointment online or via call. But, if not, we will help you whenever you need us. When you visit our facility, we offer our services in three phases: Phase 1: The first phase includes getting to know you. We make sure that we understand your physical health conditions, mental condition, and social situation. The options that you will be getting from experts at Her Smart Choice will be in line with your overall needs. Phase 2: Options for Treatments. We respect your choice and we are always working towards helping you make an informed and smart choice. We try and offer multiple solutions to your problem so that you can choose the one that suits you the best. Phase 3: Treatment and aftercare. We believe in building long-term relations with our patients. We are not like most clinics that offer abortion pills. We feel our responsibility does not end after we have given you the treatment. We will always be available to help you. Make smart life choices with Her Smart Choice![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]    
Abortion, Abortion clinic, Abortion pills, abortion services
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Birth control clinic
21Jul

Visiting an Abortion Clinic – How Can It Help?

You had many plans in life, right? And pregnancy wasn’t one of them.  However, if you are pregnant and do not wish to take the pregnancy to term, finding a women’s abortion clinic is the first step that you should take. We understand that social, psychological, and even financial inhibitions might force you to take drastic measures but you need to stay calm. Help of all sorts is readily available and you just need to look at the right place. If you are pregnant and wish to abort, here are three simple ways in which an abortion clinic can help you:  

  • Provide Consultation

  It is not always the case that you know what’s best for you. You could always have someone advise you on what you should do next. During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. These changes are physical as well as psychological. Experts at an abortion clinic will not just give you information about the medical aspects but also offer psychological support.  

  • The Right Way to Abort

  Most people don’t really know the options that they have. If you do not want to become a mother just yet, you have several safe ways for abortion. And surgical abortion is just one of them. You can make use of abortion pills or IUDs as well. What method of abortion is used depends on your preference, your health condition, and the stage of pregnancy. Experts at Her Smart Choice will help you make an informed choice. We offer complete information, explain the options available, and constantly support you in all possible ways so that you feel confident about making a smart choice.

    • Financial Aid

If you are financially not ready for pregnancy, abortion might seem like the best option, right? But, abortions are also not free of cost. Being a medical procedure, you need to pay certain fees. However, that does not mean you have no help available. If you are financially unstable, experience struggles like homelessness or your pregnancy is a result of sexual abuse or even if you are below 18 years of age, you can get financial help. Her Smart Choice aims to make abortion affordable for everyone who needs it. When you visit one of our facilities, we will make sure we offer you as much financial aid as possible. This is in the form of low-cost abortions as well as helping you find funding organizations for the procedure. Her Smart Choice believes in the freedom of women. We believe that women have the right to choose what happens in their life. Pregnancy, sexual health, wellness, and abortion are issues that need to be openly discussed. We make sure you get the right information, advice, consultation, care, and treatment at all times. Our low-income abortion clinics aim to help girls and women make the smart choice by ensuring that you have the information, guidance, and funding needed for the same. We care for you and your life and take all possible efforts to help you make the smartest choice for your well-being, both mental and physical.  
Abortion, Abortion clinic, Abortion pills
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13Mar

Is it safe to take Birth Control Pills and Antidepressants at the same time?

With Antidepressant Prescriptions Skyrocketing in the United States, it creates a unique debate for women - who to listen to? Their Psychiatrist or OB/GYN? The incidence of depression has increased drastically over the past few decades. Women are more prone to develop depression due to several factors that are common as well as completely independent of the causative factors in men.    The mounting job pressure, demands of career and family responsibilities, commuting to workplace, academic failures, loss of near ones, and an unpleasant event in life are the factors that can make men as well as women prone to develop depression.   Factors such as postpartum depression and premenstrual syndrome occur specifically in women resulting in mild to severe depression. With Antidepressant Prescriptions Skyrocketing in United States, it creates a unique debate for women - who to listen to? Their Psychiatrist or OB/GYN? Since these conditions tend to occur during the reproductive years, it is likely that women would have to use antidepressants prescribed for relieving depression together with birth control pills.    Hence, there is a need to understand how birth control pills and antidepressants interact with each other and whether it is safe to use both these medications at the same time.  

Why is it important to understand the interactions between birth control pills and antidepressants?

Is it safe to take birth control pills and antidepressants at the same time?

      Generally speaking, most antidepressants do not interact with the action of oral contraceptive pills, also called birth control pills. For example; wo men who are using hormonal contraceptives may be prescribed an antidepressant like Prozac if they suffer from symptoms such as extreme mood changes, lack of interest in daily activities, and so on.  Prozac is a type of antidepressant containing fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). In this case, Prozac may not interfere with the action of the birth control pills causing pregnancy. However, this doesn't mean it is safe to use these medications together. Because the combined action of the two may potentially cause drastic changes in the mood.  Antidepressants like Prozac are known to affect the production and release of hormones in the body. And since birth control pills are comprised of synthetically prepared female reproductive hormones like progesterone and estrogens, the risk of interaction between these medicines can not be ignored.  Similarly, there are a number of antidepressants each having the potential to alter the body's physiological processes and the hormonal balance. Hence, women in reproductive age who use birth control pills need to be aware of how these antidepressants can affect the action of their contraceptive pills in order to avoid side effects and prevent the reduced effectiveness of both.   

