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Oral Contraceptive Pills

The combined oral contraceptive pill often referred to as the birth control pill or colloquially as “the pill”, is a type of birth control that is designed to be taken orally by women. It includes a combination of estrogen and progestogen hormones.

Hormones used in the pill are mostly synthetic forms of the natural hormones progestin and estrogen. Some contain only progestin, e.g. progestin-only pill, others a combination of progestin and estrogen, e.g. the so-called combined pill. The combined pill mimics a pregnancy to your body, although you are not pregnant, which prevents you from ovulation. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get through. The progestin-only pill works by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the womb. In some women, it may also prevent ovulation.

The pill is one of the most reliable forms of contraception, giving a very high degree of protection against pregnancy when taken as directed.

Emergency pill, as the name suggests, needs to be used in an emergency, i.e. when you have had sex without using any contraception or you suspect that your regular contraception might have failed and are now worried that you might get pregnant. Emergency pill must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. On the other hand, the oral contraceptive pill, is a regular contraceptive method and a planned way of preventing a pregnancy. The pill is taken daily over the course of a month to prevent pregnancy. Each monthly course prevents pregnancy only for that month.

A woman can start using advanced oral contraceptive pills any time she wants if it is reasonably certain she is not pregnant. There is no minimum or maximum age for oral contraceptive pill use.

Yes, there are side-effects. Oral contraceptive pills have short-term and temporary side effects that generally disappear in 2-3 months. The side effects reported by users include:

  1. Nausea and dizziness
  2. Headache or migraine
  3. Breast tenderness and breast enlargement
  4. Spotting between periods
  5. Weight gain

The side effects are fewer when taking an advanced oral contraceptive pill compared to other oral contraceptives. Advanced oral contraceptive pill users have:

  1. Lesser frequency of nausea and headache associated with use of these pills
  2. Lower rate of menstrual irregularities, resulting in lighter and more predictable periods
  3. Reduced menstrual blood loss
  4. Reduced pre-existing acne and hirsutism (excessive hair-growth on the face, chest or back)
  5. Positive effect on mood
  6. Lesser weight-gain
  7. Lowered cardiovascular risk associated with taking with advanced oral contraceptive pill for women with hypertension
  8. What should I do if I forget to take 1 or more than 1 pill?

What happens if I miss an oral contraceptive pill? If you are less than 12 hours late in taking a pill, the reliability of the pill is maintained. Take the forgotten pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time.

If you are more than 12 hours late, the reliability of the pill may be reduced. The more pills you miss and take at different times, lesser is the efficiency of an oral contraceptive pill.

What happens If I miss more than 1 oral contraceptive pill in a row? If you forget to take 2 or more pills, you should take 2 pills every day until you are back on schedule. You should use extra contraception (such as a condom) for the next 7 days.

If you start the pills within 5 days of when your period starts, you’ll be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start the pills any other time, you’ll be protected from pregnancy after seven days of starting the pill. Use a back-up method of birth control — like a condom – if you have sex during the 7 days. After 7 days, you may stop using the backup method.

If you have just had a baby, your doctor may tell you to wait until your first normal period before you start taking an advanced oral contraceptive pill. Sometimes, it is possible to start sooner with your doctor’s advice. If you are breastfeeding and want to take oral contraceptive pill, you must discuss this with your doctor first.

If fully breastfeeding: You could start oral contraceptive pill 6 months after giving birth or when breast milk is no longer the baby’s main food, whichever comes first. If partially breastfeeding: You can start the oral contraceptive pill as soon as 6 weeks after childbirth.

Yes, you should consult the doctor and can start it immediately. If you are starting within 7 days after first- or second-trimester miscarriage or abortion, there is no need for a backup method. If it is more than 7 days after a first- or second trimester miscarriage or abortion, you need to be reasonably certain you are not pregnant. Consult your doctor to make sure. You will need a backup method for the first 7 days of starting advanced oral contraceptive pills.

Most people can safely use oral contraceptive pills for many years, provided their doctor has recommended it. But if you want to prevent pregnancy for a longer term, you could also consider other long-term contraceptive methods.

When taken correctly (this means taking a pill at the same time, every day, without missing any pill), the oral contraceptive pill is 99.7% effective. This means less than 1 in 100 women have a chance of becoming pregnant. With average use, an oral contraceptive pill is 92% effective, which means approximately 8 out of 100 average users have a chance of becoming pregnant.

