Month: June 2021

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Birth Control Health Period

Period Hacks: 9 Ways You Can Embrace Self-Care During That Time of the Month

period hacks: 9 ways to embrace self-care during your period

Periods can be tough. Most of us learn (the hard way) that it’s pretty much impossible to avoid both the physical and emotional symptoms of your menstrual cycle. From painful menstrual cramps to bloating, fatigue and irrational mood swings, there are seriously tons of reasons validating that dreadful feeling you get when you’re on your period. 

But you’re definitely not alone. Approximately 80 percent of women experience period pain (dysmenorrhoea) in their lifetime and in 5 to 10 percent of women, the pain can be so severe that it disrupts their daily life. While some of those who experience dysmenorrhea rely on over-the-counter painkillers, others may also seek longer-term remedies like birth control to help reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps. 

Looking for an everyday solution that’s more convenient and perhaps even free? Try these easy period hacks that can help you cope better during that time of the month! 

Dietary Changes

Image credit: Freepik

Snuggling in bed with junk food on both hands, Netflix and a pint of ice-cream waiting by your bedside. Yes, I’m sure we’ve all been there in one way or another. It can get really tempting to just wait out your period in the most comforting (yet unhealthy) manner possible. 

1. Stay away from simple carbs, sugar and salt

Of course, along with your period also comes the time you’re most likely to indulge in food high in carbohydrates, sugar and salt. Mostly because you feel like it. However, they can actually cause energy levels to crash whilst intensifying mood swings and bloating due to higher water retention. 

Instead, try to consume protein-rich foods and those with healthy fats and high fibre which can help to stabilise your blood sugar levels and decrease inflammation. Or you could also consider having more complex carbs found in wholegrain food as they keep you full longer, thus reducing your food cravings and irritability.

2. Hydrate

Drink up (water, not alcohol)! Having plenty of water helps with digestion, hormone regulation and hydration. Research has shown that staying hydrated (at least 1600ml a day) can decrease the duration of menstrual bleeding and the severity of menstrual pain.

If you’re usually reliant on that cup of espresso to kickstart your days or plenty of nights with at least one glass of wine, it might be a better idea to avoid them around the time of your period. Both caffeine and alcohol have the potential to enhance premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as irritability, restlessness and tension.

3. Don’t forget your daily nutrients/supplements

Calcium is a key dietary intake that can help relieve PMS symptoms like depression and fatigue. In the week leading up to your period, you might want to consider stocking up on milk, other dairy products and even cereal. 

When taken together, magnesium and vitamin B-6 are most effective in helping you cope with symptoms like depression, anxiety, bloating and food cravings. Vitamin B-6 is commonly found in fish, chicken and fruits while you can also expect to have magnesium in your leafy greens like spinach, and in whole grains and nuts. 

Lifestyle Recommendations

Image credit: Freepik

Dating back to your teenage years, you might already be accustomed to a certain routine or way of life when it comes to your period. Good on you if it’s been working well for you so far! But for those of you still on the lookout for ways to improve your period health, it’s best to re-evaluate your current lifestyle and learn from some of the tips below. 

1. Get up and get moving

No matter how much you feel like it, don’t let yourself become a couch potato! 

Be it hiking, jogging, biking, dancing or even as simple as taking a stroll, any kind of exercise for at least 30 minutes a day can do you good. As long as it gets your heart pumping, the release of mood-boosting endorphins is a great way to improve PMS symptoms like fatigue, poor concentration and depression. 

2. Quality sleep 

Feel like you’re getting enough hours of sleep but can’t fathom why you still wake up feeling grouchy and moody? Well, here’s a plausible explanation.  

As you may find it harder to fall asleep at night whilst enduring your period symptoms, any disruption to your sleep pattern can also increase your irritability and even cause menstrual migraines. To tackle this, try sticking to a sleep routine where you head to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time in the morning.

Turn in earlier by reducing your screentime in bed so that you’ll also have the full, minimum eight hours of sleep. This will not only help to rejuvenate you, but it also stabilises your hormones. 

3. Break your habit 

Smoking can lead to more severe PMS symptoms and menstrual problems like cramping and irregular periods. This happens because it alters your hormone levels and even lowers plasma vitamin D levels which potentially increases the incidence and/or severity of PMS.

At-Home Care and Relaxation Techniques

Image credit: Freepik

Sometimes, all you really need during the few days of menstruation is to relax and forget about your troubles and worries. That’s all there is to it, period.

1. Therapeutic care

It can be stressful juggling your life’s commitments and daily activities, alongside your period. But fret not, there are so many relaxation techniques you can adopt to wind down and give yourself the self-care you deserve. 

Yoga is one effective activity for your stress management as the combination of gentle movements and deep breathing techniques help to relax your muscles and improve blood supply to the pelvic area. A study found that doing regular yoga exercises actually improved PMS bloating, cramps and sore breasts, hence decreasing premenstrual distress. 