Birth control pills and antidepressants

  As discussed earlier, women are likely to develop depression due to a number of reasons. Biological, relationships, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are the factors unique to women and thought to contribute to their higher risk of depression. The hormonal changes occurring in the body before and during menses can result in a condition called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. The common signs and symptoms of PMS include mood changes, irritability, heaviness in the breasts, abdominal pain, and cramps in legs.  In some cases, the symptoms are so severe that they prevent the woman from carrying out routine activities. Women who experience severe symptoms of PMS are often advised to use antidepressants.  However, these drugs may worsen mood swings and irritability and even cause a failure of the contraceptive pills they are using. Also, the continuous use of antidepressants may not be appropriate or necessary in such cases as the symptoms tend to occur only before and during menstrual periods. These factors must be taken into consideration before women start using antidepressants to manage PMS while also using birth control pills.  Similarly, women may also experience severe postpartum depression following childbirth due to the hormonal changes occurring in the body during this phase as well as the sudden lifestyle changes and challenges posed by motherhood.  Breastfeeding itself acts as a natural method of contraception during the initial few months after delivery when the mother is breastfeeding the child. However, once the woman stops breastfeeding, she may need to use birth control pills to avoid pregnancy until she feels she is ready for the second child.  In this case, it is important to be aware of the interactions between the antidepressant she is using and the birth control pills, especially if the symptoms of postpartum depression are severe necessitating long-term use of the antidepressant drug. Similarly, there are various other situations when women of reproductive age may have to use birth control pills and antidepressants together. This is why; women should take efforts to find out how these drugs affect each other’s actions, alter their effectiveness, or cause side effects.   

Use of birth control pills, and antidepressants for PMDD

PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition similar to PMS. In fact, PMDD is a more intense form of typical premenstrual syndrome. The common signs of this condition are severe anxiety, extreme irritability, and drastic mood swings.  Women who have a history of postpartum depression or mood disorders are prone to develop premenstrual dysphoric disorder.  PMDD is often confused with depression as both these conditions cause similar symptoms such as sadness, despair, increased sensitivity to criticism, suicidal thoughts, and so on. The use of antidepressants is common in women with PMDD. However, it should be noted that the symptoms of PMDD are linked to the hormonal changes typically occurring around ovulation and before periods.   Hence, the use of antidepressants may not be appropriate in such cases, especially if the woman is already using birth control pills and wishes to avoid pregnancy.  It has been found that most women find remarkable relief in their symptoms of PMDD by simply using birth control pills. The use of oral contraceptives has been found to work more effectively than antidepressants in reducing the symptoms of PMDD as well as in some cases of PMS. Let us have a look at how birth control pills could help to relieve PMDD.  Most birth control pills contain synthetic versions of female reproductive hormones called estrogens and progesterone. These hormones help to prevent conception by inhibiting the process of ovulation. These pills also provide the body with a steady dose of estrogens without any peaks or drastic fluctuations. This action helps to prevent the release of eggs by the ovaries.  Later, oral contraceptive pills start delivering a fixed amount of progesterone to stop the growth of the uterine lining called endometrium. Finally, most birth control pills have a 7-day dosage schedule of placebos, which cause the hormonal levels to fall resulting in your periods to start.  The menstrual flow that begins during the use of placebo pills is a withdrawal bleeding caused as a reaction to the lack of supply of hormones. This is the basic action by which most birth control pills help to prevent pregnancy. Since these pills deliver estrogens and progesterone in steady doses, they can make the hormone levels in your body more predictable thereby controlling the symptoms caused due to hormonal imbalances. For example; cramps in the legs and abdomen caused due to PMS or PMDD may be relieved by using oral contraceptives. These pills work by controlling the production of prostaglandin, which is responsible for causing excessive uterine contractions. Also, mood swings, depression, and anxiety caused due to the fluctuations in the levels of hormones can also be relieved by the steady release of estrogens and progestogen achieved through the use of oral contraceptives.  This points to the need to avoid or minimize the use of antidepressants and instead, use only birth control pills to relieve PMDD and PMS while preventing conception. This strategy can also allow women to avoid the side effects of antidepressants known to occur due to their prolonged usage.   This is one of the reasons why the simultaneous use of birth control pills and antidepressants is not recommended. In some cases, it could worsen the side effects of antidepressants; in some cases, it may lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills; and in some cases, it may be unnecessary.  

Can antidepressants lower the effectiveness of birth control pills?

Antidepressants like SSRIs may interfere with the action of glands that produce hormones in the body. This could alter the levels of estrogens and progesterone in women. Antidepressants can also alter the bioavailability or the amount of circulating hormones in the body.  The fluctuating levels of estrogens and progesterone due to the use of antidepressants can, thus, change the balance of female reproductive hormones thereby lowering the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. This can not just result in a few side effects associated with hormonal imbalances but may also lead to an unintended pregnancy. Some women may also experience increased mood swings and irritability as side effects of the hormonal medications. Hence, if women find exacerbations in their symptoms of depression, PMS, or PMDD, it could be attributed to the interactions between antidepressants and birth control pills. A change in the antidepressant or the birth control pill, in such cases, may alleviate the symptoms.  However, the way antidepressants alter the action of oral contraceptive spills varies among women. There are differences in the levels of estrogens and progesterone from woman to woman. At the same time, the way the compounds in antidepressant drugs are metabolized in the body can also change depending on the specific health issues or metabolic rate and dysfunctions in different women.  These factors need to be taken into consideration while determining how the antidepressants can alter the action and effectiveness of oral contraceptives. In some women, the use of antidepressants may cause a bigger drop in the effectiveness of birth control pills while in some, it may not interfere with each other’s actions much.  The use of anti-seizure medications Anti-seizure mediations, as the name suggests, are prescribed to women who suffer from seizures or convulsions. However, the use of these drugs is not limited to seizures.  Most women with depression are also prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important to mention that these drugs are known to decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. For example, anti-seizure medications like Lamotragene, Tegretol, and Topomax, which are commonly prescribed to treat depression or stabilize bipolar disorder, can affect the hormonal balance in the body resulting in the failure of oral contraceptives.  Hence, women suffering from depression or seizures should inform the physician about the use of oral contraceptives and their desire to avoid pregnancy so that appropriate medications can be prescribed to them.  In case anti-seizure drugs must be prescribed to relieve severe depression, it is best to adopt additional measures of contraception such as condoms or diaphragms in combination with oral contraceptive pills to avoid pregnancy.   

