Causes of Acne

The following are the lead causes of pimples and acne:

- Puberty and related changes (activation of sebaceous glands or the oil glands) - Hormonal imbalance - Dirt - Skin types (oily skin is more prone to acne) - Highly stressful lifestyle - Vitamin and mineral deficiency - Rare cases of heredity - Cosmetics

Link between Birth Control Pills and Acne Demystified

Birth control pills are effective for acne treatment only in the cases where the main cause for acne is hormone related. Sometimes, an excess secretion of androgen from the ovaries is the leading cause of stubborn pimples and acne. Androgen has the property of activating the oil glands that leads to and increased occurrence of acne.

Certain combinations of birth control pills help by suppressing the level of androgen in the body. Testosterone (male hormone) is also associated with the increase in the activity of oil glands, thereby promoting acne. Oral contraceptives, especially those containing Estrogen and Progestin, reduce Testosterone in the body.

Not all types of oral contraceptives are flatly effective on everyone. You need to decide upon the right combination suitable to your physiology. Of course, this has to be done under the guidance of a medical practitioner. In addition, other acne specific drugs, including antibiotics should be used as supplements to enhance the efficacy of the medication, for instance, benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxyl acids, and retinoids.

Preferred Combination and Commercially Available Products

Medicinal formulations containing the hormones Estrogen and Progestin (synthetically manufactured Progesterone) are usually beneficial in the therapy. Estrogen helps in maintaining the hormonal balance and regulates the level of Testosterone. Progestin is added to prevent any side effects caused by excess Estrogen. Lower Estrogen drugs such as Alesse should be preferred, as they do not have lesser repercussions related to the hormone. Ensure that the progestins in the medicine are anti-androgenic and not androgenic. Some of the commonly available brands are:

YAZ Ortho Tri-Cyclen Estrostep Yasmin

Birth Control Pills: Last Resort!

Oral contraceptives are resorted to only after exhausting all the other options, due to the reactions of hormone replacement therapy. If you do not intent to go in for contraception, use of birth control pills for acne treatment is a bad choice. The known side effects of oral contraceptive pills are:

Nausea Irregular menstrual cycles Cyst in the bust area Tendering of breasts Heart ailments Clotting of blood Cancer

While taking the risk of above side effects, you should be aware of the fact that oral contraceptive pills do not necessarily treat acne. Therefore, exercise a lot of prudence in adopting birth control pills for acne cure and try to keep it as last choice, rather than a preferred option.

Copyright (c) 2009 Rod Hoss.  Precision Trials offer physician research based birth control clinical trials and HPV Research.

For more extensive free information on Modern Birth Control go to:

Modern Birth Control Methods

With the rapid growth of the population in the world as well as the increased sense in general awareness for HIV/AIDS, has forced to think on birth control methods. The current world’s population is estimated to be around 6.4 billion with annual growth of 76 million and hence, it is estimated to reach 9 billion by year 2050. In next two decades, world’s two highly populous countries, China & India are expected to reach the population of 1.5 billion each i.e more than one third of the total world population of that time. It is alarming situation for the world to control this “population explosion”. Therefore, United Nations are urging countries specially highly populated countries to control their population.

As per the survey report for birth control methods if applied in 169 countries, 137 million women willing to delay their contraceptives, 64 million women are using less effective birth control measures. If these women are helped with adequate birth control treatment (like pills, condoms), 23 million of unplanned births, 22 million induced abortions and 1.4 million infants could be avoided as estimated by United Nations Population Fund.

Besides population, HIV/AIDS is also very important factor forcing the need for birth control. An estimated, world has 38 million people have either AIDS  or infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). In seven African countries, one out of 5 adults is infected with HIV. Birth control methods are, therefore, become imperative to control further spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly in these countries. The population in these countries is projected at 35% lower by 2025 free from HIV/AIDS. It will further reduce the total life expectancy by an average of 29 years in these countries.

History of Birth Control
200 AD, Greek gynecologist Soranus said that women become fertile during ovulation. He suggested some birth control tips for women to avoid unwanted pregnancy like smearing olive oil, pomegranate pulp, ginger, or tobacco juice around vagina to kill sperm, drinking water used by blacksmith to cool hot metals and jumping 7 times backward after the sexual intercourse. Many birth control methods like ayurvedic treatments used centuries ago (aside from sexual abstinence). However, there are some historical records of Egyptian women are found who were using some herbal or acid substances like crocodile dung or lubricants like honey or household olive oil as vaginal suppository, which they may have found effective at killing sperm.