Alternatively, a back and stomach massage could also be another solution for you to calm your nerves and anxiety around the time of your period, as well as to ease physical discomfort. An hour of massage can reduce your cortisol levels — a hormone triggered in times of stress — and produce a feel-good chemical, serotonin. This boosts your body’s ability to deflect pain, anxiety and negative emotions.  

2. Turn up the heat

Warm-anything is the way to go during your period! They help relax the muscles of your uterus causing period cramps and also boost circulation in your abdomen.

These are some simple and effective ways to ease tension and for pain relief:

  • Soak in a warm bath with aromatherapy oils 
  • Use a heating pad, patch or wrap 
  • Hug a hot water bottle 
  • Enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea 

3. Stay positive 

More often than not, taking care of your mental health may be just the thing to beat the period blues (emotionally at least). And these are probably the most basic of tips that some of you may have overlooked! 

We cannot emphasise enough how important rest is. Periods are obviously exhausting so don’t feel guilty for taking all the rest you need to recharge. 

If you’re tucked in bed feeling lonely and horrible, try listening to audiobooks and podcasts, or simply reach out to a friend or loved one to chat about what’s on your mind. 

And if you’re up for it, why not learn something new or invest your energy into a task you’ve been wanting to take on? Make yourself a new smoothie recipe, spend a few minutes on the piano or simply rearrange your bookshelf if it makes you feel better. You’ll probably feel the tiniest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction while getting a whole lot of inspiration in time for your post-period activities! 

Should You See A Doctor?

With plenty of period hacks to choose from, you’ll hopefully get better at managing your next and subsequent menstrual cycles! While they may not work for everyone, your period problems will most likely be more tolerable whenever the dreaded time of the month rolls around. Just remember to stick to the ones that work best for you and don’t be afraid to experiment. 

However, if your PMS symptoms are seriously unbearable and extreme such that it severely disrupts your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a doctor. With Siena, all you have to do is fill up a questionnaire to schedule a tele-consult with one of our female doctors to discuss the complications and find relief from your PMS symptoms — all from the privacy and comfort of your own home. 

Summary

How To Relieve Period Cramps?

  1. Dietary Changes

    Cut down on simple carbs, sugar and salt, constantly hydrate and don’t forget your daily nutrients & supplements.

  2. Lifestyle Recommendations

    Exercise, have sufficient quality sleep and stay away from bad habits like smoking.

  3. At-Home Care and Relaxation Techniques

    Indulge in therapeutic care such as yoga and massage, use heat pads or take a warm bath while staying positive.

References: 

Categories
Sexual Health

Premature Ejaculation (PE): Symptoms, Causes, Treatments in Singapore

Remember the proverb, “slow and steady wins the race”? Whether or not you actually heed this advice in your daily life, I’m sure you’ll agree that this proverb holds potent truth in bed. Indeed, coming too fast in bed often ruins the mood and can be extremely distressing for both you and your partner.

With 1 in every 3 men aged between 18 and 59 years old experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) at some point, PE is more common than you think.  

What is premature ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation occurs when:

  1. A man orgasms and ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like.
  2. A man orgasms with very little stimulation.

How soon is too soon?

There is no clearly defined time period of what constitutes PE. The time frame can vary across individuals, depending on what he or his partner constitutes as “too soon”. International guidelines often cite that a man has PE if he ejaculates within 1 minute of entering your partner. Once again, this isn’t a hard-line definition, and it really depends on you and your partners’ preferences and feelings. 

What if it happens only occasionally?

It’s okay to have some disappointing nights, you can’t always have it all. However, if the problem occurs almost every time for more than 6 months and causes you significant distress, then you may have PE. 

Types of premature ejaculation

Also, did you know that not every PE is the same? Here, we break down the 2 different types of PE for you.

  • Lifelong PE (primary PE): These men have been experiencing PE ever since their first sexual encounter. 
  • Acquired PE (secondary PE): These men have previously had normal ejaculations, but later developed PE.

Lifelong PE is often caused by psychological factors, whereas acquired PE can be caused by a mixture of both psychological and biological factors. Moving on, let’s explore the different reasons for PE. 

Causes of premature ejaculation

PE may be due to psychological factors or physical factors, or a mixture of both. It’s good to know the common causes of PE so that you can identify which ones have led to your PE. 

Psychological factors

Anxiety is one of the leading factors of PE. This usually comes in the form of performance anxiety, where a man is concerned about his sexual performance. However, anxiety and stress about other aspects of life, such as work or relationship problems, can also play a part in PE. Other psychological factors that cause PE include depression, guilt, low self-confidence and unrealistic expectations about sex. 

Think back about your teenage years. If you recall masturbating hurriedly for fear of getting caught by your parents or others, that might have caused a lasting effect and led to your PE today. Besides that, traumatic sexual experiences at a young age or strict upbringing that frowns upon sex as shameful can lead to PE. 

Biological factors

Ever heard of serotonin, the happy hormone? Not only does serotonin boost your mood, but it is also the controller of your sexual desires and erection. The higher the serotonin levels in your brain, the longer it takes for you to ejaculate, allowing more satisfactory and happier sex. However, when serotonin levels are low, the time to ejaculation is shortened, causing PE. Not so happy anymore.