Can birth control pills trigger depression?

Most women are concerned about mood changes and depression that may occur due to the use of birth control pills. Not just oral contraceptive pills but also the other hormonal birth control methods such as the patches, implants, rings, injections, and IUDs have been reported to have caused depression in some women. The rising cases of depression associated with the use of these hormonal medications have led to several research studies. Most of these studies have not shown any definitive association between the use of hormonal methods of contraception and depression. In fact, a critical review of these studies has revealed that the overall percentage of women that can develop depression due to hormonal contraception was very small.  It has been found that just 2.2% of women who used hormonal contraception developed depression in comparison to 1.7% who did not. These findings suggest that only some women could be susceptible to this side effect.  Hence, women need not avoid adopting hormonal birth control methods for the fear of developing depression. On the contrary, the hormonal balance achieved through the use of oral contraceptive pills has been associated with relief from the existing symptoms of depression.  The mood-stabilizing action of birth control pills is so effective that it may help women avoid the use of antidepressants known to cause serious side effects.  The Bottom Line Birth control pills and antidepressants have a complicated relationship. The type of antidepressant or oral contraceptive used, the body composition, and stages in the menstrual cycle need to be considered to evaluate the possible interactions between these drugs.  Women must seek the advice of a gynecologist and psychiatrist and inform them of the medications they are already using and their intentions to avoid conception so that the physicians can recommend appropriate treatments.    To schedule an appointment, please Click Here   How Do Women Feel After A Pregnancy Termination?   For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com.  Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.       antidepressants, Prozac, postpartum depression, premenstrual syndrome, bi-polar, borderline, seasonal affect disorder, psychiatrist, birth control, obgyn, women's ealth, pregnancy prevention    With Anti-Depression Prescriptions Skyrocketing in United States, it creates a debate for women - who to listen to? Their Psychiatrist or OB/GYN? Is it safe to take birth control pills and antidepressants at the same time?        
Birth Control
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04Feb

IUD: Most Common Myth’s: Breaking the Misconceptions

An Intrauterine Device or IUD is among the most effective birth control methods that you can use, especially when there are chances of human error with other methods such as the breaking of a condom while having sex or forgetting to ingest an oral contraceptive pill.  An IUD is found to be 90 times more successful as a birth control method in comparison to male condoms and 45 times more successful in comparison to the contraceptive pill.  The T-shaped, tiny device is also easily reversible and long-lasting. After a physician inserts or places an IUD in your uterus, it may prevent the occurrence of pregnancy for about three to 10 years depending on the model you choose. Currently, there are four models available; three of them release a low amount of hormones gradually. The fourth model is hormone-free and it has a copper coil curled around, which creates a reaction in your body. Due to this reaction the uterus becomes toxic to sperm and fertilization doesn’t occur.  Using an IUD can return your fertility faster after its removal. This is especially helpful if you want to conceive in the future.  Despite all the benefits, there are lots of myths that surround the use of an IUDs. Some females believe that an IUD is approved only for older females who already had kids. Others are scared to use it as they have heard many horror stories regarding the insertion of an IUD and the pain it causes.  Each birth control method can’t fit every woman and each one of them prefers to have a different type of contraception. However, by having enough information regarding your options for birth control and by recognizing the myths surrounding them you can choose the best birth control method. 

The following are the most common myths regarding IUDs

Myth 1: Having an IUD before having kids can put you at risk

This is far from the truth; instead, the opposite of this is true. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend an IUD as the first choice of birth control for sexually active adolescents, as they are very effective and safe. According to them any woman who has undergone puberty and has matured sexually can use an IUD. 

Myth 2: IUD insertion is very painful

Another common myth is that an IUD insertion can be very painful. Some women believe that placing an IUD can be the most painful event of their lives. However, the ability to tolerate pain is different for every woman. Hence, an IUD insertion may be painful for some but not a big deal for others.  Though an IUD placement is indeed unpleasant, for the majority of the women, this pain remains for a short duration. The pain may feel like a few menstrual cramps ranging from mild to severe.  If you have any such apprehension you should discuss with your physician your tolerance to pain before getting an IUD. Most women get them inserted without any kind of problem. Moreover, you should consider the fact that a couple of minutes of pain and discomfort can give you five or more years of efficient and worry-free contraception. 

Myth 3: The IUD may fall out

Another common myth that many women believe is that their bodies can expel or throw out the IUD from their uterus. This may happen; however, it is very unlikely. It occurs in about three to five percent of the females and if it happens it will most likely happen within two to three months of getting the device placed. The expulsion of an IUD increases your risk of having an unintended pregnancy. Due to this reason physicians recommend that females use another birth control method as a backup for the initial several weeks after they get the device.  You must be aware of what happens when in case an IUD does fall out. Sometimes, you may have a severe cramp or pass a large blood clot and the device will also come out of the uterus with it.  In case you think that your device is no longer in its place, ask your physician to teach you the method to check the string of the device (it is a thin thread made of nylon, which hangs out of your cervix in the vagina and makes the removal of the an IUD easy). You may also ask your doctor to check the IUD for you. 