However, commercial use of birth control method started in 1960 in the form of birth control pill. It was in 1950, when Planned Parenthood Federation of America invited biologist Dr. Gregory Pincus to develop oral contraceptive pill that would be harmless, universally acceptable and safe for husband and wife. After under going many tests with more than 6,000 women in Puerto Rico and Haiti , it was 1960 when the first commercially produced birth control pill called Enovid-10 was introduced to women in USA . This first oral contraceptive was made with two hormones Estrogen (100 to 175 microgram) and Progestin (10 mg). They were proved to be 99% effective if taken as directed. With estimation, more than 18 million women in US are relying on birth control pills

Types of birth control pills
Unlike the decades old oral contraceptive pills (which had higher number of hormones), today’s birth control pills are in low-dose forms with health benefits. So, women can take birth control pills with much fewer health risks.

Generally there are three types of birth control pills available
1. Progestin only pills (POP)
It is also known as “mini-pill” containing no estrogen. It is recommended for breastfeeding women because estrogen reduced milk production. This POP pill works by thickening the cervical mucus and thus preventing sperm to enter uterus

2. Combination birth control pills
The widely known birth control pills are having combination of two hormones progestin and estrogen. These types of oral contraceptive pills come with the pack of 21 “active pills” and 7 “placebos” , which do not contain any hormones. These are, in fact, known as “reminder pills”

These combination pills are further sub-divided into three types of pills due to the level of two hormones progestin and estrogen.

i) Monophasic birth control pills
Here, every active pill contains the equal number of progestin and estrogen. The other seven pills are placebo having no hormones. Menstruation starts when these placebo pills are taken

ii) Multiphasic birth control pills
They are also known as biphasic or trphasic oral contraceptive pills due to different levels of hormones in active pills. These pills are required to be taken at specific time in its entire pills schedule. Multiphasic birth control pills help offsetting the risks of oral contraceptives.

iii) Continuous birth control pills
it is also known as 365 days pills to be taken continuously throughout the year without the year. This is the new entry of oral contraceptive pills in the birth control market. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lybrel, which is the only continuous birth control pill approved so far and available for general women use. Women do not get menstrual period while they are under the treatment of Lybrel, however, they might find some breakthrough bleeding or spotting, particularly at the initial stage.

3) Emergency birth control pills
Also known as “morning after pills”, these are designed for immediate pregnancy protection after the unprotected sex. It is highly recommended to take emergency pills within 48 hours and maximum 72 hours to be effective in avoiding pregnancy. These are different than usual oral contraceptive pills where you plan your birth control much in advance. Emergency pills are also taken when the women are sexually assaulted. FDA has approved Plan B as the safest emergency pills. Due to OTC (over the counter) approval by FDA for women above 18 years, Plan B can now be ordered behind pharmacy counter.

We now live in a world where sex is as normal as going out to the movies. Even teenagers as young as fifteen years old are aware of the concept of premarital sex. And chances are, a lot of adolescents aged 15 to 19 are already sexually active. It is because we take sex so lightly that the rate of accidental pregnancies are going higher and higher up the charts.

While we’re on the subject of being permissive enough to ignore teenage sex, think about this: Do these teenagers know what contraceptives are? Do they know which ones to use and how to properly use it? This article will help children understand birth control more.

What is contraception and how does birth control work?
Birth control is a set of actions, devices, medications used for the sole purpose of preventing conception or pregnancy. It works in three ways:
1.    It prevents the monthly release of an egg cell (ovum) from the ovaries during menstruation.
2.    It thickens the cervical mucus lining so that sperm cells would not be able to swim and join with an ovum.
3.    It changes lining of the uterus to make implantation of a fertilized egg difficult.

What are the different birth control types available?
There are natural methods of birth control. These do not require the aid of any device of medication. The natural method of contraception includes:
1.    Abstinence. This requires a person to totally abstain from engaging in sexual activities of any form.
2.    Withdrawal. This requires the man to pull his penis out of his partner’s vagina before he reaches his climax and ejaculates.
3.    Sexual outercourse. It allows sexual gratification by means of non-penetrative sex. It may be in the form of oral sex or masturbation.
4.    Fertility awareness. This method allows for couples to determine a woman’s safe and unsafe periods by means of careful recording of the woman’s basal body temperature, her first and last day of menstruation, and the consistency of her vaginal mucus secretions.