Besides serotonin imbalance, other medical conditions can also lead to PE. These include erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes, an overactive thyroid and some prostate-related conditions. Genetics or simply an overly sensitive penis may even be at blame. 

Medical treatment for premature ejaculation

Oral medication

A common way to treat PE is using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This is a class of drugs that increases the level of serotonin, hence prolonging the time it takes to ejaculate. They may also help increase your sense of control over ejaculation. If deemed medically appropriate, Siena can prescribe you an SSRI medication known as Priligy®, which contains dapoxetine. 

In men who have both PE and erectile dysfunction (ED), ED pills can help. These include sildenafil (Viagra®), also known as the blue pill, as well as avanafil (Spedra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). These pills improve blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for an erection. 

Not sure if you have ED? Check out our previous blog article to learn more about ED.

Sprays and creams

Some men may find that local anaesthetic sprays and creams help reduce penile sensation, increasing the time to ejaculation. These sprays or creams should be applied onto the head of the penis up to 30 minutes before sex. You should wash the spray or cream off your penis 5 to 10 minutes before sex or put on a condom to prevent absorption of the spray or cream by your partner. Otherwise, it may cause vaginal numbness in your partner during vaginal sex. The condom also helps reduce your penile sensation, ultimately prolonging your time to ejaculation. 

Other tips and tricks to combat premature ejaculation

There are several natural ways to combat premature ejaculation. These include behavioural therapy, psychological therapy, lifestyle changes and even switching up your sex positions and techniques. We’ll save those for the next blog post, so do keep a close lookout for it!

Our final tip to all men with PE is to talk to your partner and seek treatment. Keep in mind that PE does not only affect you, but it can also lead to frustration and feelings of hurt from your partner. This may, of course, be a difficult topic to approach. However, your partner can be a great pillar of emotional support, and an open discussion with your partner will help to pave the way for mutual understanding. 

Lastly, remember that PE can be easily treated. That’s fortunate, but it means nothing if you shun away from seeking treatment. We know that visiting the clinic for treatment can be embarrassing and daunting, and that’s where we step in to help you. At Siena, simply fill up a questionnaire to answer the awkward questions and connect with one of our doctors for a video consultation, all from the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

References

  • What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE)? Latest Medical News, Clinical Trials, Guidelines – Today on Medscape. (2021, June 4). https://www.medscape.com/answers/435884-30677/what-are-the-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria-for-premature-ejaculation-pe. 
  • Nazario, B. (2020, July 7). Premature Ejaculation: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, & Prevention. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/men/what-is-premature-ejaculation. 
  • NHS. (2019, July 24). Ejaculation problems. NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/. 
  • Premature Ejaculation. Premature Ejaculation: Causes & Treatment – Urology Care Foundation. (2020, July 16). https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/premature-ejaculation. 
  • Lowy, M. (2018). Premature Ejaculation Fact Sheet. Healthy Male (Andrology Australia). 
  • Urology Care Foundation. (2020). Premature Ejaculation Patient Guide. 
Categories
Birth Control Health Sexual Health

Birth Control and Infertility: Reversible Birth Control Can’t Cause Infertility or Affect Future Pregnancy — Here’s Why

birth control and infertility

Reversible birth control has no effect on fertility 

No, reversible hormonal contraceptives will not cause infertility or affect your future pregnancies, regardless of which method you’re on (i.e. birth control pills, patch, vaginal ring, IUD) or how long you’ve been using it.

Most women gradually regain fertility and are just as likely to conceive as women who have never been on birth control. Only sterilisation is considered a permanent and irreversible birth control method.

A 3-year study conducted to uncover the association between oral contraceptive use and the time to pregnancy revealed that long-term use of oral contraceptives did not affect the ability to conceive in the future. This same study of 3,727 participants even found that longer-term use of combined oral contraceptives was associated with a greater likelihood of pregnancy.

In a separate study of 2,000 women who planned to conceive after being on the birth control pill for seven years, 21% of the women managed to conceive within one cycle. After stopping birth control, approximately 80% of the women were pregnant within a year. 

Benefits of birth control

Perhaps, you haven’t heard of the wide range of health benefits that come from using birth control. Many women also use it to manage their migraines, relieve menstrual cramps and cope with painful disorders like endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

Especially if you’re sexually active but aren’t ready for kids yet, birth control is one of your best options. Used perfectly, most methods are at least 99 percent effective and safe, helping you to prevent unwanted pregnancies! 

So why is infertility still a persistent myth?

You may be wondering if this long-standing myth has some truth to it. After all, it’s a pretty common misconception and you’re bound to hear about it. While birth control doesn’t affect fertility, there are a few reasons why some may assume otherwise. 

1. Fertility delay

You should resume your menstrual cycle within about three months of stopping reversible hormonal contraceptives, if not earlier. However, depending on the contraceptive used and the individual person, there could be a fertility delay that makes it seem as if birth control has adverse effects on your reproductive health. 

According to research, it’s possible to experience a short-term fertility delay of two to six months once you’re off oral contraceptives. This shouldn’t be a huge problem but if you’re concerned, it’s best to speak with your doctor.