Yes. Stop using oral contraceptive pill when you want to get pregnant and consult your doctor. You will have a full return to fertility upon stopping the use of oral contraceptive pills.

No. Most women do not gain or lose weight due to oral contraceptive pills. Weight changes naturally as life circumstances change and as people age. Because these changes in weight are so common, many women think that oral contraceptive pills cause these gains or losses in weight. Studies find, however, that, on average, the pills do not affect weight. A few women experience sudden changes in weight when using the pills. These changes reverse after they stop taking oral contraceptive pills.

No. Overall risk of developing cancer over a lifetime is similar among women who have used oral contraceptive pill and women who have not used these pills.

No, you will not have face any issues. Upon discontinuing use, it is possible to become pregnant immediately.

Yes. Before you start using an advanced oral contraceptive pill, talk to your doctor and tell him/her if you have any of the conditions mentioned below:

  • Obesity.
  • Diabetes.
  • Migraine or Epilepsy
  • You or anyone in your immediate family has or has had breast cancer.
  • You or anyone in your immediate family has had a thrombosis, a heart attack or a stroke.
  • You are a smoker.
  • Lesser frequency of nausea and headache associated with use of oral contraceptive pills
  • Lower rate of menstrual irregularities, resulting in lighter and more predictable periods
  • Reduced menstrual blood loss
  • Reduced pre-existing acne and hirsutism (excessive hair-growth on the face, chest or back)
  • Positive effect on mood
  • Lowered cardiovascular risk associated with taking oral contraceptive pills for women with hypertension
The emergency contraceptive pill needs to be taken within 72 hours after sex to have the best chance of avoiding a pregnancy. Note that an emergency contraceptive pill works by preventing a pregnancy and not ending an existing pregnancy. Hence the pill does not work if pregnancy has already occurred. It reduces the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Emergency Contraceptive pills can be used more than once during a single menstrual cycle, but you should not rely on emergency contraceptive pills as a long-term birth control method. These pills are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as using a birth control method like oral contraceptive pill or injection consistently and correctly.

You may have some side effects like changes in menstrual bleeding patterns including irregular bleeding for 1-2 days after taking the pill or your monthly period getting delayed or occurring earlier than usual. You may also have nausea, stomach pain, mild headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness few days after taking the pill. These are temporary side effects and cause no serious harm in long-term. If any of these effects become severe, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

No. The treatment for abortion is different from emergency contraception pills. These pills work when you take them immediately after having unprotected sex. By doing this you can prevent an impending pregnancy. On the contrary, treatment for abortion is given when you have already achieved pregnancy.

Emergency contraceptive pills are safe to use for women and girls of reproductive age. There have been no cases of serious complications in last three decades of carefully monitored use of these pills.

Emergency contraceptive pill have no effect on future fertility.

Emergency contraceptive pills does not cause cancer.

Emergency contraceptive pills will not harm your baby or cause you any harm in pregnancy if you decide to continue with it. If you take the emergency pill after you are already pregnant, then the pill will simply become ineffective and not cause any harm or hindrance in your pregnancy.

You must take the emergency pills as soon as possible if you have had unprotected sex. The sooner you take the pills after unprotected sex, the better they are at preventing an unwanted pregnancy. You may take the pills within 72 hours after having unprotected sex for the pills to be effective.

Emergency contraception is not as good at preventing pregnancy as other methods of birth control such as birth control pills taken regularly or birth control shots. In addition, you should be using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

An Intra-Uterine Device is a small, flexible plastic frame with copper sleeves or wires around it and is placed inside the uterus. It works by causing a chemical change that damages sperm and egg before they can meet. The Intra-Uterine Device is inserted into the uterus through the vagina in a simple procedure conducted by the doctor.

A medical professional will help insert an Intra-Uterine Device. It is strongly adviced that this process isn’t done without supervision.

It works by causing a chemical change that damages sperm and egg before they can meet. The Intra-Uterine Device is inserted into the uterus through the vagina in a simple procedure conducted by the doctor.

You may experience changes in bleeding pattern in the first 3-6 months and may also experience cramping and pain during monthly bleeding.

Yes. There is no minimum or maximum age limit. However, a menopausal woman should get the Intra-Uterine Device removed within 12 months of the last bleeding date.

Yes. A woman who has not had children generally can use an Intra-Uterine Device.

The Intra-Uterine Device normally stays within the uterus, it never travels to the heart, brain, or any other part of the body outside the abdomen. Although, if it is not inserted properly it may push on the abdominal cavity. In such situations, the Intra-Uterine Device will have to be removed by a medical professional and the person would have to opt for a different method of contraception.

