Birth Control Shot Side Effects You Should Know
When you hear the term birth control, the Pill probably springs to mind, followed by methods that are growing in popularity, like intrauterine devices and the Nexplanon implant. But theres a slew of other options out there, including one that doctors say is popular but often overlooked in birth control conversations: the shot.
Depo-Provera, the brand name for medroxyprogesterone , is a contraceptive injection for women that contains progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. Its given as an injection once every three months, the Mayo Clinic says, and it works by suppressing ovulation, i.e., it keeps your ovaries from releasing an egg each month that could get fertilized, resulting in pregnancy. The shot also thickens your cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching an egg.
According to Planned Parenthood, the shot is more than 99 percent effective when its used perfectly but, in real life, the shot is about 94 percent effective because sometimes people forget to get their shot in time. That means about six out of every 100 shot users will get pregnant each year.
Rebecca Starck, M.D., an ob/gyn and clinical assistant professor of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, tells SELF that she tends to prescribe hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, and the implant more often than the shot, but Depo-Provera is among the range of options she discusses with her patients.
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Taking A Daily Birth Control Pill Could Lead To A Drop In Your Sex Drive
Taking birth control pills may significantly decrease the risk of an unplanned pregnancy, but it could also make you less inclined to want to have sex in the first place.
A study published in The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care found that 27 percent of women who used hormonal contraceptives including birth control pills experienced decreased sexual desire. According to WebMD, this could be because the majority of combination birth control pills lower testosterone the hormone that makes people want to have sex. While many women naturally produce enough testosterone to still experience sexual desire, women who have naturally low testosterone levels will likely see a decreased interest in sex while taking birth control pills. However, that doesnt mean birth control is always bad for the bedroom.
Overall, birth control is not associated with a significant change in sex drive, Dr. Jessica Atrio told Insider. She continued, saying, However, behavioral and social research has demonstrated trends in changes in sexual behavior when people co-habitat, have children and maintain long-term relationships that may also be attributed to contraception.
Myth Vs Fact: The Ring Causes Weight Gain
Like the pill, the ring isnt likely to cause any increases in weight gain or body fat. This 2006 study published in the scientific journal Human Reproduction looked at 983 women either taking the pill or using NuvaRing. There was no difference in weight gain or body composition between the two groups.
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Laxative Abuse: Symptoms Risks And Treatment
Laxative abuse happens when someone tries to lose weight, shed calories, or feel empty through the repeated use of laxatives. Laxatives are medications that are used to treat constipation. They work either by stimulating the lower intestine or by softening the stool.
However, laxatives are not effective for weight control. Whats more, laxative abuse is unsafe and can lead to a wide range of short-term and long-term health complications.
Learn more about laxative abuse, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
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Myth Vs Fact: The Pill Causes Weight Gain
Unlike other birth control methods, theres been a good amount of research on birth control pills over the years. Several studies have found that, overall, women taking birth control pills dont gain weight any faster than women using non-hormonal birth control. Women on the pill also didnt notice any body fat changes compared to women not using hormonal birth control.
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Your Risk For Kidney Injury Increases
On January 8, 2014, the FDA released an official warning about the dangers of sodium phosphate laxatives after 13 people died as a result of using them incorrectly. Taken either orally or anally, these particular laxatives are particularly dangerous for people who are already taking kidney medication or have kidney disease. The warning noted that signs of kidney complications include not urinating enough, drowsiness, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
Of course, the individuals who died after taking these laxatives didn’t follow the directions on the box. They took more doses in a single day than was instructed. If you do this and don’t have a bowel movement within 30 minutes , you need to seek medical attention.
Even if you don’t have suffer from any kind of preexisting kidney issues, it’s better to air on the side of caution. Kidney disease kills about two percent of women today, and there are no symptoms in the early stages that indicate its existence. So if you’re going to mess around with laxatives, you better go with the right dosage.
A List Of Low Gas Vegetables
Some people will be particularly sensitive to gassy vegetables with their high levels of oligosaccharides, fructans or sulfur compounds. They may need to greatly reduce or even eliminate these kind of foods to avoid painful gastrointestinal problems.
For best results replace them with a mix of the following healthy low gas vegetables:
- Iceberg lettuce and the even healthier Romaine lettuce
- Red and orange bell pepper
- Parsley, coriander and other green herbs
- Cooked spinach, Swiss chard and most other leafy greens
- Summer, winter and butternut squash
- Fresh peas and green beans do cause gas as well but usually not as much as dried beans or chickpeas
- Bok choy, arugula and watercress are less gassy than other cruciferous vegetables
These veggies dont commonly cause bad gas and you should be able to enjoy most them, even in fairly large servings, without experiencing bloating and excessive flatulence the next day.