A longer delay of menstruation that lasts at least six months after you stop taking oral contraceptives may mean you’re experiencing post-pill amenorrhea. For some, it can take longer than usual for their body to start producing the hormones essential for ovulation and menstruation again, even after stopping the pill. Despite its medical term, this is usually not due to birth control use, but rather an underlying health condition or simply your body’s natural reaction. (Source: Healthline) 

2. Underlying health conditions

Birth control’s primary function is to release synthetic hormones that trick your body into thinking you’re on a menstrual cycle despite overriding your own body’s natural hormonal cycle. Sometimes, this may mask certain health issues that lead to anovulation (lack or absence of ovulation) or irregular ovulation. 

Several health conditions include: 

  • High levels of stress
  • Hyperprolactinemia 
  • Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism 
  • Low body weight 
  • Obesity 
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency 
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

If you think you may be suffering from any of the above conditions, or experience a lack of menstruation, heavy bleeding or irregular period cycles, speak with a healthcare professional immediately. The longer you leave an underlying health condition untreated, the longer and harder it might become to conceive.

3. Age

If you’ve been on birth control since you were a teen and find it hard to conceive now that you’re older, birth control’s not to blame! It’s definitely not because you’re a long-term birth control user. 

Fertility changes with age and a woman’s peak reproductive years are usually between the late teens and late 20s. Hence, women tend to face a decrease in fertility by age 30 which becomes more rapid as they grow older. By 45, it’ll be challenging and unlikely for women to naturally become pregnant. 

You may not know this but women are actually born with a fixed number of eggs in their ovaries, which is estimated to be around two million. As they grow older, the number of eggs decreases. Upon hitting puberty, it would have already decreased to about 400,000 eggs! 

As the remaining eggs in older women are likely to contain abnormal chromosomes, there is also a higher risk of fertility-related disorders like uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths of the uterus) and endometriosis. 

Essentially, female fertility can be affected by age as both the quality and quantity of eggs decline.

When should I forgo reversible birth control if I’m trying to conceive?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a short-term or long-term birth control user. As long as you’re off birth control, your body should naturally start to ovulate again.

If you’re trying to conceive and have already come off birth control for a few months, don’t worry if you’re not pregnant yet. Sometimes, this can take anywhere from a few months up to a year.

But if your menstrual cycle doesn’t resume for an extended period of time after stopping birth control, you may want to consider seeking professional help. 

Comparing birth control methods: how long it takes to become fertile again

Birth Control Method Duration
The combination pill and the mini pill– Your menstrual cycle should resume once you stop taking the pill
– Can take up to three months
Hormonal or copper IUD– Your menstrual cycle should resume within a month after removal
– Can take up to three months
The vaginal ring and contraceptive patchYour menstrual cycle should resume within the normal three months after discontinuing use 
The contraceptive injection or shotYour menstrual cycle can take up to a year to resume

Some parting advice 

Although it may take longer for some to resume their natural menstrual cycle after stopping reversible hormonal contraception, this is usually a temporary delay. Generally, long-term birth control use will also not affect your ability to conceive at a later stage. 

So relax and give your body some time to readjust! If you’re still worried or simply want to find out more about your birth control options, don’t hesitate to connect with one of Siena’s doctors today.

References: 

Categories
Birth Control Health

Hormonal Birth Control, Blood Clots and COVID-19: Should You Be Concerned?

Image credit: Adobe Stock / Getty Images

You may have heard of this rare side effect that comes with taking hormonal birth control — blood clots. But is it actually a real cause for worry?

Hormonal birth control remains one of the safest and most effective methods to prevent pregnancy and even has other benefits like alleviating painful period symptoms. 

But, as with all kinds of medications, there are bound to be certain side effects. This article will deep dive further to understand the risks of blood clots from hormonal contraceptives, as well as the connection between COVID-19 and blood clots for those who are taking birth control (and you’ll see that there really is no major cause for worry). 

What are Blood Clots?

Blood clots form when certain parts of your blood thicken and subsequently become a semi-solid mass. Sometimes, clotting occurs in areas it’s not supposed to and can cause damage. Types of dangerous blood clots include:

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a clot that forms inside one or more of the deep veins in specifically the legs or the arms. (Source: Pandia Health)

Several signs of DVT include: 

  • Swelling (near the area of the clot) 
  • Leg or arm pain and tenderness which may feel like cramps 
  • Red or blue skin discolouration at the area where the clot formed 
  • Warm skin

2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) 

PE happens when the clots that form in a DVT break loose and travel up to the lungs via the bloodstream, thus blocking blood flow. It is best to treat this type of blood clot as soon as possible and this requires you to recognise some of the signs and symptoms. (Source: Pandia Health)

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Chest pain that intensifies when you take a deep breath 
  • Elevated heart rate 
  • Bloody cough

Hormonal Birth Control and Blood Clots

Birth control does not cause blood clots. However, it is associated with an increased risk of blood clots.

Why is there a risk of blood clots associated with hormonal birth control? 