Myth 4: An IUD can cause infertility and infection

There is a history behind this rumor. In the 60s and 70s, there was an IUD on the market that was bad. It led to infertility in women. Some women lost their wombs and others were left dead. Though this IUD was removed from the market, its nightmarish legacy continues to affect the modern-day IUD. 
IUD: Most Common Myth’s: Breaking the Misconceptions
Holding an IUD birth control copper coil device in hand, used for contraception - front view
Furthermore, some physicians form part of this problem. Although data from 40 years demonstrate that current IUDs don’t increase the risk of infection in a woman and are safe to use, some physicians misinform their patients. According to a survey published in the Journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, 30 percent of the gynecologists, obstetricians, nurses, physician assistants, and family doctors believe that IUDs are unsafe for females who have never delivered a baby.  The IUDs used presently are safe and effective and don’t lead to infections or infertility. Infection associated with the insertion of an IUD may occur probably because the IUD or instruments carry with them germs from your lower genital area. If the bacteria are normally present in your genital tract, then some mechanism eliminates or removes this contamination automatically from your uterus shortly after the device is inserted and the infection doesn’t occur. Your doctor can further reduce your risk of getting an infection by following the routine procedures to prevent infection such as the “no-touch” technique of insertion (in this technique the doctor doesn’t let the uterine sounds (instruments) or IUD touch any surface that is unsterile such as speculum, hands, tabletop or vaginal walls). 

Myth 5: The physician has to induce a uterine contraction to place an IUD in the uterus

Though the term uterine contraction is related to labor, a cramp and uterine contraction are essentially similar or same - a squeezing sensation of your uterus, a sensation, which you must have experienced before. Women get cramping or uterine contractions during periods as their cervix opens slightly to expel the menstrual blood.  When the doctor places an IUD, they open the cervix slightly, initially to take the measurement of your uterus and then place the device. Both these activities can stretch your cervix and cause a big cramp. However, no medication is given to produce a contraction or cramp that you feel. 

Myth 6: An IUD work by inducing abortions

Some people don’t like to use an IUD as a birth control method as they have the incorrect belief that it prevents conception by inducing abortions. This is not true. In the majority of the cases, an IUD works by preventing the fertilization of an egg. The copper-containing IUD acts as a spermicide and kills or impairs the sperms so that they are unable to fertilize the egg. Progestin containing IUD causes thickening of your cervical mucus, which prevents the sperms from entering your uterus. In very rare cases, an IUD may prevent implantation and this is also considered a birth control or contraceptive effect of the IUD. 

Myth 7: An IUD is not a very effective birth control method

Some women have the incorrect belief that an IUD is not a very effective birth control method or that its birth control effects are lost only after a couple of years from the time it is placed. On the contrary, an IUD is greater than 99 percent effective. Both the copper-containing and hormonal IUDs are very effective birth control methods. They are one of the most efficient reversible birth control methods.  The hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy in about 998 females out of 1000 females who use it during the first year. Over five years of use, about five to eight females out of 1000 females may become pregnant. You can use this IUD for up to five years. The copper-containing IUD prevents pregnancy in about 994 females out of 1000 females who use it during the first year. During the 10 years of use, about two out of 100 females may become pregnant. This IUD remains effective for about 12 years. 

Myth 8: An IUD causes health risks and side effects

Some females desire not to use an IUD as they have the incorrect belief that an IUD may cause health risks including cancer, birth defects or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or side effects. On the contrary, an IUD is a very safe birth control method.  An IUD never moves to the brain, heart or any other body part outside your abdomen. Proper technique of an IUD insertion can help in preventing many problems including perforation, infection, and expulsion.  An IUD doesn’t cause cancer in a healthy female but cancer of reproductive organs contradicts the use of an IUD as it increases the risk of perforation, bleeding and infection. If you have breast cancer, then the use of a hormonal IUD is contraindicated (should not be used).  An IUD doesn’t increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. But, females who have a high risk of getting exposed to Chlamydia or Gonorrhea should not get it inserted.  An IUD doesn’t increase your risk of having birth defects in the baby or having multiple pregnancies. 

Myth 9: An IUD can cause miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy 

Some women desire not to use an IUD as they have the incorrect belief that an IUD may cause a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. The fact is that your risk of having a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is not increased after removing the IUD. On the contrary, the risk of getting an ectopic pregnancy in a female using an IUD is much less in comparison to the risk in a female not using any birth control method.  An IUD doesn’t lead to miscarriage after its removal. If it is placed using the correct insertion technique, IUD use may not lead to difficulty of any sort in your future pregnancies. 