No. A woman can become pregnant once the Intra-Uterine Device is removed just as quickly as a woman who has never used an Intra-Uterine Device.

An IUD (Intrauterine Device) insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Local anaesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix before the insertion. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time.

No, the IUD is inside the womb, just like a man can’t feel a baby during pregnancy. The only part that might be felt sometimes is the soft strings in the vagina, which are not painful.

The injectable contraceptives are hormonal injections that are also known as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) which contains a progestin like the natural hormone progesterone in a woman’s body.

This type of contraception is given by injection into the muscle or just under the skin, through which the hormone is then released slowly into the bloodstream. It works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries.

Some of the side effects of injectables are:

  • Irregular Bleeding
  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal bloating and discomfort
  • Mood changes

No. Evidence shows that injectables do not cause birth defects. Since they are a method of contraception and not abortion, they will not otherwise harm the fetus if a woman becomes pregnant while using injectables or accidentally starts injectables when she is already pregnant.

During the first few months of taking the injectable, you may experience irregular bleeding, as well as longer and heavier periods. Eventually, your periods will become lighter and may stop altogether. Absence of a period in the 3 months following the use of the birth control injection does not mean you are pregnant.

After using an injectable, its normal to experience lighter periods and it may stop altogether. Absence of a period in the 3 months following the use of the birth control injection does not mean you are pregnant.

Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping injections, depending on the type of injectable, and this may vary from woman to woman.

You do need to have the injection once every month or every three months, depending on the type of injection you have. The amount of hormone which is injected to prevent unintended pregnancy will only last around 4-12 weeks depending on the type, so if you miss an injection you will not be protected against pregnancy.

The hormonal IUS is T-shaped plastic device that steadily releases a small amount of hormone each day.

It works by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. The Intra- Uterine System is placed inside the uterus, and it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. Upon discontinuing use, it is possible to become pregnant immediately.

You may experience side-effects which include irregular periods, acne, headaches, mood changes, weight gain, dizziness etc. Eventually, periods usually get lighter, less painful and often stop. Absence of a period does not mean you are pregnant.

The Intra- Uterine System is inserted into the uterus through the vagina in a simple procedure conducted by the doctor.

The Intra- Uterine System and Intra- Uterine Device are very similar, but they have important differences. The intrauterine system involves the introduction of hormones to avoid pregnancy whereas an Intra- Uterine Device uses copper to create chemical changes in the uterus to prevent conception.

No, Intra- Uterine System doesn’t affect the fertility of a user.

An IUS insertion is usually well tolerated by most women. Some women may experience pain and dizziness after insertion, which usually settles after resting for a short time. Normal pain killers or local anaesthesia may be applied to the uterine cervix before the insertion.

A condom is a thin film sheath placed over a man’s erect penis before sex.

As with most barrier methods, it can take a bit of practice to use this method correctly. As long as you are clear on how to use them, you should get the hang of it.

Compared to modern hormonal methods, condoms are less reliable and effective in protecting against pregnancy but they are the only method that will protect against STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

The female condom can be inserted in advance of sexual intercourse and does not need to be taken out immediately after intercourse.

Condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when perfectly used every time. They are also safe to use and protect you against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Pulling out (also called Withdrawal Method) requires no additional hormones or devices, just impeccable timing and a lot of luck.

The withdrawal method, also known as pulling out or coitus interruptus works just like this: the guy pulls out his penis before he ejaculates. The idea is that not ejaculating inside the vagina will prevent pregnancy. But as some sperms may already be released before ejaculation it is not the best idea we’d say. Although this method may be popular, it doesn’t work: Even when applied successfully, 78 percent – that is 22 of every 100 women – using this as their contraception method will become pregnant over a year. There are plenty of other more reliable contraception methods out there!

To pull out correctly, the guy has to exactly know when he’s about to reach orgasm and to pull out in time, so that no ejaculate contacts the vagina or its proximate regions. It requires a lot of self-control and practice, and can always go wrong.

Sperm can survive up to 6 hours outside of the body and they have only one thought in their little heads: find the egg and fertilize it. As these strong swimmers are also released before ejaculation, the withdrawal method or pulling out is a risky game.
To pull out correctly, the guy has to exactly know when he’s about to reach orgasm and to pull out in time, so that no ejaculate contacts the vagina or its proximate regions. It requires a lot of self-control and practice, and can always go wrong.