The barrier method of contraception includes:
1.    Male condom. It is a latex or polyurethane rubber cylinder worn on the man’s penis to block sperm from going into the partner’s body.
2.    Female condom. It is a thin sheath or pouch worn to line the vagina to collect sperm ejaculated by a man during sex.
3.    Cervical cap. It is a barrier made out of either latex or silicone which is placed over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the female reproductive tract.
4.    Diaphragm. It works much like the cervical cap.

The hormonal birth control method includes:
1.    Oral contraceptive pills. These are pills that contain synthetic versions of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone which aim to normalize a woman’s hormone level to prevent ovulation.
2.    Injectables. It is a progestin-only solution that is injected to prevent ovulation for three months.
3.    Hormonal patches. It is a thin, 2in by 2 in patch that slowly releases hormones into the body within the span of a week before it is replaced.
4.    Birth control implants. It is a thin flexible plastic rod to be inserted under the skin of the upper arm of the woman to slowly release synthetic hormones into the body within the span of a year before it is replaced.

The intra-uterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped rod placed inside the uterus to created a localized inflammation so that the bodies auto-immune system will create white blood cells to repair the infection and in turn kill sperm cells that get within the vicinity of the inflammation.

Choosing the best birth control method to use is a serious matter. Consult your doctor to know more about the different risks and benefits of these contraceptive methods before picking one to use.

What is birth control?

Birth control refers to any activity, medication, or equipment used to prevent pregnancy. There are many types of birth control available for women who do not wish to become pregnant. The decision on which method is right for you should be made with your physician, as well as with your partner.
Birth control methods work in different ways to prevent pregnancy, including the following:

-creating a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching the egg
-killing sperm
-preventing eggs from being released by the ovaries
-changing the cervical mucus to hinder sperm from moving into the uterus
-altering the tissue lining the uterus so that a fertilized egg cannot implant
What are the different types of birth control?

Some methods that do not require a prescription from your physician include the following:

abstinence - not having sexual intercourse.
spermicides - foams or creams placed inside the vagina to kill sperm; these may also provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, especially when used with a latex condom.
male condoms - a thin tube made of latex or a natural material that is placed over the penis. The sperm is collected in the end of the condom. Latex condoms may provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
female condoms - a liner made of latex or natural material that is placed inside the vagina. Latex condoms may provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
natural family planning - timing intercourse to avoid “fertile” days using various methods of monitoring body temperature, watching for changes in cervical mucus, and the use of ovulation prediction kits. This method, often known as the “rhythm” method, has a high risk for pregnancy.
Some methods that require a prescription include the following:

oral contraceptives (birth control pills) - medications taken daily that prevent ovulation by controlling pituitary hormone secretion. Usually, oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. Some types are progestin-only.

In addition to prevention of pregnancy, oral contraceptives have several health benefits including regulating menstrual cycles and decreasing the amount and length of menstrual periods. This can help increase iron stores in women with iron deficiency associated with excessive bleeding. Prevention of certain ovarian and endometrial cancers is a significant benefit of the use of oral contraceptives. Some research has found that some benign (non-cancerous) breast diseases, including fibroadenoma and cystic changes, occur less frequently with the use of oral contraceptives. Recent studies have also suggested that oral contraceptive use may reduce the occurrence of severe disabling rheumatoid arthritis.