Myth 10: An IUD can cause a change in the menstrual pattern that can harm your overall health

Many women don’t desire to use an IUD as they have the incorrect belief that an IUD may either stop their monthly periods (cause amenorrhea) or cause painful, more frequent, or painful bleeding during periods and this can be harmful to the overall health. The fact is that the change in menstrual pattern is not harmful. You can experience menstrual pattern changes based on the kind of IUD you are using.  If you are using copper-containing IUD you may experience:
  • Prolonged and heavy monthly bleeding.
  • More pain and cramps during periods.
  • Irregular bleeding.
These menstrual changes are quite normal and don’t indicate any illness. These are most commonly present during the initial three to six months after inserting the IUD and lessen gradually.  If you are using hormonal IUD you may experience irregular, prolonged, or heavy bleeding during the initial few months. After that you may experience:
  • Predictable, lighter, and regular bleeding.
  • Light, no, or infrequent monthly bleeding.
These changes in bleeding are also normal and don’t indicate any illness.  Myth 11: An IUD can cause inconvenience while having sex Some couples have an incorrect belief that it can cause inconvenience while having sexual intercourse, and that it may hurt the penis of the male partner causing pain, or cause pain and discomfort in the female.  The fact is that using an IUD can make you more relaxed about not having unintended pregnancies, increasing your sexual pleasure and allow both the partners to enjoy sex better.    Click Here To Schedule an Appointment   For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com.  Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice  Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.   iud insertion, hormonal iud, contraceptive method, dalkon shield, percent of women, pelvic inflammatory disease, contraception options, highly effective, family planning, long acting, reversible contraception, cervical mucusprevent pregnancy, unintended pregnancy, side effects, intrauterine devices, about iud, the iud, what are iuds, closest iud near me, whats the iud  
IUDS
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09Jan

How To Differentiate A Normal Menstrual Cycle From An Abnormal One?

Preventive health visits should begin during adolescence to start a dialogue and establish an environment where a young patient can feel good about taking responsibility for her own reproductive health and feel confident that her concerns will be addressed in a confidential setting .    Because menarche is such an important milestone in physical development, clinicians should educate adolescent girls and their parents or guardians about what to expect of a first menstrual period and the range for normal cycle length of subsequent menses.   Young girls and their parents or guardians frequently have difficulty assessing what constitutes normal menstrual cycles or patterns of bleeding. By age 15 (years old), 98% of females will have had menarche. Although menstrual cycles vary considerably during the first few years after menarche, the majority of cycles in adolescents last 21 to 45 days with two to seven days of menstrual bleeding. By the third postmenarchal year, 95 percent of cycles fall into this range. The average adult menstrual cycle lasts 28 to 35 days with four (4) to six (6) days of menstrual bleeding.   Adolescents with regular menses have cyclic estrogen secretion that permits orderly growth and shedding of the endometrium (estrogen-withdrawal bleeding), even in the absence of ovulation.    In addition, the secretion of progesterone associated with the occasional ovulatory cycle in adolescents with regular menses helps to stabilize endometrial growth and permits more complete shedding.     Now let’s talk about Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. What is it and why does it happen? A number of medical conditions can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, characterized by unpredictable timing and variable amount of flow. Although a long interval between cycles is common in adolescence due to anovulation, it is statistically uncommon for girls and adolescents to remain amenorrheic for more than 3 months (90 days).   Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) may be caused by ovulatory dysfunction and bleeding patterns can range from amenorrhea to irregular heavy menstrual bleeding.   The most common cause of AUB in adolescents during the initial one to two years of menstruation are anovulatory cycles (no ovulation), which are related to immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.  How To Differentiate A Normal Menstrual Cycle From An Abnormal One? Other common causes of AUB in adolescents include:
  • Pregnancy - pregnancy-related problems.
  • Bleeding disorders.
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Thyroid dysfunction.
  • Hypothalamic dysfunction (eg, related to stress, exercise, underweight, acute weight loss, or obesity).
  • Hormonal or intrauterine contraception.
  • Infection. 
  More than one cause may contribute or exacerbate AUB in a given adolescent.  
  1. What is considered excessive menstrual bleeding? Excessive menstrual bleeding may be prolonged (greater than 7 days) or of increased volume (greater than 80 mL/cycle). Because neither patients nor clinicians can accurately estimate the volume of blood loss, excessive menstrual bleeding is often defined clinically (eg;  soaks a pad or tampon more than every two hours; interferes with activities (eg; wakes from sleep); and/or interferes with physical, emotional, social, and/or material quality of life). 
  2. What is the origin of bleeding? Excessive bleeding is typically from the uterus, whereas light bleeding, staining, or spotting may be from any site along the genital tract. Postcoital bleeding suggests bleeding from the cervix or other lower genital tract source. Bleeding that occurs solely with urination or defecation suggests a urinary or gastrointestinal source.
  3. What might it be associated with? Heavy menstrual bleeding, commonly associated with anovulation, also has been associated with the diagnosis of a coagulopathy (including von Willebrand’s disease, platelet function disorders, and/or other bleeding disorders) or other serious problems (including hepatic failure) and, rarely, malignancy.
  To chart your menses may be beneficial, especially if your menstrual history is too vague or considered to be inaccurate.   For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com.    Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.   Normal Menstrual Cycle From An Abnormal One? Normal Menstrual Cycle From An Abnormal One? #hersmartchoice #hscmc #period #menstrualcycle  #yourbody #obgyn #gynecology #womenshealth #obstetrics  #gynecologist #doctor #ovulation #trackyourperiod #hormones #menstrualbleeding #hormonalchanges #irregularperiods #menses #BodyCare #AuntFlow #LadyBusiness  #LadyTime #machzorchodeshi #myuterushurts #cramps #moodchanges #abnormalmenstrualcycle #pos #polycysticovarysyndrome #excessivemenstrualbleeding #menstrualbleeding #aub #hypothalamicdysfunction    
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08Jan

What Should You Look For In An Abortion?