Sperm can survive up to 6 hours outside of the body and they have only one thought in their little heads: find the egg and fertilize it. As these strong swimmers are also released before ejaculation, the withdrawal method or pulling out is a risky game.

Sterilisation is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through surgery or minimal invasion.

No. After sterilisation, a woman will look and feel the same as before. She can have sex the same as before. She may find that she enjoys sex more because she does not have to worry about getting pregnant.

Sterilisation is intended to be permanent. People who may want more children should choose a different contraceptive method. Surgery to reverse sterilisation is possible for only some women—those who have enough fallopian tubes left. Even among these women, reversal often does not lead to pregnancy. The procedure is difficult and expensive, and healthcare providers who can perform such surgery are hard to find. When pregnancy does occur after reversal, the risk that the pregnancy will be ectopic is greater than usual. Thus, sterilisation should be considered irreversible.

Natural methods like tracking menstrual cycles exist but may not be reliable. Contraception such as condoms, pills and other contraceptive choices available is often necessary for effective pregnancy prevention. Consulting a gynaecologist helps find the best option.

Menstruation is a natural process that girls and women need to feel empowered to talk openly about, yet this aspect of health is often still seen as a taboo subject. From the initial phase to menopause, our period affects our physical, psychological and social well-being and the healthiest thing is to talk about it.

PMS or Pre-menstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms a woman has just before she expects her periods. 

There are many hormonal changes happens in our body during the whole menstrual cycle and some female bodies are very sensitive to these hormonal changes which in turn causes Pre-menstrual syndrome. 

It is completely normal to have Pre-menstrual syndrome. 75% of the women across ages face some disturbing symptoms just before the menses.

You may experience PMS symptoms usually about the 4-5 days before and after of you are expecting periods.

Some common symptoms of PMS are-

  1. Feeling bloated
  2. Fatigue, angry and worried
  3. Mood swings
  4. Cravings for food
  5. Trouble in sleeping
  6. Lack of concentration
  7. Feeling sad & hopeless
  8. Breast tenderness
  9. Headache

Symptoms of physical changes in PMS-

  • Gaining weight
  • Headaches
  • Pain in joints
  • Food cravings
  • Feeling bloated
  • Severe cramps
  • Tenderness in breasts
  • Spotty skin/ acne
  • Diarrhoea
  • Migraine
  • Vaginal discomfort

Symptoms of psychological changes in PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome is often associated with more severe psychological changes in comparison to premenstrual syndrome)

  • Feeling depressed
  • Crying /tearing up
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Feeling irritable
  • Anger
  • Lack of concentration
  • Difficulty to sleep /insomnia
  • Feeling mentally drained
  • A change in sex drive

If you’re having symptoms in at least 9 cycles out of 12 cycles in a year and they are disturbing enough your routine activities, then it might need medical attention otherwise it’s just a symptom which doesn’t needs a medical attention.

You are prone to PMS if you are already an anxious person, stressed, obese, hormonal issues or unhealthy lifestyle or strong family history of PMS.

  1. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet
  2. Regular Exercise
  3. Coping with your stress level
  1. If the symptoms bother you the most
  2. If it’s affecting your daily life activities
  3. If you’re already on some medication
  4. If you have mental illness in the family already

Your uterus contracts to help expel its lining during your menstrual cycle which makes you feel menstrual cramps during your periods. If you’re having severe pain during your periods, then it is recommended to consult a gynaecologist doctor for the same.

The bleeding usually lasts for 5 days, but again, it can vary from 2 to 7 days.

Delay in periods happens for many reasons like hormonal imbalance, stress and blood deficiency.

Potential causes of irregular/delay in periods:

  • A change in birth control method
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Pregnancy
  • Breast feeding
  • Endurance exercises
  • Extreme weight loss or extreme weight gain
A few tips on reducing period pains:

  • Medication – Ibruprofen, Naproxen, etc.
  • A warm compress on your stomach – heating pad, hot water bottle, etc.
  • Regular exercise – yoga, walking, etc.

Average mensuration cycle lasts for approximately 28 days, but it can vary from 24 to 35 days. 

