3 mins read

Do You Need to Use a Back-Up Method When Switching Birth Control?

You may want to switch birth control methods to reduce side effects, opt for increased convenience or improve effectiveness. Changing from a barrier method of birth control to a hormonal contraceptive is one option, but you may also change from one hormonal contraceptive to another. Staying safe and preventing pregnancy while you switch is key, but your circumstances will affect whether you should use a back-up method of contraception.

3 mins read

Pregnancy and Sinus Pain

According to Lisa Rodriguez, R.N., contributing writer for the Dr. Spock website, sinus pain and infection are common pregnancy ailments. The hormones responsible for vaginal swelling also cause the lining of nasal passages and sinus cavities to swell, a condition called sinusitis. Increased swelling prevents nasal passages from draining properly, and this back-up of fluid can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria. The result is a painful sinus infection.

4 mins read

How Soon After a C-Section Can I Get Pregnant Again?

Even though C-sections are common, they’re still major surgical procedures. Your doctor cuts through several layers of skin and tissue and into your uterus in order to get to your baby. On top of that, you have a painful incision and a new baby that needs care. If that doesn’t put baby making out of your mind for a while, the risks it poses to your health might do it. If you don’t let both your internal and external incisions heal before becoming pregnant again, they could rupture or tear, putting you at an increased risk of bleeding, miscarriage and other serious complications.

2 mins read

Does the Ortho Evra Patch Make You Gain Weight?

Ortho Evra is a transdermal hormonal patch that provides reliable contraception. Like most other hormonal contraceptives, the patch uses a combination of estrogen and progesterone. The patch does deliver a much higher dose of estrogen than most pills available today. As a result, it has a somewhat higher risk of weight gain than other alternatives, according to the Women’s Health Resource website.