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Tag: contraception

Nine months after the night before the morning after pill

August 30th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

The first week of September is one of the most popular weeks for unprotected sex in South Africa. We don’t know if it’s the smell of blossoms in the air, the first rays of sun or those floral skirts parading the streets, but this time of year, people everywhere are getting it on.

How do we know this? Because, come June, our hospitals will be filled to the brim with brand-spanking new babies. (It also means, if you’re a June baby, you were conceived in this very month.)

So, if you want to avoid being part of the statistics, here are three words of advice: use birth control! And if ‘contraception’ sounds like a passion-killer to you, you’ll need to weigh it up against sleepless nights, nappy-changes and preparing a small adult for their life.

Not ready for that? Then we have four (plus one back-up) ways to have adult fun, in an adult way:

1. Cover your lover

Ribbed, unribbed, strawberry-flavour, glow-in-the-dark, extra strength, extra thin and even warming condoms: the latex industry sure knows how to turn protection into a sport (or a circus). If there’s one thing you can’t say, it’s that condoms will make sex boring. If anything, it opens up whole new levels of experience.

You can even take turns wearing the ‘glove’. Yes, gents – there are also female condoms and diaphragms available. Just take note: it’s not as comfortable or effective as a male condom.

2. One-a-day

No, we’re not talking about apples here. Although an apple a day won’t keep the doctor away; a tablet a day will prevent babies – 99,9% of the time. Yes, that is not a typo. If you take the pill every day, you only have a 1 in 1000 chance of falling pregnant.

So what about your neighbour and her cousin and who fell pregnant while on the pill? Although the drug itself is almost 100% effective, omen aren’t nearly as effective at taking them every single day, which brings us to our next option:

3. Fit and forget

It’s one of the simplest, least painful procedures, and can last you up to 5 years. The IUD (or intrauterine device) is a small T-shaped device that the doctor inserts into your uterus. They are

  • effective at preventing pregnancy
  • have almost no side-effects (unlike the pill)
  • can be taken out once you’re ready to welcome another bundle of joy into your life.

There you have it: three fantastic reasons to pick up your phone right now, and book an appointment with your Gynae.

4. Closing the factory

Then, of course, there are the more permanent options: vasectomy for the men, or tubal ligation for the women. These operations have low-risk, quick recovery, and permanent results.
This is the best option if you’re at the stage of life where you can’t imagine another run of nappies, school-fees, teenage drama and study loans. When your family is at capacity, just go for the snip. Then you can rekindle those flames of passion from B.C. (Before Children) with zero worries.

EEK! The condom broke!

When all else fails, the morning after pill is an effective (but controversial) back-up plan, available at most pharmacies. Just remember to take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex: no later than 5 days.

Here are some classic situations where you may need it:

  • you’re reading this article the morning after, and did not use protection last night
  • you didn’t check the expiry date on your condom, and it broke
  • you forgot to take the pill yesterday and the day before (set reminders on your phone!)
  • you’ve been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill

So, while spring is in the air, and love is all around, rubber-up, pop a pill or snip. Just don’t get caught with your pants down!

By Dr. Albert J. Viljoen

Is your medication causing acne?

March 20th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

If you have acne, you are not alone. About 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 get acne breakouts at some point. It seems that adult acne is also on the rise, with studies showing that as many as 54% of women aged 25 and older affected by the skin condition.

With acne, different types of pimples form when the hair follicles under the skin are blocked with sebum (oil), dead skin cells and sometimes, bacteria.

While doctors don’t always know the cause of acne, they do know that changing hormone levels, genes and some cosmetics may play a role. Certain medication can also be to blame.

Acne culprits

  • Birth control medication that contains progesterone-like hormones. This includes progesterone injections and pills (e.g. Depo-Provera and Provera) as well as progesterone-containing intra-uterine devices and implants (e.g. the Mirena).
  • Topical and oral corticosteroids. The oral corticosteroids may cause yeast to grow within the hair follicles, resulting in acne, while the overuse of topical ones (i.e. skin creams or gels) could produce a type of acne.
  • Anabolic steroids, synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone, can leave you with severe acne. These drugs increase the amount of sebum in the pores.
  • Lithium. This medication is used to treat bipolar disorder and can cause a type of acne.

Other medications linked to acne and acne-like eruptions include anti-epileptic as well as immunosuppressive medication (which inhibit the activity of the immune system). Medication can, however, also play an important role in treating your acne. Oestrogen-based contraceptive pills, for example, can help regulate the hormonal changes that cause acne.