Some examples of irregular menstrual cycles include:

  • Infrequent menstrual periods – if the cycle length exceeds 35 days
  • Frequent periods occurring less than 21 days apart
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Prolonged menstrual bleeding – bleeding exceeding 8 days
  • Shortened menstrual bleeding – bleeding for less than 2 days
  • Spotting – bleeding between periods
Consult a doctor if:

  • Your bleeding exceeds 7 days
  • You experience heavy bleeding till the point of soaking through more than one pad or tampon every two hours or less
  • There is spotting
  • You develop a fever after using tampons
  • It has been three months without your period and you are not pregnant
  • You experience infrequent menstrual periods
  • You experience frequent periods occurring less than 21 days apart
The period bloat is a standard symptom that women face before and during their period. A few hacks to diminish bloating:

  • Eat low sodium foods – fruits, dried beans & peas, etc.
  • Drink lots of water – no, water does not make you more bloated
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine
A few tips on overcoming vaginal odor:

  • Control the odor – frequently change pads and tampons
  • Daily showers
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear and clothing

It’s normal to have heavy bleeding during periods but consult your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding till the point of soaking more than one pad every two hours or less.

No, it’s not normal to get period if you have conceived. However, some women may experience light bleeding in early pregnancy called implantation bleeding. If you suspect pregnancy and experience bleeding, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Missing a period occasionally is common and usually not a cause for concern, especially if you have irregular menstrual cycles, but if it’s a consistent issue or if you suspect pregnancy, consult a healthcare professional.

During menstruation, the chances of pregnancy are low but not zero. The period itself does not prevent pregnancy, nor does it promote pregnancy. During the first days of the monthly period, the chances of pregnancy are lowest. As the days go by, the chances of pregnancy increase whether or not she is still bleeding. The risk of pregnancy increases until ovulation.

Up to 80% of women do not experience problems sufficient to disrupt daily functioning either during menstruation or in the days leading up to menstruation. Symptoms in advance of menstruation that do interfere with normal life are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some 20 to 30% of women experience PMS, with 3 to 8% experiencing severe symptoms. These include acne, tender breasts, bloating, feeling tired, irritability, and mood changes. Other symptoms some women experience include painful periods and heavy bleeding during menstruation and abnormal bleeding at any time during the menstrual cycle.

The average volume of menstrual fluid during a monthly menstrual period is 35 millilitres with 10–80 millilitres considered typical. Menstrual fluid is the correct name for the flow, although many people prefer to refer to it as menstrual blood. Menstrual fluid is reddish-brown, a slightly darker colour than venous blood.

In most women, various physical changes are brought about by fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. This includes muscle contractions of the uterus (menstrual cramping) that can precede or accompany menstruation. Many women experience painful cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, during menstruation. Among adult women, that pain is severe enough to affect daily activity in only 2%–28%. Severe symptoms that disrupt daily activities and functioning may be diagnosed as a premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These symptoms can be severe enough to affect a person’s performance at work, school, and in everyday activities in a small percentage of women.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women during their childbearing years.

The symptoms of PCOS are as follows-

  1. Irregular periods
  2. Acnes or breakout
  3. Excessive hair growth on the face
  4. Weight gain
  5. Dark patches on the skin like front or back of the neck, underarms and even at the back along with or without hair fall.

PCOS is a genetic imprint or genetic coding that girl is born with i.e. some women members of the family have same kind of symptoms.

If somebody already has genetic imprint from her family, junk food can make PCOS more prominent. If somebody is not carrying the genetic imprint, then junk food might not cause PCOS.

Breakout is a symptom of PCOS if it has the following characteristics-

  1. It has the male pattern like lower jawline, chin, cheeks and even at the back.
  2. If acne looks large and painful.
  3. If they are not responding to usual remedies.
  4. If they’re persistent after teenage.
  5. If they are associated with irregular periods.

Yes, thin and lean women can have PCOS.

PCOS diet needs to be in moderation and well balanced.

Any kind of physical exercise that you likes but do it on regular basis. For ex- walking, jogging, cycling, dancing etc. PCOS always need a regularity of healthy lifestyle.

No, medication is not always required in managing PCOS. It can also be managed by maintaining healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. Some may need hormonal, non hormonal in form of nutritional supplements or in the form of other medication. Gynaecologist doctor will only be able to guide/recommend you better you the right kind of medication.

Yes, most of the PCOS women can conceive naturally if she has good control on her lifestyle and medications.

PCOS is not a disease, it is a condition/disorder and there is not a cure of it but It’s easily manageable with medications & lifestyle corrections if detected in early stages. If detected in later stages, the duration of medications is increased.

PCOS is not a disease, it is a condition/disorder but it’s easily manageable with lifestyle corrections and medication, if necessary. Advanced Oral Contraceptive Pills help regularize periods.

