Pregnancy can be a very emotional time in your life. If your pregnancy is unexpected, you may be feeling scared or confused about what to do. It is important to remember that you have options. But first, you need to make sure that you're pregnant.
How do I find out if I am pregnant?
Take a pregnancy test. There are 2 kinds:
Urine test: These tests are also called home pregnancy tests. You can buy them at most drug stores, grocery stores and discount stores. Most home pregnancy tests can tell if you are pregnant about the time you would expect to get your period. The test is typically very accurate if done correctly.
Blood test: This test is done at your doctor's office or at a health clinic. It can tell if you are pregnant about a week before you would expect to get your period. This test is very accurate.
If you take a home pregnancy test and the result is positive, you should see your doctor to confirm the results. Your doctor will likely do a confirming blood test or urine pregnancy test and a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb). This will help the doctor determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
I'm pregnant. What choices do I have?
Deciding what to do about an unexpected pregnancy can be very difficult. There is a lot to think about. You have to make the decision that is right for you. Consider your personal situation and your beliefs. You have several options:
You can continue the pregnancy and raise the baby, even if you will be a single parent.
You can continue the pregnancy and create an adoption plan to allow someone else to raise the child.
You can end the pregnancy.
How do I make a decision?
It can be very difficult to decide what to do. It helps to talk to someone you trust. This can be your baby's father, a family member or a friend. Your doctor, minister or rabbi may also be helpful. Try to find someone who won't pressure you into making a decision you are uncomfortable with. If you don't feel like you have anyone you can talk to, your doctor may be able to help you find a specially trained counselor.
Before you make any decision, you should learn about each of your options. Getting more information can help you make your decision. It can also help you feel more sure about your decision.
How soon do I need to make a decision?
If you are thinking about ending the pregnancy, it's best to try to decide as soon as possible. There are fewer risks associated with early abortions.
While you are making your decision, be sure to take good care of yourself.
Don't drink alcohol.
Don't smoke.
Don't do drugs.
Eat healthy.
Don't take any medicines without first talking to your doctor.
Get plenty of rest.
Exercise.
If you are thinking about continuing the pregnancy, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Seeing your doctor regularly while you are pregnant will help make sure that you and your baby will be as healthy as possible.
Showing posts with label women issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label women issues. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Birth Control: How to Use Your Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped cup that fits over the opening to the cervix and prevents pregnancy.
For effective birth control, your diaphragm (see pictures below) has to fit well. Your doctor will measure your vagina to find the correct size and fit for you.
Your doctor or a nurse will teach you how to put the diaphragm in and take it out. You also should read the directions from the company that made your diaphragm.
To be sure that you know how to use your diaphragm, you will need to practice putting it in and taking it out while you are in your doctor's office. Your doctor will check to see that the diaphragm fits right.
To lower your risk of getting pregnant, you must use your diaphragm correctly and use it every time you have sex. You must also use the diaphragm with spermicide (a gel or cream that kills sperm trying to enter the cervix) in order to prevent pregnancy. You can put the diaphragm in your vagina up to 1 hour before you have sex. Once in place, the diaphragm provides protection for 6 hours.
Getting Your Diaphragm Ready
Before you put the diaphragm in your vagina, put about 1 teaspoon of spermicidal gel or cream in the cup. Smear some more gel around the rim of the diaphragm. Do not use petroleum jelly or oil-based vaginal creams (such as Monistat). These can make tiny holes in the diaphragm.
Inserting Your Diaphragm
You can put your diaphragm in while you are lying down, squatting or standing with one leg up on a chair. Your legs need to be fairly wide open. Bending your knees can help. Once you're in position, follow these steps:
Use one hand to fold the diaphragm in half with the dome pointing down. Hold your vagina open with your other hand.
Put the diaphragm into your vagina, aiming for your tailbone. Push the diaphragm as far back into your vagina as you can.
Use one finger to push the front rim of the diaphragm up behind your pubic bone, aiming for your belly button.
Checking Placement of Your Diaphragm
With your finger, feel for your cervix through the dome of the diaphragm. The cervix will feel firm but not bony. It feels a bit like the tip of your nose.
If the diaphragm does not cover your cervix or if you cannot feel your cervix at all, the dome is not in the right place. This means that you need to remove the diaphragm, put more spermicidal gel on it, and insert it again.
The diaphragm should not fall out when you cough, squat down, sit on the toilet or walk around. If your diaphragm stays in place when you do these things, the front rim is most likely in the right place above the pubic bone.
After You Have Sex
The following are some important points to remember after you have sex:
Leave the diaphragm in place for at least 6 hours after you have sex.
If you have sex again within 6 hours, put spermicidal gel in your vagina, but do not take your diaphragm out to put gel in the dome.
Take the diaphragm out of your vagina 6 to 12 hours after you have sex.
Do not leave the diaphragm in your vagina for more than 24 hours. Doing so can cause infection, irritation or even a complication called toxic shock syndrome.