Combined hormonal birth control such as the pill, patch and the vaginal ring contains the hormones estrogen. As estrogen increases plasma fibrinogen and coagulation activity in the body, this may lead to the development of blood clots. However, estrogen does not directly cause blood clots. What it does is increase both the risks and levels of clotting factors. 

Blood clots from the birth control pill are extremely rare

Between three and nine women in every 10,000 who take oral birth control pills will develop a blood clot, according to data from the FDA (That’s a 0.3 to 0.09% risk if you prefer to think of it that way). Further studies also found that only 1 in 3000 women per year who are on the pill will develop a blood clot. 

This means that your risk of experiencing a blood clot while using the pill is very small.

Birth control has become increasingly safe over time

The risk for DVT or PE is overall very low with hormonal contraceptives. In the past, combination birth control pills contained a higher dose of estrogen, which increased the risk of DVT and PE. Now the combination pill contains a lower dose of estrogen, and the risk is reduced.

Factors that may affect your risks of blood clots

Although blood clots are rare, it is worth noting that risk changes accordingly with other factors like:

  1. Age (generally above 45)
  2. Certain medical conditions such as family history of heart disease or blood clots
  3. Behaviours like smoking: Every additional cigarette increases your risk. Your risk of experiencing a blood clot from using birth control is higher if you smoke, with smokers aged 35 or older the highest risk group.

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider when you discuss birth control if any of the factors above apply to you.

Hormonal Birth Control, COVID-19 and Blood Clots

Does COVID-19 increase my chances of getting blood clots if I’m on hormonal birth control?

The short answer is no.

COVID-19 has been shown to cause clotting throughout the body. At this point, it is not established that you’re at a greater risk for getting blood clots if you contract the coronavirus while on hormonal medication. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)

Should I stop taking hormonal birth control during the pandemic?

In fact, it is advisable to continue using combined oral contraception without stopping unnecessarily to reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancy. There has been no evidence thus far pointing to any health outcomes associated with the use of contraception prior to and during COVID-19 infection. (Source: The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists)

Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine while on hormonal birth control?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe for people on hormonal birth control to receive any FDA-authorised COVID-19 vaccine. There has also been no observed risk for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines while taking hormonal birth control.

Even so, it’s important to remain open and honest with healthcare professionals about the medication you’re taking.

In Conclusion

While blood clots can become a serious health issue, it is safe to say that there generally isn’t much risk associated with birth control and it will not severely impact your reproductive health. 

Some advice to reduce risks of blood clots includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and watching your weight. 

If you are still unsure or concerned, connect with one of Siena’s doctors to speak about your personal risk for blood clots and the best birth control option for you.

References:

Categories
Birth Control Emergency Contraception Health Sexual Health

Missed Birth Control Pills: What To Do If You Forget Your Pills?

Credit: Illustration by Siena Health

Realising you missed your birth control pills can be a scary and stressful experience, and we know that. So here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can do to ease your worries! 

Perhaps you were running late and in a moment of panic, you couldn’t afford to indulge in your regular morning routine. Or you didn’t purchase your refills in time and realised it was way too late. 

Whichever’s the case, missing your birth control pills can most definitely leave you in a flurry, especially when you have devoted yourself to it. But alas, it happens so don’t beat yourself up about it! Thankfully, there are ways to manage this (mini) crisis. 

If you missed your pills, your next line of action should take into consideration:

  • Number of pills you have missed 
  • When you missed the pill (how far in are you with your pack)
  • Type of birth control pill you’re on (combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill)

The information leaflet that comes with your contraceptive pills should also have stated specific instructions on the steps you should take regarding the specific brand of birth control you are on. 

Symptoms you may notice if you missed your pills 

If you aren’t 100% sure, there are several symptoms that are pretty clear indicators you missed taking your birth control pills. The most common side effect is light bleeding or starting your period. You may experience menstrual cramps and nausea associated with it. 

Typically, there’s nothing to worry about and everything should return to normal once you’re back on the contraceptive pills regularly!

Combined contraceptive pill

The combined contraceptive pill contains both estrogen and progestin. There is a great variety of combined contraceptive pills you can choose from but some of the common combination pill brand names include Yaz, Yasmin, Microgynon 30, Liza, Mercilon and Drospera. A combination pill is considered “missed” if you don’t take it for 24 hours or more after you were supposed to. 

If you are late (less than 24 hours) or missed (24 to 48 hours) an active pill

You’re still protected against pregnancy if you missed 1 pill anywhere in the pack or started a new pack 1 day (24 hours) late. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Take the late or missed pill immediately
  2. Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time (even if it means taking two pills on the same day)
  3. Take the 7-day pill-free break as prescribed or if you’re on an everyday pill, take the inactive pills 
  4. Emergency contraception is not usually needed but can be considered if hormonal pills were missed earlier in the cycle or in the last week of the previous cycle
  5. No additional contraceptive protection (e.g. condoms) needed

If you missed two or more active pills (48 hours or more)

When this happens, it greatly increases your chances of ovulation. In this case, when you missed 2 or more active pills anywhere in the pack or started a new pack only after 2 days (48 hours) or more, you may not be protected against pregnancy. 