We understand it is difficult to know that you are pregnant and not ready! If you have made your decision to terminate or thinking about terminating your pregnancy, here are a few major factors you want to consider:
  • Is it safe?
  • What methods are available?
  • Will I be able to have kids in the future?
  • How much pain or bleeding will I have?
  • Where can I get the procedure done?
  • What are my benefit and expected outcomes?
  • What does it cost?.
  • What is the difference between Medical and Surgical Abortion?
Many women have questions about what is true or not based on what they have heard about abortion:
  • MYTH 1: Abortion is dangerous. 
♀ FACT: Legal abortion is one of the safest medical procedures available today. While abortion does have some risks, on the whole, carrying a pregnancy and giving birth have been found to be riskier than having an abortion. It is important to know that abortion performed by someone who is not trained (for example, by a woman herself or someone who is not a health care provider) may not be safe and can lead to serious complications, including bleeding, infection, infertility, and even death.  
  • MYTH 2: Abortion will make me infertile. 
♀ FACT: When an abortion is performed safely by someone who has the training, it does not lead to difficulty getting pregnant in the future.  
  • MYTH 3: Abortion increases the risk of breast cancer.
♀ FACT: Several studies have conclusively shown that having an abortion does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.  
  • PROBABLE MYTH 4: Abortion increases my chance of miscarriage in the future. 
♀ FACT: A number of well-designed studies have found that early abortions do not increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, or other complications with future pregnancies. Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. 
What Should I Look For In An Abortion?
What Should I Look For In An Abortion?
  To schedule an appointment, please Click Here   For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com.    Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]  
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31Dec

Why Do Women Get Periods Or Menstrual Cycles?

Do you know when your last menstrual period began or how long it lasted? If not, it might be time to start paying attention. Periods or Menstrual Cycles   Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you understand what's normal for you, time ovulation and identify important changes, such as a missed periods or unpredictable menstrual bleeding.    The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg, a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy.      If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a menstrual period.   The normal menstrual cycle is a tightly coordinated cycle of stimulatory and inhibitory effects that results in the release of a single mature oocyte from a pool of hundreds of thousands of primordial oocytes. Despite variations worldwide and within the U.S. population, median age at menarche has remained relatively stable, between 12 and 13 years, across well-nourished populations in developed countries.    A variety of factors contribute to the regulation of this process, including hormones and paracrine and autocrine factors that are still being identified.    The average adult menstrual cycle lasts 28 to 35 days, with approximately 14 to 21 days in the follicular phase and 14 days in the luteal phase.
Why Do Women Get Periods Or Menstrual Cycles?
Why Do Women Get Periods Or Menstrual Cycles?
  There is relatively little cycle variability among women between the ages of 20 and 40 years.  In comparison, there is significantly more cycle variability for the first five to seven years after menarche and for the last 10 years before cessation of menses. Your menstrual cycle might be regular, about the same length every month,  or somewhat irregular, and your period might be light or heavy, painful or pain-free, long or short, and still be considered normal.   Within a broad range, "normal" is what's normal for you. To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar or your smartphone.   To schedule an appointment, please Click Here. For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com.  Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice. #hersmartchoice #hscmc #period #menstrualcycle  #yourbody #obgyn #gynecology #womenshealth #obstetrics  #gynecologist #doctor #ovulation #trackyourperiod #hormones #menstrualbleeding #hormonalchanges #irregularperiods #menses #BodyCare #AuntFlow #LadyBusiness #timeofthemonth #ontherag #RedTide #RedRiver #RedSea #RedMoon #CodeRed #MonthlyVisitor #MotherNature #LadyTime #CrimsonWave #CrimsonTide #BloodyMary #TheBlob #Sharkweek #ineedsomeicecream #cramps #machzorchodesi #muchodolor #moodchanges #dolor  
Menstrual Cycle, Period
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28Dec

Which Type of Abortion is Right for You?

Did you know 1 in 4 women in the US will have an abortion by the age of 45? There are two different ways an abortion can be performed in an OB/GYN’s office.
  1. The first is a medical abortion - meaning the abortion or pregnancy termination is completed by taking pills orally.
  2. The second is a surgical abortion. It’s performed as a standard surgical procedure called a D&C (Dilatation and Curettage) at a clinic or hospital.
      The type of procedure you choose depends on several factors, including:
  • How far along you are in your pregnancy?
  • Which procedures are available in your area? 
  • What are your personal preferences?
  Options available may be different at different stages of pregnancy.  You might choose a medication abortion if you are less than ten weeks and wish to avoid an invasive procedure and anesthesia and prefer the privacy of being at home when you pass the pregnancy.  
Which Type Of Abortion Is Right For You? Abortion Pills or Surgical Abortion
Which Type Of Abortion Is Right For You?
  The benefits of medical abortion are (abortion pills):
  • No instruments or suction will be used, so you will not be exposed to the chance of cervical injury and uterine perforation that rarely occur with surgical abortion.
  • There is a very small likelihood of infection after medical abortion.
  • You will be at home during the actual abortion process. 
If you are more than ten weeks pregnant, you might consider a surgical or aspirational abortion. This process takes place at a clinic or hospital under anesthesia. The abortion will be completed in one to two days. The time spent in the clinic is generally three to six hours. The benefits of surgical abortion are:
  • It can be performed later in the pregnancy than a medical abortion.
  • It usually involves only one visit to the clinic.
  • There's usually less bleeding and cramping than with a medical abortion.
  To schedule an appointment, please Click Here   For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com.  Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.  
Abortion, Abortion pills, Surgical Abortion
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26Dec

Is Abortion Right For Me?

