Contraceptive Options Overview

A benign breast condition, often caused by hormone changes, that results in breast lumpiness, pain, and tenderness. Symptoms typically worsen before and after menstruation.

A natural family planning method where breastfeeding inhibits ovulation and menstruation, preventing pregnancy.

Managing this condition involves supportive measures like wearing a bra, applying heat or cold, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, sodium, and caffeine. NSAIDs and birth control can also help.

For LAM to be effective, the mother must exclusively breastfeed, have no periods since birth, have a baby under 6 months, feed frequently, nurse long durations, and avoid bottle supplementation.

Chemicals that weaken or kill sperm, preventing them from fertilizing an egg.

A disease where bone density is reduced, leaving bones weaker and more prone to fractures.

The most commonly used spermicide in the US.

People of Caucasian or Asian descent, petite or thin individuals, and those with a family history of the disease are at increased risk.

A thin sheath worn over the penis to prevent semen from entering the vagina.

Nosebleed, commonly occurring in childhood, usually brief and isolated, but recurring or severe bleeding may indicate underlying health issues.

Using condoms with oil-based lubricants can weaken them, and non-latex condoms offer less protection against STIs.

A soft, flexible pouch inserted into the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

A dome-shaped device placed over the cervix to block sperm from entering the uterus.

A rare but serious bacterial infection that can occur in people who use tampons, especially during menstruation.

Symptoms include sunburn rash, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, weakness, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, sudden high fever, and vomiting.

Birth control pills containing both estrogen and progesterone, which work by inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus, and altering the endometrium.

COCs are contraindicated in individuals with a history of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, liver problems, and smokers over 35.

A patch containing estrogen and progestin that is worn on the skin for three weeks, followed by a week off.

A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases estrogen and progestin for three weeks, followed by a week without the ring.

Birth control options containing only progesterone, available in oral, injectable, and implantable forms.

A type of progestin-only pill that needs to be taken at the same time each day. If more than 3 hours late, a backup method is needed.

Regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40 to screen for breast cancer. The frequency can be annual or biannual, and the age range typically extends to 75. Earlier screening at age 30 is advised if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast MRI is used for investigating concerns found during other examinations. This can include assessing tumor locations, identifying cancers missed by other methods, and evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It's particularly helpful for women with augmented breasts and those with a high risk of breast cancer.

Ultrasound may be conducted for younger women or those with dense breast tissue. It provides a different perspective compared to mammograms and can be more effective in certain cases.

A DXA scan, also known as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. It's a quick and painless procedure typically lasting 5-10 minutes.

This exam involves external inspection and the use of a speculum to visualize the cervix. It's an important part of routine gynecological exams.

Pap smears are recommended for women between 21 and 65 years old. The frequency varies depending on the test and individual risk: every 3 years with a Pap test alone, or every 5 years if combined with an HPV test. After 65 years old, screening may be discontinued after three negative tests and no risk factors, or after a total hysterectomy for benign disease.

While current guidelines recommend breast self-examination as an option, it can be useful to perform it during the week after menstruation stops when breast size alterations are minimal.

A certified interpreter is essential when obtaining informed consent from a patient who doesn't speak the same language as the healthcare provider.

Evaluating a child's breathing to identify any potential problems. This includes looking at their breathing rate, depth, ease, rhythm, and any signs of distress.

Different types of coughs can provide clues about the underlying cause. These include congested (wet), dry (hacking), whooping (high-pitched, forceful), and barking (seal-like).

Abnormal lung sounds like wheezing, crackles, and rhonchi can indicate airway obstruction or inflammation.

Managing breathing difficulties in children involves providing fluids, rest, clearing airways, and using medications like nebulizers or cough suppressants.

The common cold! It's a viral infection of the nose and throat with symptoms like congested coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and fever.

The flu is a viral respiratory infection causing symptoms like fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, and headache.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat causing pain, fever, and red swollen tonsils.

Inflammation of the tonsils, often occurring with pharyngitis, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Ear infections, which are very common, causing ear pain, fever, and potentially drainage.

A common viral illness that causes a barking cough, hoarseness, and mild respiratory distress, often worse at night.

The diaphragm is placed inside the vagina, covering the cervix, and held in place by spermicide. It must be inserted before intercourse and remain for 6 hours after to be effective.

A new diaphragm fitting is needed if there's a significant weight change (more than 20%), childbirth, a second-trimester abortion, or abdominal or pelvic surgery. A new over-the-counter version comes in one size.

Potential side effects include irritation from the spermicide, not suitable for women with pelvic organ prolapse or recurrent UTIs, and a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Diaphragm users have a risk of TSS. They should remove the device 6-8 hours after intercourse, avoid using it during menstruation, and recognize the signs of TSS.

The cervical cap is very similar to the diaphragm in function and appearance. It must be left in place for 6-48 hours, but longer use increases TSS risk. Less spermicide is needed compared to the diaphragm.

Not suitable for women with abnormal pap smears, history of TSS, vaginal or cervical infections, difficulty with fitting or insertion/removal, or spermicide allergies.

The sponge is moistened with water, inserted into the vagina, and left in place for at least 6 hours but no more than 24-30 hours. It carries a risk of TSS.

TSS symptoms include sunburn rash, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, weakness, sore throat, muscle and joint aches, sudden high fever, and vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these.