What you should do:

  1. Take the last pill that you missed immediately even if it means taking 2 pills a day 
  2. Discard any earlier missed pills 
  3. If the missed pill is within: 
    • Week 1 (pills 1 to 7) or Week 2 (pills 8 to 14) of the pack:
      • Continue to take the active pills in your current pack daily
      • Take the inactive (sugar) pills or a 7-day break
      • Begin a new pack the next day
    • Week 3 of the pack (pills 15 to 21): 
      • Continue to take the active pills in your current pack daily
      • When you have finished taking all the active pills, discard the pack
      • Don’t take the inactive (sugar) pills or a 7-day break, begin a new pack the next day
  4. Consider taking emergency contraception if you missed 2 or more pills during the first week of a pack and/or had unprotected sex in the last 7 days
  5. Use extra contraception (i.e. condoms) or abstain from sex for the next 7 days 

If you missed inactive pills 

If you miss 1 or more inactive (sugar) pills, simply throw away the missed pills and take the next pill at the usual time. Remember, you also have to stay on track with your active pills as there should be no more than 7 consecutive active pill-free days between packs.  

Missed birth control pills: a brief overview

ScenarioRecommended ActionsEmergency ContraceptionBack-up Birth Control
Late or missed 1 active pill– Take the late or missed pill immediately
– Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time (even if it means taking two pills on the same day).		Consider only if you missed the pill earlier in the pack or in the last week of your previous packNot required
Missed 2 or more active pills– Take the last pill that you missed immediately even if it means taking 2 pills a day
– Discard any earlier missed pills 

If you missed the pill within week 1 – 2 of the pack (pills 1 to 14):
– Continue to take the active pills in your current pack daily
– Take the inactive (sugar) pills or a 7-day break, begin a new pack the next day

If you missed the pill within week 3 of the pack (pills 15 to 21):
– Continue to take the active pills in your current pack daily
– Skip the inactive (sugar) pills or 7-day break, begin a new pack the next day		Consider only if you missed 2 or more pills during the first week of a pack and/or had unprotected sex in the last 7 days.Use extra contraception or abstain from sex for the next 7 days 
Missed 1 or more inactive pills– Discard missed pills and take the next pill at the usual timeNot requiredNot required

Progestogen-only pill or mini pill 

Unlike the combined contraceptive pill, progestogen-only pills (aka mini pills) contain progestin and not estrogen. They are taken continuously without any hormone-free breaks. 

If you missed a pill within the 3-hour (mini pills) or 12-hour window period (desogestrel pill)

You will still be protected against pregnancy if you are: 

  • Less than 3 hours late in taking a progestogen-only pill
  • Less than 12 hours late in taking a desogestrel pill

What you should do: 

  1. Take your missed pill as soon as you remember 
  2. Take your next pill at the usual time 
  3. There’s no need for an additional form of contraception or emergency contraception even if you’ve had unprotected sex

If you missed a pill for more than 3 hours (mini pills) or 12 hours (desogestrel pill)

Heads-up, according to the National Health Service, you’re likely unprotected against pregnancy! 

What you should do: 

  1. Take 1 pill as soon as you remember even if you have missed more than 1 pill
  2. Take your next pill at the usual time – this may mean taking 2 pills in a day (1 when you remember and the other at the usual time) which is totally okay to do so 
  3. Continue taking your remaining pills daily at the same time 
  4. You may need emergency contraception if you’ve had unprotected sex in the last 5 days
  5. Use back-up contraceptives for the next 2 days (48 hours) after taking the missed pills or simply refrain from having sex 

Useful tips to help you remember to take your pills on time

Whether or not you’re trying out a new routine to remind yourself to take the pill or ensuring you’re way more well-equipped after your first “missed birth control pill” scare, the following list of tips we’ve compiled will definitely help you.  

  • Opt for another birth control method such as the patch as it only needs to be changed once a week 
  • Set a recurring alarm or reminder on your phone 
  • Use a birth control pill reminder application 
  • Incorporate it into your daily routine 
  • Place the pills in an easily noticeable spot (e.g. bedside table, beside your toothbrush)
  • Get your partner to remind you

Seek help if you need to

We totally get that it can be real confusing knowing you missed your pill and the follow-up steps taken vary depending on what type of birth control pill you’re on. But hopefully, this condensed guide can be your saving grace in times of need (and that you won’t be referencing it anytime soon!).

Feel free to reach out to Siena’s doctors, if you are unsure which instructions pertain to your oral contraceptive pills or to discuss any other concerns you may have with your birth control method. 

References:

Categories
Birth Control Health Period

Managing Migraines with Birth Control

Do you frequently experience migraines that frustrate the life out of you? Learn more about its causes and how birth control can help you cope.

Two types of headaches that are linked to your menstrual cycles

Tension headaches 

There are different types of headaches that vary in terms of their causes and nature of pain. But one of the most common forms of headache pain (aka tension headaches) may be linked to your menstrual cycle. The pain resulting from tension headaches tends to spread across both sides of the head and you’ll also experience slight pressure.