Her Smart Choice Women’s Health Center Educational Series Presents ‘Is Abortion Right For Me?’   Worldwide, the estimated rate for abortion between 2010 and 2014 was 35 out of 1000 women (3.5%)  ages 15 to 44. The rate in resource-rich countries was 27 per 1000 (2.7%) and in resource-limited countries was 37 per 1000 (3.7%).  The highest rate was in the Caribbean with 65 per 1000 (6.5%), and the lowest rate was in North America 17 per 1000 (1.7%)  and northern or western Europe 18 per 1000 (1.8%).    An estimated 25% of all pregnancies worldwide ended in induced abortion. Similarly, in the United States, close to one in four women will have an abortion during her reproductive life. Using standards set by the World Health Organization, abortion is considered medically safe when recommended methods are used by trained persons. Having an abortion does not make it harder to get pregnant again. Abortions do not harm your health, and they do not harm the health of your future babies. If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, only you can know if the decision is right for you. It is your fundamental right to choose. You may or may not want to talk to a friend or family member, your partner, or someone else you trust.  You can always talk to a supportive health care provider or clinics that provide abortion services. It is often helpful to share your thoughts and feelings about this decision with people who will support you no matter what you decide. Asking others for their input may be helpful, but if you feel that someone is not letting you make your own decision or is trying to force you to make a particular decision, we recommend seeking additional help from a clinic or hospital.   
Is Abortion Right For Me?
Schedule an appointment to discuss the options available to you.
                    For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com.  Get SOCIAL with us!   Her Smart Choice Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]  
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24Dec

Why do you need an Endometrial Biopsy?

Jane is undergoing treatment for endometrial cancer. She wanted to share her story much earlier. However, she was too depressed and shocked after the diagnosis of cancer was made.  The treatment started about 6 months back and Jane has not yet recovered fully. The doctor said she might need chemotherapy and radiation for the next few months or so.   She was suffering from heavy bleeding for more than 2 years before the diagnosis was made. Sometimes, her periods used to last for more than 7 days. At times, her cycles were as short as just 15 days. She was having a flow for 10 to 15 days a month.    However, in spite of all these symptoms, Jane did not feel it was necessary to see a doctor. She was 45 years old then and she was sure all of these symptoms were due to menopause. Jane knew menopause causes irregular menses. So, she just ignored the symptoms and decided to wait patiently for menopause to get over. When this continued even after 2 years, she started getting nervous. The heavy bleeding was taking a toll on her health. She had become very weak and used to feel tired most of the time.  Slowly, Jane began to realize that her heavy bleeding was not due to menopause. She finally decided to contact a gynecologist when her routine blood report showed the hemoglobin level was less than 8 (the normal range is between 12 to 15). When Jane told the gynecologist the symptoms she was suffering from, her doctor advised her to do some tests including blood tests to check hormonal levels, endometrial biopsy, and a PAP smear. 
Her Smart Choice - Endometrial Biopsy
Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.
    The endometrial biopsy revealed there were cancerous changes in these tissues. Jane was shocked. She had never expected this. Above all, she was feeling guilty for ignoring the symptoms for so long.  However, her doctor was very supportive. She assured Jane that with proper treatment, Jane would recover fully. Yet, Jane struggled with depression for a few months. She felt hopeless, to say the least. The doctor also advised her to make a few changes in her diet and prescribed a supplement to improve her hemoglobin levels.  Slowly, there was an improvement in her symptoms and overall health as the cancer treatment started showing encouraging results. Jane’s periods were less troublesome after two or three months. The follow-up endometrial biopsy showed the tissues were responding favorably to cancer treatment.    Now, Jane is more positive about the treatment. She is sure she would recover slowly but surely. However, she still has a regret of not seeing the doctor earlier. This is why; Jane is sharing her experience so that other women are aware of how a simple test like endometrial biopsy can help them for an early detection of cancer. Jane would urge all women to do this test routinely so that a condition like hers can be diagnosed earlier.    Laboratory, imaging, and other tests are usually recommended for patients to rule out or confirm the diagnosis of an illness. There are several diagnostic tests that can help women, like Jane, in the diagnosis of conditions affecting their reproductive organs.  However, it is not just the women who suffer from symptoms who need to perform these tests. Some tests need to be performed even in the absence of any symptoms. These tests help in early diagnosis of diseases and even assess future risk of development of any illness.  Some tests also work as a preventive tool so that the condition can be detected before it flares up and causes serious complications. Endometrial biopsy is one such test that can help women in the early diagnosis of a number of diseases. Here is a brief discussion about what endometrial biopsy is and why women need to perform this test.     

What is an Endometrial Biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small part of the tissue is obtained from the inner lining of the uterus called the endometrium. The tissues are later examined under a microscope for the detection of any abnormality or cellular changes that can lead to disease development. The removed tissue is usually examined for cancerous changes.  It is a simple procedure that is usually performed in the gynecologist's office. It can be performed without anesthesia.  During the procedure, the doctor would insert a speculum through the vagina to open and hold it so that the cervix can be viewed clearly. The cervix is then cleaned with a solution to prevent the risk of infection.  This is followed by the insertion of another instrument to hold the cervix in a steady position. Then, a thin suction tube is inserted gently into the uterus and a small part of endometrial tissues is collected through the tube.   The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for the analysis of the cells for the detection of any abnormality or cancerous changes. The women may be advised to avoid using douches, tampons, or have intercourse for one or two days after the endometrial biopsy. In some cases, the woman may be advised to avoid swimming and going in a hot tub for about one week after the procedure.  Some women experience mild cramping similar to abdominal cramps occurring during menses during the procedure. However, the pain is minimal and may not require any active treatment. The entire procedure lasts for about 5 to 15 minutes. Now that you have an idea of what an endometrial biopsy is and how it is performed, let us move further to understand why women must be aware of the need for this test.   

