Copper T

Copper T is a very effective method of contraception. Its success rate in preventing pregnancy is high. It is inserted high in the uterus by a physician,and is effective for about 10 years. It does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Read here to know all about Copper T.

If you are wondering what contraception to opt for, perhaps you should consider the Copper T. Read on to find out if this would be suitable for you.

(This article is intended to provide general information, and should not serve as a substitute for a physician's advice.)


The Copper T 380A intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective, long-acting reversible contraceptives available. It is inserted high in the uterus by a physician, and provides enhanced contraceptive protection for up to ten years.


Copper IUDs actually prevent fertilization by reducing the number and viability of sperm reaching the egg, and by impeding the number and movement of eggs into the uterus. It is believed that the continuous release of copper from the coils and sleeves of the Copper T 380A into the uterine cavity enhances the contraceptive effect of the IUD.


Effectiveness

The annual pregnancy rate of users of the Copper T 380A is well below 1%. In actual use during the first year, the Copper T 380A IUD is more effective than most other IUDs, oral contraceptives, condoms and barrier methods. The effectiveness of the Copper T 380A
IUD is related to age, with pregnancy rates decreasing for older women.


Duration of Effectiveness

The US Food and Drug Administration first approved the Copper T 380A for a duration of four years. In 1989, the FDA extended the period of efficacy to six years. On the basis of further data, in 1991 the US FDA approved use of the Copper T 380A for eight years and in 1994, the period of use was extended to ten years!


Shelf Life

The shelf life of the Copper T 380A IUD is seven years. If the date on the individual IUD sterilized packaging has expired, the device and its inserter should be discarded.


Tarnishing of Copper

Copper-bearing IUDs may show discoloration in their sterile packaging, but this should not cause alarm. The copper tarnishes because air passes through the sterile IUD package, causing a film to form on the surface. If the package is not damaged, and the expiration date on the package has not passed, the IUD will be sterile even if the copper on the device is tarnished.


Prevalence of Use

Worldwide, the IUD is the most widely used reversible contraceptive.
IUD use varies from country to country, reflecting differences in culture, availability, and choice of contraceptives, attitudes and training of providers, and fertility goals of women. In Scandinavia, 20 to 40 percent of contraceptive users have IUDs, while about 60 million Chinese women use IUDs.


Return of Fertility

The contraceptive effect offered by the Copper T 380A IUD is reversed when the device is removed. Conception rates following removal for planned pregnancy are normal, with rates of successful planned pregnancy unaffected by duration of IUD use.

Ideal Candidates for Copper T380A IUDs

The Copper T 380A IUD is recommended for women who:

have had at least one child;
are in mutually monogamous relationships; (IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases)
have no history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID);
choose not to use hormonal contraceptives.

Women Who Should NOT Use Copper T380A IUDs

The Copper T 380A IUD should not be inserted in a woman who:

is pregnant or is suspected to be pregnant;
still retains a previously inserted IUD;
has a suspected malignancy or abnormality of the genital tract
had postpartum or post-abortion infection in the past three months;
has Wilson's disease or a known allergy to copper;
has genital actinomycosis.
has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) including a lower genital tract infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia;
is at a high risk for STDs because she or her partner has multiple sexual partners;
has acute pelvic inflammatory disease or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease;
has conditions associated with increased susceptibility to infections with microorganisms. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, leukemia, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and intravenous drug abuse.

If a woman cannot predict whether she or her partner will be in a monogamous relationship, she should adopt another contraceptive. A woman at risk for a sexually transmitted disease may also be at risk for transmission of the HIV virus; she should have her partner use a condom, since an IUD does not protect against AIDS.

Side Effects and Complications

Most women have some bleeding following insertion of an IUD, and menstrual cramps may worsen. Cramping is more severe in the first few months after insertion and usually diminishes over time. Menstrual bleeding may be heavier and longer than usual, and bleeding between menstrual periods can occur during the first two or three months after insertion. These side effects decrease over time. Copper IUD use may also induce iron deficiency in some women; this condition may be treated with iron supplements.

The Pill

What is the pill?

The Pill is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It contains two synthetic female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the monthly release of the egg from the ovaries. Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when taken correctly. The mini-pill contains only one hormone, progesterone, and has an efficacy rate of 97%.


Why the pill?

The Pill is probably the easiest birth control method to use. There are two pill-taking programs: the 21-day regimen and the 28-day regimen. With the 21-day regimen, you take one pill each day for three weeks and then for one week you do not take any pills. The cycle is then repeated. With the

28-day regimen, you take 21 pills first, then seven placebos which contain no active drug. Most women prefer the 28-day regimen because they find it easier to remember to take a pill every day of the year. So just pop it and forget it. What could be easier?


Are there any side effects?

