Finding out right birth control option can be hard & confusing. A range of devices and treatments are available for both men and women that can help prevent pregnancy. Some methods are more effective with less failure rates than others.Before choosing a birth control method, couple should discuss with the doctor about:⦁ Whether you want to get pregnant soon or not??⦁ How well each method works to prevent pregnancy⦁ Possible side effects⦁ How often you have sex⦁ The number of sex partners you have⦁ Your overall health⦁ How comfortable you are with using the method. (For example, can you remember to take a pill every day? Will you have to ask your partner to put on a condom each time?)⦁ Keep in mind that even the most effective birth control methods can fail. But your chances of getting pregnant are lower if you use a more effective method. LET US SEE WHAT ALL OPTIONS OF BIRTH CONTROL ARE THERE:- Barrier Methods of Birth ControlAs the name suggests, these create a barrier to keep sperm from reaching an egg. You can get most of them at a pharmacy with no prescription. 1. CondomsA condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath available for both male and female. The male condom is placed around the erect penis. The female condom is placed inside the vagina before intercourse. It must be worn at all times during intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It can also help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Failure rate of condom is approximately 15% 2. Diaphragm and Cervical CapA diaphragm is a rubber, dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix. While a cervical cap is a little cup made from soft silicone. You put it deep inside your vagina to cover your cervix. Used correctly with spermicide (essential) they are 92-96% effective at preventing pregnancy. 1. Birth Control PillsThese may contain both estrogen and progestin, or only progestin. It’s very effective if taken correctly.2. Implants:An implant is a rod with a core of progestin, which it releases slowly. It is inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. The implant is effective for up to 4 years, but it can be removed at any time, and then pregnancy is possible.3. Projestin InjectionsA woman’s buttock or the upper arm is injected with this, and over the next 12 weeks the hormone is slowly released into your bloodstream.4. Skin PatchWomen wear this on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not on the breasts). This method is prescribed by a doctor. It releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream.5. Vaginal RingIt is a small, soft plastic ring placed inside your vagina like a tampon. Used correctly, it is estimated to be over 99% effective. It works by releasing hormones (progestogen and estrogen) to stop the release of eggs.6. Emergency (or “morning after”) ContraceptionThe Emergency Contraception Pill can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex if contraception wasn’t used, a condom has broken during sex, or a woman has been sexually assaulted. While it is sometimes called the ‘Morning After’ pill, it can actually be effective for up to five days after having unprotected sex. If you consume it sooner, it is more effective.CAUTION: Regular use of emergency pills is not recommended. Use it less than 4 times a year.7. IUD (Intrauterine Device)The IUD is a small plastic or copper device placed inside the woman’s uterus. Some IUDs release small amounts of progestin. They can be left in place for 3 to 10 years, depending on the device used.Permanent Methods of Birth ControlIf you are a man, woman, or a couples who feel certain they do not want to have children in the future. It is very difficult to reverse.1. Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)It is an outpatient surgery that involves blocking or cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, which keeps sperm from being added to ejaculate.2. Female Sterilization (Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”) (CONSULT WITH YOUR GYNAECOLOGIST for best possible options)

COMMON PREGNANCY PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS: b. MOOD SWINGS – It is very common in pregnancy. DO NOT hide your anxiety or depression. Talk to your near and dear ones and resolve your feelings. c. SLEEP ISSUES AT NIGHT – This is very common either due to EXCESS URINATION or DISCOMFORT. Prevent it by:AVOID coffee/ tea after 7 pm.AVOID water intake after 7 pm.Drink warm milk before bed to relax you and help you sleep.Warm salt bath before bed also relaxes you and help you sleep in night. d. SMOKING, TOBACCO & ALCOHOL – It is prohibited in pregnancy

What to expect in doctor’s visit after getting pregnancy test positive:-A pregnant female should have minimum of 3 visits with her doctor and maximum of 13 visits as follows (these are ideal visits which can increase as per your health and need as advised by doctor):Once a month for first 7 months of pregnancy.Twice a month in 8th month of pregnancy.Once a week Weekly in 9th month. BASIC TESTS NEEDED (AS PER DOCTOR ADVISE)CBC (complete blood count) – It should be done at first visit and then as per doctor’s advise.Blood group (of both partners if wife is RH negative)LFT,RFT – Liver and kidney function tests – to be done atleast once in pregnancyFBS, PPBS – blood sugar tests.TSH – Thyroid function tests.HIV, HBSAG, HCV, VDRL.URINER/M- urine tests as per needed.SONOGRAPHY (AS PER DOCTOR ADVISE)1ST- DATING SCAN – done as early as your home pregnancy test is positive or when you miss your periods (at 6-7 weeks to check for cardiac activity)2nd – NT SCAN – done at 12weeks with dual markers test if needed – to check for Trisomies and anomalies.3rd- ANOMALY SCAN – done at 18-20 weeks with quadruple marker if needed – to check fetal anomalies in detail4th – GROWTH SCAN- as and when required and advised by doctor (approximately at 32 weeks, 36weeks or early if needed) INJECTIONS NEEDED: 2 tetanus injection are must to be given after 6 month pregnancy – to be given 1 month apart.(to be taken after doctor advise)Injection Influenza vaccine to be given after 26 weeks completed.Injection anti D – if mother is RH negative blood group and father is positive , chances are there that baby is positive , so to prevent incompatibility injection anti D is given to mother at 28 weeks and then after delivery if baby tests RH positive blood group.