A study conducted among 165 female patients established menstrual tension-type headache as a real disorder that could represent a variant of migraine headaches. Thus, some women do experience tension headaches around the time of their period.

Menstrual migraines

Women who experience migraines reported that the attacks usually occur either right before or during their periods. This is also known as menstrual migraine. (Source: The Migraine Trust) 

A migraine is not merely a severe headache. Rather, migraine is a disabling neurological disease and headaches are only one symptom of migraines that can range in severity and length. It usually starts off as a one-sided throbbing headache, alongside other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, and increased sensitivity to light, sound or smells. 

More often than not, migraine attacks can be spontaneous as well. Thus, it is easier to detect the causes of headaches as migraines typically have several common triggers without a single cause. These triggers may vary depending on individuals:

  • Gender and hormonal shifts: Menstrual cycles and hormonal changes can cause menstrual migraines. In fact, migraine is three times more common among women than men and in the United States, it affects approximately 37% of women during their reproductive years. 
  • Allergies: Body irritation and inflammation as migraines are associated with the inflammation of blood vessels. 
  • Family history and genes: There’s often a hereditary link so you’re more likely to experience migraines if you have family members who suffer from the same problem.
  • The environment: This covers a wide range of factors from changes in weather, stress, lack of sleep and even food.

Why you may experience headaches or migraines around the time of your period

Hormonal imbalance

The cause of menstrual migraines is best explained by a drop in estrogen levels during your period whereby sensitivity toward such hormonal fluctuations makes you more vulnerable to migraines. It can also happen if you’re pregnant or going through menopause.

Low iron levels

Another reason why you may experience headaches after your period is because of low iron levels after shedding blood and tissue during your period. Especially for those who usually experience heavy period flow, greater loss of blood may cause iron deficiencies and thus trigger headaches.

Hormonal treatment to prevent migraines

Maintaining hormone levels during your period

Birth control like the combination pill, progestin-only pill, patch and even vaginal ring are forms of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms of migraine through hormonal balancing. Not only do they help to stabilise estrogen levels by regulating hormones throughout your menstrual cycle, but they also reduce uncomfortable period symptoms. Low-dose estrogen birth control pills are normally recommended to prevent migraines as you can avoid experiencing a sharp drop in hormone levels during your period.

Skipping periods

Otherwise, you may also choose to opt for a continuous dose of the pill to reduce the likelihood of migraines. This essentially means you continue taking active, low-dose estrogen pills instead of placebo pills during the seven inactive days. Thus, the steady dose of estrogen should prevent the drop in hormones that usually occurs once you stop taking active pills on inactive days. Altogether, this should help you reduce the severity and frequency of migraines while experiencing lesser withdrawal bleeding. 

If you’re on birth control that comes with the sugar (placebo) pills, simply skip them and start a new pack so that hormones are continuously released into your bloodstream. 

That’s right, birth control isn’t just for preventing pregnancy as skipping periods may even improve your quality of life because of certain benefits! Besides potentially preventing migraines and headaches, birth control can also reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and symptoms of your periods like menstrual cramps, bloating and even acne.

Lifestyle changes to cope with migraines

Although there’s no single cure for migraine, lifestyle changes can help you counter the negative effects. This includes: 

  • Regular exercise 
  • Adopting a healthy diet to avoid trigger foods 
  • Improving sleep habits 
  • Practising relaxation techniques (e.g. yoga, meditation) 

Keeping a journal or record of your migraine episodes can also help you track patterns such as the duration and symptoms to identify potential causes. You’ll definitely be more well-equipped to deal with your migraines by recognising and avoiding triggers.

Need help?

If you do have a history of migraines, it’s best to consult a doctor before you begin a new birth control method. With Siena, you can even have your consults online and preferred birth control delivered straight to your doorstep for free!

References: 


Categories
Birth Control Sexual Health

Birth Control Patch: 7 Facts You Should Know

Credit: Illustration by Siena Health

Don’t shy away from the birth control patch! Simple and convenient, it’s a seamless integration into your everyday routine and here are the reasons why.

With a variety of birth control to choose from, you may or may not have overlooked the birth control patch as another great alternative for your contraception needs. Or perhaps you’re unfamiliar with how the patch works and would rather stick to methods you’re used to. Nevertheless, the birth control patch is meant to be just as effective as birth control pills and may even be easier to use. 

A quick survey of the local landscape surrounding birth control based on a 2016 survey study: Singaporean women have low awareness and knowledge of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), the patch and the vaginal ring. This was the first survey study that assessed Singaporean women’s awareness and knowledge of contraception in Singapore. Thus, there were only a sparse few who actually used the patch. (Source: Singapore Medical Journal) 

Even though the patch may not be as popular as condoms or the pills, it works just the same in helping you prevent pregnancy. Especially if you dislike popping pills or if you’re afraid of going through with bigger commitments such as the implants and IUD, the patch is a perfect midway option. 

Read on as we cover how the birth control patch works, its benefits, and more!