Do not douche while the diaphragm is in your vagina.
To remove the diaphragm, "hook" the front rim with your finger and pull down and out. Be careful not to tear a hole in the diaphragm with your fingernails. You should not wear your diaphragm during your menstrual period. You will need to use another method of contraception during this time.
Taking Care of Your Diaphragm
After you take the diaphragm out of your vagina, wash it with mild soap and water, rinse it and allow it to air dry. Always store your diaphragm in its container. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Check your diaphragm often for holes, tears or leaks. To do this, fill the dome with water and look for tiny leaks.
Replace your diaphragm after 1 to 2 years. Every year, your doctor should check to see that your diaphragm still fits correctly. You will need to be measured again if you have a baby, have pelvic surgery, or gain or lose more than 15 pounds.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems:
Trouble urinating, or painful or frequent urination
Vaginal itching, discharge or discomfort
High fever (which can be a sign of toxic shock syndrome)
You also should call your doctor if your diaphragm gets a hole in it or does not seem to fit right. If your diaphragm has any of these problems, it needs to be replaced. If you keep using it as is, you could increase your risk of getting pregnant.
For effective birth control, your diaphragm (see pictures below) has to fit well. Your doctor will measure your vagina to find the correct size and fit for you.
Your doctor or a nurse will teach you how to put the diaphragm in and take it out. You also should read the directions from the company that made your diaphragm.
To be sure that you know how to use your diaphragm, you will need to practice putting it in and taking it out while you are in your doctor's office. Your doctor will check to see that the diaphragm fits right.
To lower your risk of getting pregnant, you must use your diaphragm correctly and use it every time you have sex. You must also use the diaphragm with spermicide (a gel or cream that kills sperm trying to enter the cervix) in order to prevent pregnancy. You can put the diaphragm in your vagina up to 1 hour before you have sex. Once in place, the diaphragm provides protection for 6 hours.
Getting Your Diaphragm Ready
Before you put the diaphragm in your vagina, put about 1 teaspoon of spermicidal gel or cream in the cup. Smear some more gel around the rim of the diaphragm. Do not use petroleum jelly or oil-based vaginal creams (such as Monistat). These can make tiny holes in the diaphragm.
Inserting Your Diaphragm
You can put your diaphragm in while you are lying down, squatting or standing with one leg up on a chair. Your legs need to be fairly wide open. Bending your knees can help. Once you're in position, follow these steps:
Use one hand to fold the diaphragm in half with the dome pointing down. Hold your vagina open with your other hand.
Put the diaphragm into your vagina, aiming for your tailbone. Push the diaphragm as far back into your vagina as you can.
Use one finger to push the front rim of the diaphragm up behind your pubic bone, aiming for your belly button.
Checking Placement of Your Diaphragm
With your finger, feel for your cervix through the dome of the diaphragm. The cervix will feel firm but not bony. It feels a bit like the tip of your nose.
If the diaphragm does not cover your cervix or if you cannot feel your cervix at all, the dome is not in the right place. This means that you need to remove the diaphragm, put more spermicidal gel on it, and insert it again.
The diaphragm should not fall out when you cough, squat down, sit on the toilet or walk around. If your diaphragm stays in place when you do these things, the front rim is most likely in the right place above the pubic bone.
After You Have Sex
The following are some important points to remember after you have sex:
Leave the diaphragm in place for at least 6 hours after you have sex.
If you have sex again within 6 hours, put spermicidal gel in your vagina, but do not take your diaphragm out to put gel in the dome.
Take the diaphragm out of your vagina 6 to 12 hours after you have sex.
Do not leave the diaphragm in your vagina for more than 24 hours. Doing so can cause infection, irritation or even a complication called toxic shock syndrome.
Do not douche while the diaphragm is in your vagina.
To remove the diaphragm, "hook" the front rim with your finger and pull down and out. Be careful not to tear a hole in the diaphragm with your fingernails. You should not wear your diaphragm during your menstrual period. You will need to use another method of contraception during this time.
Taking Care of Your Diaphragm
After you take the diaphragm out of your vagina, wash it with mild soap and water, rinse it and allow it to air dry. Always store your diaphragm in its container. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight.
Check your diaphragm often for holes, tears or leaks. To do this, fill the dome with water and look for tiny leaks.
Replace your diaphragm after 1 to 2 years. Every year, your doctor should check to see that your diaphragm still fits correctly. You will need to be measured again if you have a baby, have pelvic surgery, or gain or lose more than 15 pounds.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems:
Trouble urinating, or painful or frequent urination
Vaginal itching, discharge or discomfort
High fever (which can be a sign of toxic shock syndrome)
You also should call your doctor if your diaphragm gets a hole in it or does not seem to fit right. If your diaphragm has any of these problems, it needs to be replaced. If you keep using it as is, you could increase your risk of getting pregnant.
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