The FODMAP diet can be helpful to pinpoint which particular foods are most problematic if you are having ongoing gastrointestinal upsets.
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Can I Take Stool Softeners While Pregnant
Up to 39% of people experience constipation during pregnancy. Before using a stool softener, tell your healthcare provider if:
- Youre pregnant.
- You plan to become pregnant.
- Youre breastfeeding .
If you become pregnant while taking a stool softener or are breastfeeding, call your healthcare provider for guidance. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only use a stool softener when their provider recommends it. You should discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with your provider.
Drink Plenty Of Fluid
It is important that you drink plenty of fluid when taking any laxative. This means drinking at least two litres per day . An osmotic laxative can make you dry . If you take a bulk-forming laxative and you do not drink enough fluid this can cause a blockage in the gut. The stools may become dry and difficult to pass.
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What Helps With Diarrhea
Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium are generally safe for treating diarrhea, Dr. Deutsch says. The only time you dont want to take them is if you have a GI infection, she adds. And people should also know that Pepto-Bismol can make your stool turn black, which makes some worry that they are bleeding. But this is normal. Whats concerning is blood.
If you can, consider riding out the diarrhea before using an over-the-counter medication, as too much medication can then lead to constipation, Dr. Deutsch points out. Or if you do take a medication, you may just want to take one pill or one dose first, and give it a little time to work, she says.
Diet is also key when dealing with diarrhea. If its a vicious stomach bug, we recommend the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. You want bland things that will help firm up the stool, Dr. Deutsch says.
To avoid diarrhea in general, Dr. Deutsch recommends foods with insoluble fiber, which acts like a sponge and draws water out of your stool. Look for foods with whole wheat flour, wheat bran, and things like beans, nuts, cauliflower, and potatoes.
If you need a supplement, Benefiber works well because it absorbs water from the intestines to form softer, bulkier stool, Dr. Deutsch says.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome : : Only Abdominal Pain And Bloating No Diarrhea / Constipation
I began to develop abdominal pain following a course of antibiotics prescribed for an overactive gland back in October last year. Since then my condition has worsened to the point where I experience lower abdominal pain on a daily basis. Often the pain can be present all day and I can find no way to relieve it. The only other symptom I have is occasional bloating, but no constipation or diarrhoea . My health in general is very good and I exercise regularly .At first I was prescribed Mebeverine but I found it had very little effect. I have had numerous blood tests, a urine test, and also an ultrasound, all of which were clear.Around 8 weeks ago I was referred to a specialist gastroenterologist and my appointment is in 3 weeks from now. 2 weeks ago I visited my GP again because I was experiencing an unusually degree of pain. She said she would expedite my appointment with the specialist, however this is something she has been unable to fulfil, in part due to bad communication between them and the gastroenterology department and also due to the fact the specialist only works two days a week.At this point I havent been diagnosed as having anything specific, and If Im honest I kind of feel like Ive been hung out to dry by my GP whose answer on most occasions has been to wait and see, which suggests they arent taking it very seriously.My question really is, is it possible to suffer from IBS but only experience abdominal pain and bloating?
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How Long Can You Go Without Pooping Before Impaction
That said, “Not going for more than three consecutive days should grab your attention,” he warns. Glatter becomes concerned when patients are constipated for more than a week, especially if they’re unable to pass gas, experience stomach pain, and have a swollen belly. This could be a sign of a bowel obstruction.
Cleanse Diets And Detox Teas
Some teens and young adults use products labeled as a cleanse or digestive teas promising detoxification and weight loss. Teens and young adults who use social media throughout the day are often bombarded with influencers recommending juice or herbal cleanses to fight bloat or feel lighter. While there may be a short-term benefit in using these teas or supplements for the occasional constipation, these are not meant to be used regularly. As with laxatives, the digestive tract can develop a dependence on them.
There can also be rebound weight gain as water returns to the intestines and colon. This increase in weight can trigger individuals to continue using laxatives, but for a longer amount of time, and in higher quantities. Using these herbal products and supplements can be just as harmful as purchasing a package of laxatives from the grocery store.
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Proper Use Of Laxatives
It is important for individuals to follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider and those supplied by the product manufacturer when taking an over-the-counter laxative. Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, remember that over-the-counter and prescription laxatives are only intended for short-term use and you should not exceed the dosage on the label.