PCOS is not a disease, it is a condition/disorder but it’s easily manageable with lifestyle corrections and medication, if necessary. Advanced Oral Contraceptive Pills help regularize periods.

Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and polycystic ovaries. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of the endocrine system, while Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a condition developed by the imbalance of hormones.

Wetness during sex, even without reaching climax, is a natural response of the body to sexual arousal. Increased blood flow and stimulation of glands produce lubrication to reduce friction and discomfort during intercourse.

It’s essential to understand that there are no completely “safe days” when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. There is always a chance of getting pregnant if you’ve an unprotected sex. Having sex without a condom or another barrier method during your period or outside your expected fertile window isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get pregnant.

STI is just an infection but if you ignore the infection then it takes the form of disease and hence known as STD. STI can easily be treated whereas STD is a disease which becomes a little difficult to treat.

STIs are the infections which are transmitted from an infected person through sexual contacts or sometimes even through saliva. Sometimes a skin contact can also transmit infection. For example- herpes and warts.

It can be caused by bacteria por virus or parasites. Common examples are gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and HIV.

STIs are the commonest form of transmissible diseases and can cause serious illnesses which needs treatment.

No, HIV cannot be cured.

If one has more than one sexual partner or one has sex with the partner who has multiple sexual partners or who has had multiple sexual partners, or if one has sex with a partner who has an STI or the person herself has an STI or if one is using intravenous drugs.

Yes, an adolescent can have STIs.

STIs symptoms can be varied –

  1. One can have small as well as large amount of vaginal discharge.
  2. One can have a small pimple or a large ulcer.
  3. One can have mild and even acute pain in that area.

For everyone the first-time experience can be different. Always make sure that use a condom for protection from sexually transmitted infections. If you don’t want to be pregnant, adopt a contraceptive method that suits you.

Conception after sex can happen quickly, often within a few days if sperm meets an egg during ovulation. However, it may take several months for some couples to conceive due to various factors like timing and fertility health.

Improving your sex life involves communication with your partner, exploring what feels good, engaging in foreplay, trying new things, and taking care of yourself, and If facing challenges, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or healthcare provider/gynecologist.

When you have sex for the first time, communicate openly with your partner about using condoms to stay safe from infections and pregnancy. Take it slow, use protection, and make sure you’re both comfortable. It’s important to be safe and feel good about it.

Yes, for some people, sex for the first time can be uncomfortable or painful due to factors like nervousness, or lack of lubrication. However, this isn’t the case for everyone, and communication and preparation can help make the experience more comfortable. For the first time sex, you can have each other’s consent, a good communication, water-based lubricants, and lots of foreplay. Doing this will help you to relax your vagina and avoid the pain during sex. You may take several attempts at your first time before you have your first time and that’s completely okay.

Yes, it is healthy to masturbate. Masturbation comes with many health benefits and is a healthy expression of your sexuality. It promotes good heart health, lower stress and better sleep 🙂

There is no best position for sex, try different positions as per you and your partner’s comfort, communicate about what both of you like and dislike. This will enable both of you to figure out which position is best.

To increase sexual stamina, individuals can try techniques such as incorporating regular physical activity, managing stress levels, communicating openly with partners about preferences, and seeking guidance from healthcare providers if concerns persist.

Yes, during ovulation you may experience –

  1. Abdominal pain
  2. Changes in body temperature
  3. Changes in cervical mucus
  4. Changes in saliva
  5. Tender Breasts
  6. Bloating

Masturbation is generally safe and normal, offering stress relief and pleasure. Masturbation should not be uncomfortable, however, discomfort during masturbation may indicate issues like not doing it correctly or other medical concerns that a healthcare provider can help with. If concerns arise, seek guidance from healthcare providers.

“Edging” is a sexual practice that allows a person to delay orgasm. Some people find that this technique makes their orgasm more intense, once it does occur. The practice usually follows this pattern:

  • A person is stimulated almost to the point of orgasm (“the edge”).
  • Stimulation is then reduced, so that the person does not actually climax.
  • Stimulation increases, bringing the person to the edge again.


Also, to increase sexual stamina, individuals should have regular physical activity, manage stress levels, communicate openly with partners about preferences, and seeking guidance from healthcare providers if concerns persist.

Most spermicides have an unpleasant taste but will not usually harm you or make you feel ill, however, it is advisable to avoid swallowing excessive amounts. If you are concerned about feeling ill following swallowing some spermicide, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

“Medically, the answer is a firm ‘no’ . Masturbating a lot won’t hurt you or cause serious health problems. It’s only a problem if it gets in the way of your daily activities – like school or social life. If you are worried, you can talk with an adult you trust.