Why should women not ignore the need for an Endometrial Biopsy?

Endometrial biopsy is one of the most accurate tests that can be performed through a simple procedure to detect an illness. Most conditions affecting the uterus such as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, or endometrial hyperplasia do not cause any symptoms until the disease has progressed considerably.  Also, women often ignore the mild to moderate symptoms of these conditions such as heavier bleeding,  spotting between periods, or frequent periods thinking of them as a normal part of menopause.  Since endometrial cancer tends to affect women nearly at or after the menopausal age, the chances of these symptoms getting ignored are high.  Women realize they could be suffering from a serious health condition only when the symptoms become severe or persist even after menopause should have been over.  However, the delayed diagnosis due to any reason can result in the growth of the cancer mass. It may also lead to the spread of cancer cells to surrounding structures such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, or vagina.  Hence, women must be aware of the diagnostic tests that can help them in the early diagnosis of cancers or other conditions affecting the uterus.  An endometrial biopsy can be performed as a preventive tool even when there are no symptoms. This can help women avoid the growth or spread of cancer by allowing them to seek early medical intervention in case the test reveals any abnormality.  Here are some indications for an endometrial biopsy that women must keep in mind. The symptoms discussed beneath can be considered a sign that the woman needs an endometrial biopsy for the detection of the underlying illness.   

Why do you need an Endometrial Biopsy? 

Age 

Women need to undergo endometrial biopsy even when they are apparently healthy and are not suffering from any symptoms or illness. Most diseases affecting the uterus or endometrium are more common in women above the age of 35 years. Hence, all women who have crossed this age are advised to do an endometrial biopsy for early detection of the illness.  It should be noted that most uterine and endometrial conditions do not cause any obvious symptoms. The absence of evident symptoms can allow the disease to progress and cause serious complications. This is when a diagnostic test like an endometrial biopsy can help to detect the condition at an early stage.  Beginning the treatment of endometrial or uterine cancer before it has spread or grown considerably can ensure faster recovery of women and also increase the chances of their survival. Women who are above 35 years of age and have no symptoms should ideally do endometrial biopsy once every year as a preventive tool. 

Menstrual Irregularities

Women who suffer from menstrual irregularities should do an endometrial biopsy for early detection of endometrial cancer. This condition often causes heavy or prolonged periods, and irregular bleeding or spotting. These symptoms can also occur due to other diseases such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cancer. An endometrial biopsy would help women arrive at the correct diagnosis, thus allowing them to seek proper medical intervention.   

Bleeding After Menopause

Women who suffer from vaginal bleeding after menopause should do an endometrial biopsy as it could be a sign of endometrial or uterine cancer.   

Use of Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a commonly used medication for the treatment of breast cancer. Women who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer with tamoxifen are advised to do an endometrial biopsy as this drug is known to increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Tamoxifen works by acting against the growth-stimulatory effect of the female hormone, estrogen, on the breast tissue to prevent cancerous changes. However, it also acts like estrogen on other tissues such as the uterus thus triggering abnormal growth in the endometrium. Tamoxifen may also increase the risk of uterine sarcoma, a form of cancer affecting the muscles in the uterine wall. Hence, women who are prescribed tamoxifen are advised to do an endometrial biopsy to evaluate the effect of this medication on the uterus.   

Use of Toremifene

Another medication used to lower the risk of breast cancer called toremifene can also increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, a condition caused due to the overgrowth of the endometrium.  Though hyperplasia is not cancerous in nature, it may later develop into cancer. Hence, women who are using toremifene are advised to perform an endometrial biopsy to assess the effect of this drug on the endometrial tissues.   

Abnormal Ultrasound Report

Women who have had an ultrasound of the pelvic organ showing abnormal results such as a thickened uterine lining can undergo an endometrial biopsy to rule out cancerous changes in the tissues.  Evaluation of Infertility Women who are suffering from infertility are often advised to do an endometrial biopsy to detect the possible causes of the condition. The test may reveal any abnormality that can prevent conception and help the gynecologist suggest appropriate treatment to manage the underlying disease thus increasing the chances of conception.     

Abnormal Papanicolaou Smear 

Women who have undergone Papanicolaou smear, also called PAP smear, showing atypical cells of endometrial origin need an endometrial biopsy for further evaluation. The test can help to assess the endometrial health and allow for early medical intervention in case cancerous changes are detected. 

Recovery Phase

Women need to undergo endometrial biopsy more frequently when they are undergoing treatment for endometrial or uterine cancer. During treatment, the test may be performed once in 3 months or more frequently as recommended by the gynecologist. The test would help to assess whether the patient is responding favorably to the treatment and allow the physician to modify the therapies accordingly.  Women who have recovered from cancer and do not need any active treatment should also perform endometrial biopsy once in 6 months for the detection of relapse or spread. 

Family History

The risk of cancer is higher when the person has a family history of the same. Women who have a strong family history of cancer of the reproductive organs including the uterus, endometrium, ovaries, cervix, or vagina should contact a gynecologist to check if they need endometrial biopsy more frequently than once a year.  They should also seek physician's advice to find if they should start doing this test as a preventive tool at an age earlier than 35 years.   

Conclusion

An endometrial biopsy is a common and accurate test recommended for women for early diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Depending on the results, the gynecologist may prescribe an appropriate treatment to women to help them stay healthy and avoid further progression of the condition.     
Endometrial Biopsy
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