With all types of laxatives, it is important to consume at least 6-8 cups of liquids every day plus an additional glass with every laxative dose taken, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. As described above, laxatives often draw fluid into the digestive system to soften the stool and/or pass it out with the bowel movement. Ensure plenty of fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Laxative abuse can lead to serious dysfunction of bowel motility such as intestinal paralysis, cathartic colon, lazy or laxative gut, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and other problems. Using laxatives regularly, except for bulk-forming agents and stool softeners, can lead to these problems. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives in moderation and under the supervision of a physician or other regulated healthcare provider. If you have chronic constipation, where it is a daily issue or occurs more than once a week, then seek the care of a medical professional before self-treating with over-the-counter laxatives.
First published in the Inside Tract® newsletter issue 174 2010
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Is Birth Control Bad For Your Gut
Leaky gut, good gut bug chaos and autoimmune disease are all on the table when we start birth control. Im not shaming you if youve been using birth controlrather, I want you to know the risks if you do decide hormonal birth control is best for you.
I was a kid with chronic gut issues who turned into a teen who popped a daily pill thinking she knew better than her body. We can all be grateful I went to natural medical school and didnt get pregnant in the mix. Thank you birth control! But man, I really wish I knew that all those food sensitivities could have been due to the pill.
And I really wish my patients had the info they needed before they started birth control and ended up in my office with SIBO, yeast infections, gut dysbiosis, heartburn, or me having to give them a new diagnosis of autoimmune disease.
But look, Ive been there, you may have been there, or someone you love as has been thereusing hormonal birth control without a clue that it could cause gut issues.
And maybe youre reading this now, on hormonal birth control, and thinking OMG what do I do? Or maybe thats just me thinking what I would think as my teenage self.
Look, wherever you are in your journey, I got you. If youve ever taken birth control then there is a serious need to love your gut up and if youre on it now, read on!
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Symptom Of Kidney Stone: Radiating Pain
Although you may have pain at the blockage point, you can also get pain radiating into other areas, Dr. Zhao says. For example, if a stone is obstructing the tube out of your bladder, you may have generalized pain in the lower abdomen or groin, including the testicles.
You can also get pain with urination, if the stones are lodged in the urethra.
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Bile Resistance Enhances Bowel Movement Frequency
Bile is a digestive fluid thatâs released into the intestines to enable use to breakdown, digest and absorb fat lipids.
However, bile acid has powerful antimicrobial properties that can kill intestinal bacteria.
And the ability of probiotic bacteria to tolerate bile acid is essential to their survival and persistence in the intestinal tract.
Bile tolerance and resistance are crucial requirements in a probiotic
If the bacterial species is killed off before its reaches the GI tract itâs essentially useless. For this reason, bile tolerance and resistance are crucial requirements in a probiotic.
Thankfully, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are highly resistant to the damaging effects of bile.
Populating the GI tract with bile resistant probiotic strains can result in higher levels of bile salts. This has a laxative effect of stimulating peristalsis and improving colonic motility âfaster bowel movements.
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Swap Unhealthy Fats To Reduce Bloat
Including too much fat in your diet will likely result in a full feeling, increased bloat, and digestive disturbance. Balancing healthy and unhealthy fats will help eliminate some of these symptoms. Healthy fat turns on the hormone leptin, which helps signal to your body when your stomach is full. It also dials down the hunger hormone ghrelin so that you feel as if you are satiated, Dr. Shemek says.
Keep in mind that although healthy fats are good for you, they can cause discomfort and expansion of the stomach as well. For instance, peanut butter can be hard to digest and can cause the abdominals to feel tight and distended, which may be linked to a food intolerance or an unknown peanut allergy. Experiment with other nut spreads such as cashew or almond butter as an alternative to reduce bloat.
Avocados are another popular healthy fat but should be proportioned wisely. They contain salicylates, which cause gas, bloating, and stomach pain, so eating too much could result in adverse effects. Try swapping avocado with hummus or edamame for a healthy alternative.
If you regularly suffer from bloat, take a look at your diet first. Even some of the healthiest foods can leave our digestive systems in a bit of distress. Try these easy foods swaps to reduce bloat next time your system is feeling a bit under pressure.
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Vegetables That Cause Gas & Less Gassy Alternatives
Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Regular intake is associated with a lower risk of many serious conditions and they provide a wide range of nutritional benefits.
Unfortunately eating too much of certain vegetables can also cause bad gas and other digestive issues like belly bloat, intestinal cramps and even diarrhea.
If you are having problems with excessive flatulence that you think might be caused by vegetables, this page lists the 14 most likely culprits. As well as some simple suggestions to help avoid gas and bloating when you eat them.
Also ahead is a helpful list of low gas vegetables that you can enjoy with your meals without risking feeling bloated, gassy or having bad smelling flatulence the next day.
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