But odds are you’re not masturbating too much. Masturbation can be great for stress relief , and it has even been shown to increase your levels of happiness. It provides sexual satisfaction and you get to know your body, your likes and dislikes.”

Masturbating a lot won’t hurt you or cause serious health problems. It’s only a problem if it gets in the way of your daily activities – like school or social life. If you are worried, you can talk with an adult you trust . But odds are you’re not masturbating too much.

Orgasms can happen through different kinds of sexual stimulation, both inside and outside of your body. For example, a lot of people experience orgasms by stimulating their clitorises rather than penetrating their vaginas. Some people can’t reach orgasm through vaginal sex at all. So, ask your partner what feels good. And while you’re at it, let them know what feels good to you, too.

All people experience orgasms in different ways, and they can feel different at different times. So there’s no reason to feel freaked out about asking if your partner had an orgasm — asking shows that you care about making your partner feel good, which is super important when it comes to having good sex.

Communicating about sex — before, during, and after — helps both of you understand what the other one likes and doesn’t like, which can make sex better and strengthen your relationship.

Your own sex drive can change based on things like stress, medications you take, and other physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors.

Most people say they have lost their virginity after the first time they have sex. But sex means different things to different people, so it’s up to you to decide what virginity means to you. For the record, masturbation is normal and is a natural way to learn about your body and find out what feels sexually satisfying.

Your own personal sex drive can change based on things like stress, medications you take, and other physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. This affects everybody in varying ways throughout their lives.

Having a healthy sex life is about taking care of yourself, whether you have a partner or not. Physically, that means practising safer sex, getting tested for STDs regularly, preventing unintended pregnancies and seeing a health provider if you have sexual disorders or other health problems.

As women and their cycles are different, ovulation varies depending on the length of your cycle, which can range from 21 days up to 35 days. Let’s have a look at two examples:

  • Ovulation happens about 14 days before your menstruation starts. That means: if your average menstrual cycle for example is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14, and your most fertile days are days 12, 13 and 14.
  • If your average menstrual cycle is 35 days ovulation happens around day 21 and your most fertile days are days 19, 20 and 21. How to count your cycle? The first day of your menstruation is the beginning of a new cycle, hence day 1.

The earliest you can take a pregnancy test is typically around the time of your expected period or about two weeks after ovulation. However, some sensitive tests can detect pregnancy earlier. It’s best to follow the instructions provided with the test kit.

The effectiveness of contraception varies depending on the method used. Some methods, like hormonal implants or IUDs, are more than 99% effective, while others, like condoms, have a lower efficacy rate. It’s important to use contraception consistently and correctly to maximize effectiveness.

Early signs of pregnancy can vary, but common symptoms include missed periods, breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea or morning sickness, increased urination, and mood swings. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors.

It’s advisable to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider after receiving a positive pregnancy test result. They can confirm the pregnancy, provide prenatal care information, and discuss the next steps and important considerations for a healthy pregnancy.

If you are unsure about continuing a pregnancy, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or an SRH brand that offers guidance on all pregnancy options. They can provide information about abortion services, adoption, and support resources available to help you make an informed decision.

To have a healthy pregnancy, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet, take prenatal vitamins, exercise regularly as advised by your healthcare provider, avoid harmful substances like smoking and alcohol, attend regular prenatal check-ups, and seek medical advice for any concerns or issues that arise.

No, most forms of contraception are not intended for use during pregnancy. Once you receive confirmation of pregnancy, you should discontinue contraceptive methods. However, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider to ensure a smooth transition and to explore options for future contraception if desired.

Common discomforts during pregnancy, such as nausea, backache, fatigue, and swollen feet, can be managed through various means, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper rest, staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, and seeking advice from your healthcare provider on suitable remedies or treatments.

The Test kit works by detecting HCG in the urine. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a Hormone that’s released during pregnancy. Add two drops of urine into the sample well, as instructed on the label and wait for 5 minutes to get the result. It will either show one line or two lines. One line means- not pregnant and two lines mean- pregnant.

It takes only 5 minutes for accurate results to show.

You should take a pregnancy test a week after your missed period for the most accurate results. The best time to test is in the morning using a sample of your first urine of the day.

No line signifies an invalid entry.

One time. A single device can be used only once.