AFTER CHILD BIRTH:- QUESTIONS IN YOUR MIND AFTER DELIVERY AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

What are gynaecological cancers??They are cancers of female genital tract which include – Risk factors for these cancers : SOME COMMON MYTHS / FAQ’S ON CANCER :: Are all cancers lethal?How much is the survival rate of a cancer patient depends on the stage at which the cancer is detected. It is very important to be aware of the cancer symptoms so as to catch it early and treat it on time.Is there any screening test for cancers ?Yes , definitely . Though screening tests do not exist for all cancers but breast cancer, cervical cancer have screening tests . Pap smear test ( testing of your cervical cells ) is widely known test to detect changes in cervix early . Apart from this ultrasonography of pelvis can help you detect ovarian and endometrial cancer too.A post menopausal female develops sudden bleeding per vaginum, is it cancer?Well, post menopausal bleeding is not always cancer but is of concern. Never neglect this symptom and visit your gynaec for further evaluation and confirmation of the cause of this bleed.My ultrasound shows ovarian cyst, is it cancer ?Well, all ovarian cysts are not cancer for sure . Though ovarian cancers can develop at any age of life but if you had an ultrasound showing cyst in ovary , DO NOT panic . consult your doctor. She will guide you the best for further course of treatment .My mother and sister are at risk if I have a cancer ?Not all cancers run in family. If you have breast or ovarian cancer then your maternal side like your sister and mother and daughter carry a risk and should be investigated further . Lets have a look on SYMPTOMS commonly seen in gynaecological cancers : SYMPTOMS CERVICAL CANCER OVARIAN CANCER UTERINE CANCER VAGINAL CANCER VULVAL CANCERAbnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge YES YES YES YES NOFeeling full too quickly or difficult eating NO YES NO NO NOPelvic pain/pressure NO YES YES NO NOMore frequent or urgent need to urinate and constipation NO YES NO YES NOBloating NO YES NO NO NOAbdominal or back pain NO YES NO NO NOItching , burning , pain or tenderness of vulva NO NO NO NO YESChanges in vulva colour or rash , sores or warts NO NO NO NO YES TREATMENT OF CANCER :Depending on the stage at which the cancer is detected the treatment is done .It involves combination of surgery , chemotherapy and radiation therapy .

Concerned parents ask me daily about the safety, effectiveness and benefits of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. So, here is some information to clear out your doubts to help you make best decision for your child. Q: What is HPV?HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STD). HPV affects both women and men. It causes cervical cancer, most neck and throat cancers, several other rare cancers, and even precancerous genital warts. Q: Why do you recommend the HPV vaccine?It is vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. Prevention is always better than cure, because it can save lives. The numbers of people affected with HPV could potentially be a lot lower if every child got vaccinated against HPV at a correct age. Results from a 2018 Cochrane research study prove the vaccine is very successful in preventing HPV. In fact, HPV rates among teenage girls have declined since the vaccine came out. Plus, the side effects are minimal to none. Q: I’ve heard of a lot of negative side effects of the HPV vaccine. What are they?The HPV vaccine doesn’t have many side effects. The most common are warmth, swelling and some soreness at the injection spot. But this can happen with any kind of shot. Q: Does the vaccine prevent all types of HPV?There are more than 150 types of HPV that we know of. Not all of them are harmful. The vaccine that’s currently available protects against the nine types that most commonly cause cancer and genital warts – types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Types 16 and 18 make up about 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. Currently available vaccine is Cervarix and Gardasil. Q: Why do boys need the HPV vaccine?HPV is actually far more common in men than in women, according to a 2017 CDC report. The HPV vaccine helps prevent future infection that can lead to certain types of cancers in men. Q: The vaccine is given at such a young age, usually between 11-12 years old and in some cases as young as 9. Why so young?The vaccine is most effective when given at younger ages, when it can be done in just two doses. (The second dose is given six months after the first shot.) . It’s best to give the HPV vaccine before children start engaging in sexual activity. Ideal age recommended is 9-11years age. It gives protection for 10 years. Q: Is the vaccine effective if you are already sexually active ?Yes, you may be infected by a different strain if sexually active . The vaccine overall protects you from various strains and is highly recommended even if you are sexually active and late in taking the dose. Q: Is cervical cancer screening (PAP TEST) still needed after HPV dose is completely taken ?Yes, Pap test is to be conducted as advised and scheduled Q: How do I explain to my child what the vaccine is for?It depends on their maturity level and what they’ll understand. I think the easiest, most straightforward thing to say is that the vaccine will protect them from certain types of cancer and other diseases when they’re older.