1. The patch works by delivering hormones through your skin and into your bloodstream

Similar to birth control pills, the birth control patch contains two hormones estrogen and progesterone, which work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation. When you wear the patch, it releases these hormones which your body subsequently absorbs through the skin.

The patch is able to stop ovulation while the hormones in the patch also thicken the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. The hormones also thin the uterine lining which makes the implantation of a fertilised egg difficult.

Similar to birth control pills, the birth control patch is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy with perfect usage. But in real-life conditions, such as incorrect application or forgetting to replace the patch, they become about 91 percent effective. In comparison to the pill, however, the patch is a great alternative if you find daily pill-popping a hassle.

2. The patch is designed to be fun-sized and discreet 

Image credit: Siena Health

The birth control patch looks like a plaster, as it is a small and sticky square patch that is usually thin and beige in colour.

Worried about them being too obvious? You can apply them to the skin on your upper outer arm, abdomen, buttocks or upper torso. Take note: do not apply the birth control patch to your breasts or somewhere easily irritated by clothing.

3. You only need to think of the patch once a week

Application

The following steps are really important to ensure you use the patch accurately and effectively. 

Firstly, open the pouch containing the patch and remove the protective film. Apply the sticky side of the patch onto your skin by exerting slight pressure for at least 10 seconds to ensure it is properly attached before smoothing out any wrinkles. 

Thereafter, you can change your birth control patch each week over a period of three weeks and go without the patch during the fourth week. Similar to getting your period, you’ll experience withdrawal bleeding. After the fourth week has ended, start your next cycle with a new patch.

For first-time users of the patch 

Once the birth control patch has been prescribed to you, apply the first patch during the first 24 hours of your period. It becomes effective immediately after application within the first five days of your period. And yes, now you don’t have to worry about relying on any other back-up contraceptive methods! 

Alternatively, if you decide to use the first patch on the first Sunday after your period has started or you apply your first patch more than five days after your period started, the patch will not take effect immediately. Meanwhile, you should use an additional form of contraception (i.e. condoms) for the next seven days.  

Mark your calendars — note down the first day you apply the birth control patch and designate it as your next “patch-change” day! 

Each patch lasts for seven days so you’ll have to keep it on throughout and replace the patch exactly one week from the date you first applied it.

Extra tips:

  • Apply the patch on completely clean and dry skin
  • Avoid using lotion, oil, powder and makeup on the area you plan to apply the patch to
  • Try to store your unused birth control patches in a dry and room-temperature environment away from direct sunlight
  • Do not remove the patch from the pouch if you don’t intend to use it yet

4. Fuss-free removal process

Image credit: wikiHow

To remove the birth control patch, all you need to do is peel off the old one and replace it with a new one. It’s best to fold the adhesive sides of the old patch together before disposal so that it is not exposed. Do not flush the patch in the toilet as this may contaminate the water supply with hormones.

5. Do daily checks on your patch

This is an unlikely scenario as the birth control patch is designed to be firmly attached to your skin. You can safely shower, exercise and even swim with the patch. 

But in the event the patch does come loose or fall off, there are ways to get back on track! 

Prone to bad memory and sticking to a schedule? Don’t freak out because even if you really do forget to change your patch and it’s been less than two days (48 hours), just reapply a patch immediately and subsequently change your patch on the same day as the previous patch. If it’s only come loose, you can stick it back on and continue using it. 

However, if the patch has come off for more than two days or you’re unsure how long it has been since the patch fell off, reapply a new patch immediately and use another birth control method for at least a week. You’ll also have to begin a new four-week cycle and take note of the day you applied the replacement patch. The day on which you apply the new patch will be the new “first day” of the new application cycle. 

It’s uncommon for the birth control patch to fall off if you’ve followed the instructions closely. To prevent it from happening, try to cultivate a habit of checking your patch daily to ensure it’s still firmly attached to your skin. If the patch does not completely stick to your skin, immediately replace it with a new patch.

There is also a handy tool available online if you ever lose track of your birth control schedule and require help ASAP! 

6. The patch has other non-contraceptive benefits 

Similar to the benefits of other forms of hormonal birth control, the hormones in the patch can also help to lighten and regulate your periods while alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It can even lower the risks of developing cysts in your breasts and ovaries. (Source: Planned Parenthood)

7. You can use your birth control patch to skip your period

A long-awaited holiday trip coming up? Attending a pool party in a couple of weeks? Or simply longing to head to the beach? With the birth control patch, you can be sure to leave all your period worries behind during times like these!

If you’d like to skip your period altogether, use the patch every week. This means starting a new pack of patches every three weeks without any break in between (i.e. continue using the patch during the fourth week). By doing this, the constant stream of hormones in your bloodstream eliminates your monthly withdrawal bleed.

What are you waiting for? 

Surely by now, you’re more familiar with the various upsides of the birth control patch and why it’s so convenient and easily reversible! Using the patch is definitely an effortless and painless process since it only needs to be applied once a week.

Feel free to check in with any of Siena’s female doctors before trying out or switching to a new birth control method. We’re most happy to help you find your most suitable, discreet and favoured birth control!

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