During monthly bleeding the chances of pregnancy are low but not zero. Bleeding itself does not prevent pregnancy, and it does not promote pregnancy, either. In the first several days of monthly bleeding, the chances of pregnancy are lowest. As the days pass, the chances of pregnancy increase, whether or not she is still bleeding. The risk of pregnancy rises until ovulation. The day after ovulation the chances of pregnancy begin to drop steadily. Some fertility awareness methods that depend on cervical secretions advise avoiding unprotected sex during monthly bleeding because cervical secretions cannot be detected during bleeding and there is a small risk of ovulation at this time.

Since a woman is most fertile in the few days prior to or after ovulation, it is never suggested that she have sexual intercourse during that time if she does not wish to get pregnant. Even the most foolproof methods of contraception do have a minuscule failure rate and as the withdrawal method aka “pulling out” or coitus interruptus is only 78% successful, it would be best to avoid having sexual relations during this time.

It is normal to experience cramping in your lower abdomen after you give birth as your uterus grows to many times its original size throughout pregnancy and when your baby is born, your body begins the process of getting back to its starting point.

UTI – urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system — i.e. your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

The symptoms of UTI are as follows –

  1. You want to urinate all the time.
  2. It hurts when you urinate.
  3. When you go to urinate, 2-3 drops or little bit comes out.
  4. You can have pain in your abdomen.
  5. You can get a fever with chills along with these above-mentioned symptoms.
The most common reasons due to which one can get infected from UTI are –

  1. It is common to have UTI after having sex for the first time.
  2. Dehydration.
You can prevent UTI by following these tips –

  1. Urinate after having sex- It helps in flushing all the bacteria.
  2. Use water-based lubrication during sex- It prevents microscopic cuts from happening and avoiding bacteria.
  3. Drink a lot of water.
  4. Do not hold your urine.

It is a natural process by which vagina keeps itself clean. There is a healthy army of good bacteria inside the vagina which helps in fighting off everything which should not be there. Hence, you experience the vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and regular occurrence. It is a natural process by which vagina keeps itself clean. However, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection and it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any unusual discharge.

Normal vaginal discharge is usually sticky just like raw egg white. It can become thicker in the middle of your cycle It can look creamy, white, light grey or completely transparent. It is common at the beginning or/and end of your cycle.

If your discharge is red in colour. This is usually an indication that your period is about to come. But if you get the red tint discharge suddenly in middle of your cycle, when your period is no-where close or if you see blood in your discharge, this is a cause for concern, as it can indicate an injury. You should visit a doctor.

If your discharge is brown in colour. It is normal to get a brownish discharge before or after your period. You see a brown discharge because the blood is mixed with your normal discharge, If this is happening in middle of your cycle then visit a doctor.

If your discharge is green, yellow, or blue in colour. It’s not normal and can indicate an infection. You should speak or visit a doctor. Green or yellow colour discharge can indicate a sexual transmitted infection like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

If you have a curdy white discharge. Curdy white discharge can be a sign of fungal infection and this kind of discharge usually comes with itching. If you experience this, you should visit a doctor.

If your discharge smells fishy/metallic: If your discharge smells fishy/metallic, it can indicate a change of pH of your vagina. If you experience this, you should visit a doctor.

You should see a doctor when your vaginal discharge is accompanied with –

  1. Itching.
  2. Burning.
  3. Funky discharge smell.
  4. Excessive discharge.
  5. No discharge at all.

Yes, there are tablets available for treating vaginal discharge caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. It’s advisable to consult a gynaecologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

There’s no guaranteed way to permanently tighten the vagina, as it’s naturally elastic and can change over time. Variations in tightness are normal among individuals, and it doesn’t necessarily affect sexual function. It’s essential to accept the natural variations of the body and consult a gynaecologist for concerns.

The safest method to remove pubic hair is trimming with scissors or an electric trimmer. Shaving with a clean razor, following hair growth direction, is also safe, but be cautious to avoid cuts. Waxing and hair removal creams should be used carefully to prevent irritation.

A healthy vagina maintains a slightly acidic pH balance and produces clear or white discharge. Good hygiene, safe sex practices, regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, proper clothing and prompt treatment of infections support vaginal health.

Be sexually responsible. Use condoms or maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who’s free of sexually transmitted infections. If you use sex toys, clean them after every use.

While not all vaginal problems can be prevented, regular check-ups can help ensure that problems affecting your vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from talking to your doctor about any concerns you might have about your vaginal health.

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