As with most forms of medication, the pill is not without its share of :

Irregular bleeding the first few months
Spotting between periods
Increased appetite
Depression or moodiness
Headaches and/or dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Scant or missed periods
Weight change
High blood pressure
Breast tenderness

These side effects, though annoying, will not damage your health. Further, they are usually temporary and disappear within three months. If they persist longer, consult your gynecologist.

What are the advantages of the Pill?

It is convenient to use.
Unlike a condom, the pill does not interrupt sex.
Periods are usually lighter and shorter.
Periods get regulated and occur every 28 days.
As it prevents ovulation, in addition to its contraceptive action it also   eliminates mid-cycle pain which some women experience with ovulation.
The pill does not decrease a woman's chances of getting pregnant once she's off the pill and wants to conceive.
Did you know that there are many health benefits to the pill? These benefits include a reduced incidence of benign ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and most importantly, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

And disadvantages?

In addition to its side effects, the Pill has a few disadvantages:
They do not protect a woman from getting sexually transmitted diseases. If there is a danger of contracting an STD, always use a condom.
Some antibiotics can interfere with the way birth control pills work in your body, so if you are on any prescribed medication, inform your gynecologist.
You need to be extremely particular about not missing your pills. If you are the scatty-brain type, it's best to skip this method of birth control.
Though serious problems related to the use of birth control pills are very rare, the chances of developing blood clots, heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes or liver tumors are slightly greater in women who take birth control pills.

However, you should NOT take the pill if…

You suffer from a history of blood clots, heart related problems like angina or kidney failure.
You have a history of breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers of the reproductive organs.
You are in the acute stages of hepatitis.
You are a heavy smoker above the age of 35.
You start getting migraines after getting on the pill.
You have high blood pressure or diabetes.
You are about to undergo some major surgery.
You are breast-feeding.
You are above the age of 50.

EXCESSIVE BODY HAIR

If you have excessive hair all over your body, you may need to combine various methods of hair removal. Here are some practical solutions.

'What is a full body wax'. I seem to have a lot of hair in various places, and I don't think that waxing would be efficient. I was considering laser hair removal but it is very costly, and I don't even think that would be efficient enough. But for now is there anything that I could do at all Please help me..

A full-body wax means just what it implies hair removal from the entire body, including the arms, underarms, back, chest (if required), stomach, genital region and legs.

Here's what you can do:

Stick with waxing your arms, underarms and legs regularly. You could go in for a bikini wax once a month if you can take the pain, or you can shave your genital region once a week, after making sure the hair has been softened with soap for at least five minutes before shaving. Follow up with moisturiser.

Laser hair removal is indeed very costly, but there is really no other method of permanent hair removal. You could also consider electrolysis, but laser is a newer and superior method, and you could consider going in for this for small areas at a time, over a span of a few years. Hairy sideburns/forehead for example can be removed by laser therapy while you can thread your upper lip, chin and eyebrows.

Face

An interesting product is out in the markets in America, called Hair Off. This is a facial buffer-like hair remover. It is a three-inch tool that performs in the same manner as a pumice stone. You attach a fine sandpaper-like paper on the surface and gently scrub dry, hairy facial skin with it. The hair comes off along with any dead skin. Also, in-growths are not formed and your skin feels smooth. It costs approximately 5 dollars (less than Rs. 250) at CVS, and paper refills are also available definitely a good option for removal of facial hair.

Bleaching is always a preferable option to waxing facial hair, but if you have a lot of facial hair and are dark skinned, the hair will show nevertheless, and it is best to get the hair off by laser therapy or by trying Hair Off. Don't use hair removal creams on the face.

Stomach, Chest and Back

For hair on your stomach and back, use a hair removal lotion if you ever need to wear clothing that reveals these areas. These area is normally mostly covered, so only every once in a while, like if you are going for a beach holiday or wearing a sari, you can consider using hair removal lotion. Remember that hair removal lotions are not always suitable for regular use, and should preferably be used only occasionally.

On a regular basis apply a besan, haldi and curd mixture to your stomach and back (if hairy) and scrub off with your hands when the mixture dries on your skin. You may need someone to help you with your back.

Remove hair from your nipples by cutting it off. You can also use Face Off on your nipples. Make sure you are gentle.

Pumice Stone

Use a pumice stone on your legs everyday. This not only helps reduce hair growth over a period of time but also helps prevent in-growths caused by waxing. When using a pumice stone remember to scrub your skin with gentle motions, after applying soap and water. Scrubbing your skin too hard will cause bruising.

Using a pumice stone as a method for hair removal as opposed to using it for combating in-growths is most effective when used on areas that you do not wax or shave. So you scrub your stomach with a pumice stone gently everyday, and over a period of time the hair-growth will diminish.