mini-pill - unlike the traditional birth control pill, the mini-pill has only one hormone, progestin. Taken daily, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus and prevents the sperm from reaching the egg. The mini-pill also can decrease the flow of your period and protect against PID and ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Norplant/Implants - capsules containing the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, implanted under the skin in the upper arm of a woman, which continuously prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg for up to five years. Anesthesia is required for insertion and removal of this type of birth control.
Depo-Provera - a progesterone-like drug given by injection to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. The effects last for about three months and another injection must be given to continue birth control effectiveness.
monthly injections - a new type of contraceptive that combines two types of hormones, estrogen and progestin, in a monthly injection. These hormones work to prevent ovulation and continue regular menstrual periods. The injection must be repeated every 28 to 33 days to be effective.
patch - this is a skin patch worn on the body that releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream. It is most effective in women who weigh less than 200 pounds.
diaphragm or cervical cap - a dome-shaped rubber cup with a flexible rim that is inserted through the vagina to cover the cervix. This type of birth control must be inserted prior to having sexual intercourse.
hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring - a ring that is placed inside the vagina around the cervix. The ring releases the hormones estrogen and progestin.
intrauterine device (IUD) - devices placed in the uterus through the cervix by a physician. The IUD works by preventing an egg from being fertilized in the tubes or from attaching to the wall of the uterus. IUDs containing hormones must be replaced annually, while copper IUDs can last up to 10 years.
intrauterine system (IUS) - the IUS is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a physician. It releases a small amount of hormone each day to prevent pregnancy.
Essure- a thin tube is used to thread a tiny, spring-like device through the vagina to the uterus into each fallopian tube. A material in the device causes scar tissue to develop and permanently plug the tubes.
Surgery that results in the inability to become pregnant includes the following:

hysterectomy - removal of the uterus and usually the ovaries and fallopian tube. This is a permanent form of birth control.
tubal ligation or tubal occlusion (”tying the tubes”) - surgery to cut, cauterize, or band the fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from being transported to the uterus. Tubal ligation is designed to be a permanent method of birth control. Although certain types of tubal ligations can be reversed, the reversal procedure may not be successful.
vasectomy - cutting or clamping the vas deferens, the tubes that carry the sperm from the testes - are blocked. The testes still produce sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body. This is a permanent male birth control measure.
Methods that have been suggested as preventive, but may actually present a high risk for pregnancy include the following:

-withdrawal before ejaculation
-sexual intercourse during menstruation
-standing up immediately after sexual intercourse
-douching after sexual intercourse
Can’t remember to take the pill or need something longer term?

1. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The intrauterine device, also know as “IUD”, is the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world with more than 85 million women users. An IUD is a soft flexible “T-shaped” plastic device that is inserted into the uterus to be used for contraception. The device is inserted and removed at separate office visits. The IUD is one of the safest, most effective and private methods of birth control.

Effectiveness: IUDs offer a very effective, safe, and hassle free contraception option and they last for a very long time.
Pregnancy: The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when IUD use is stopped.

There are two IUDs currently on the market in the USA:

a) The Mirena® IUD
Offers 99.9% effective birth control for up to 5 years. This device has a small amount of progestin hormone on it that usually makes your period lighter, and in some cases stops your period. Women tend to like these lighter periods on this IUD. Some women may experience irregular and/or heavier periods for the first 3 to 6 months after insertion but this usually resolves with ongoing use.

b) The ParaGard® IUD
Offers 97%-99% effective birth control for up to 10 years. The device is non-hormonal and has a small amount of copper on it. Occasionally women may have heavier periods on this IUD.

2. NuvaRing®
NuvaRing® is a once a month contraception. It is a comfortable, flexible contraceptive ring that prevents pregnancy by releasing a low dose of hormones. The ring need only be replaced once every four weeks - it is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month. Many women who use the vaginal ring have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods.

Effectiveness: Less than 1% of women will get pregnant each year if they always use NuvaRing® as directed and less than 8% will get pregnant each year if they don’t always use NuvaRing® as directed.
Pregnancy: If you decide you want to become pregnant, stop using NuvaRing®.

3. Depo-Provera®
Depo-Provera® is a birth control shot that is administered in the arm and lasts three months so you only have to think about it four times a year (every 12 weeks). The birth control shot does not contain estrogen, another type of hormone that is in many types of birth control, including the pill, patch, and ring. This means the shot can be a good choice for women who cannot take estrogen and for women who are breastfeeding. For most women, periods become fewer and lighter. After one year, half of the women who use the birth control shot will stop having periods completely. Some women have longer, heavier periods. Some women have increased spotting and light bleeding between periods.

Effectiveness: Less than 1% of women will get pregnant each year if they always use the birth control shot as directed and less than 3% of women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always use the birth control shot as directed.
Pregnancy: Because the birth control shot is long lasting, it can take a long time to get pregnant after getting your last shot - anywhere from nine months to more than a year. So, Depo-Provera® is not a good birth control method for you if you are thinking of getting pregnant soon.

For more information check out Savannah gynecologist.