Manage and treat your acne

Make a point of getting your acne treated, as the skin condition can leave permanent scars and affect your self-esteem. With the right approach, your doctor could help clear your skin completely.

Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your acne and its severity as well as your age, your health, and your medical and family history.

Talk to your doctor about:

  • Alternative birth control options if you think your current method could be causing or aggravating your acne. For example, a combined oral contraceptive pill may be a better choice than a progestogen-only contraceptive pill or injection.
  • If you’re using oral or topical corticosteroids, find out if you’re using them correctly and at the right dose. Remember: overuse could be causing your acne.
  • Anabolic steroids should only ever be taken under strict supervision by your doctor. Don’t use them to bulk up.
  • Talk to your doctor about managing your acne if you think lithium may be the cause. A lower dose might help clear your skin, but it’s important to discuss with your doctor first. Another possible treatment option is tretinoin, a topical drug that will help unclog your skin.

Commonly prescribed treatments include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-androgens, i.e. drugs that block the action of the male sex hormones.
  • Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), a powerful and effective anti-acne drug.
  • Benzoyl peroxide, a topical antibacterial treatment.
  • Retinoids, a form of Vitamin A.
  • Salicylic acid, a treatment from the same family as aspirin.
  • Photodynamic therapy, which involves special photosensitising drugs and light.
  • Chemical peels, which are applied to the skin, causing it to peel off.

Remember: Your skin might only respond to treatment within a few days or weeks. In the meantime, gently wash your face twice a day (don’t scrub!) and when you’re sweaty. Make a point of using skincare products and cosmetics that don’t cause acne. Look for “non-comedogenic”, “non-acnegenic” and “oil-free” on labels.

References 

The basics of birth control

July 18th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Today, there are more options than ever to prevent pregnancy – and stay sexually safe. With guidance from your doctors and the many options to choose from, you can go for a birth control of your choice that will fit your budget and lifestyle.

The job of birth control is to keep the sperm and egg apart during sexual intercourse. Here’s what you need to know about the most popular methods. Remember, contraceptives don’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. So, it’s still a good idea to always use a condom as well.

Method How it works Good to know
Implant A small plastic rod is inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It releases a hormone called progesterone into your body. The hormone thickens the mucous of the neck of the womb to prevent sperm from entering. It prevents ovulation (stops eggs from leaving your ovaries) and thins the lining of the womb so it’s not able to support a fertilised egg.

 

 ·       It’s 99% effective within the first seven days of insertion.

·       You can have the implant for up to three years and it’s generally safe for most women to use.

·       Once it’s in, you don’t have to worry about a daily or monthly routine for your next contraceptive dose.

¡       There could be some side-effects like bruising, occasional soreness, irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, and acne.

 
The patch The thin, beige plastic patch releases hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy. It can be placed on your buttocks, abdomen, and arm.

 

 ·       It’s about 92-99% effective.

·       It’s generally safe, convenient, discreet, and doesn’t disrupt sex. This method is also easier for women who have trouble swallowing pills.

·       The side-effects may include your period flow being lighter or irregular. With generally no risks to using this method, there’s a slight risk of developing blood clots. Your oestrogen levels are higher and this could lead to weight gain, bloating, water retention, and other health issues.

 
The pill The hormones in the pill stop eggs from developing, therefore there is no egg released from the ovary.

 

 ¡       Taken daily at a specific time, it can give you 99% birth control.

¡       The pill does more than prevent pregnancy, but has other health perks too. It helps and reduces acne, menstrual pain, iron deficiency, and bone thinning. It also lowers the risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus, which can damage organs and cause life threatening blood loss).

¡       You will have to take the pill every day at the same time.

¡       It may change the level of your sexual desire too.

¡       Weight gain may result because of fluid retention and not from the actual pill.

 

 

 

Before you choose your option, know that some digestive disorders make it difficult for your body to maintain an oral birth control (like pills). Certain antibiotics can also make your birth control ineffective, so talk to your doctor before using any new medications.

Other methods include:

  • Vaginal ring
  • Cervical cap
  • Condom
  • Diaphragm
  • Female condom
  • IUD
  • Abstinence
  • Spermicide
  • Vasectomy
  • Sterilisation

Check with your doctor to see what may be suitable for you.

References

 

Safe sex during the holidays

December 13th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

December is time for you to take a break from the daily grind! It’s a month of relaxation, fun and spending time with loved ones. It’s also a time where people let go a little and may take more risks than they usually do. Those late-night get-togethers can lead to unprotected sex, which, in turn, could lead to an unexpected surprise 9 months down the line. Continue reading “Safe sex during the holidays”

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