Getting to Know Birth Control Pills

By Gary O'donnell

Levonorgestrel is a common active ingredient in many hormonal contraceptives available in the market. It is found in emergency contraceptive pills as well as intrauterine systems.

There are many birth control products available in the market today. One of the most common ingredients in many contraceptives is Levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestogen. Chemically, Levonorgestrel is a gonane progestin from 19-nortestosterone and a hormonally active levorotatory.

Mechanism of Action:

Levonorgestrel works by reducing free and total testosterone, dehydroepiandrostetone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is significant to note that Levonorgestrel has no effect on markers or sexual function of androgen bioactivity.

Uses:

Levonorgestrel is a common ingredient in emergency contraceptive pills (ECP). It is an active ingredient in Norplant and Jadelle as well as Mirena intrauterine system which is a plastic contraceptive device that contains the female hormone, levonorgestrel. The female hormone levonorgestrel changes the women's cervical mucus and uterine lining to make it hard for sperms to get to the uterus and make attachment by the fertilized egg difficult as well.
When placed in the uterus, the intrauterine system slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It is recommended that the intrauterine system be used by a woman who is in a monogamous sexual relationship and has had one child. A progestin hormone, Levonorgestrel does not contain estrogen. The intrauterine system containing Levonorgestrel can also be used by women who have heavy menstrual bleeding.

Contra-Indications:

The Levonorgestrel medical should not be used by a person who has abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, liver problem, uncontrolled pelvic infection uterine or cervical cancer or weak immune system. You should consult a doctor before using Levonorgestrel, especially if you a blood-clotting disorder or bleeding, pelvic infection, sexually transmitted disease, vaginal infection, heart disease, heart valve disorder or high blood pressure.

Some of serious side effects of a Levonorgestrel intrauterine system are:

� Pelvic pain
� Severe cramps
� Pale skin
� Easy bleeding or bruising
� Unusual vaginal discharge
� Fever
� Chills
� Severe headaches
� Jaundice
� And, sudden weakness or numbness

It is also possible to experience stomach pain, diarrhea and breast tenderness when taking Levonorgestrel. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any one of these symptoms.

Read more about Levonorgestrel in the newly published Levonorgestrel Review for more information.

One of the most common Mirena Coil side effects is yeast infection. Have you read this? "Yeast Infection No More" by Linda Allen. Linda is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate holistic yeast infection solution guaranteed to permanently cure the root of Candida and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, naturally, without the use prescription medication and without any side effects. Learn more by visiting her website YeastInfectionNoMore.com

Does Your IUD Feel Funny?

By Cate Sibley, Pharm.D.

Here is an excellent question about the intrauterine device, Mirena. (Just in case you are not familiar with Mirena, it is a form of contraceptive that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It releases the hormone called levonorgestrel and does not contain any estrogen. It can safely stay in the uterus for up to 5 years!)

Patient: I have recently had my second Mirena inserted and have noticed that at times it seems I am able to feel the placement of the Mirena. I do not remember having this feeling with my first Mirena (but then again I may just not remember). Should I be concerned with this feeling?

Me: Yes, you should definitely be concerned because you should never be able to feel the placement of the Mirena.

If you do feel the placement of the Mirena, there is a good chance that the device was not put in correctly to begin with or it may have become dislodged. If you feel something is not right with your Mirena, you should call the doctor as soon as you can - a misplaced or dislodged Mirena will not prevent pregnancy like it's suppose to. In the meantime, you should use a backup form of birth control (that does not contain hormones) until your doctor gives you further instructions.

If the doctor decides you should have the device removed, they will replace the old Mirena with a new one. An old Mirena will never be reinserted!

The only time you should ever be able to feel the Mirena device is when you check to see if it's still where it's suppose to be (A good time to check for it is after every period). When you do the checking procedure, you should feel the removal threads at the top of your vagina.

First, you will wash your hands with soap and water. Then, with your clean fingers, feel for the threads at the top of your vagina. DO NOT pull on the threads - this can pull the Mirena out of place! If you feel more than just the threads, you will have to call your doctor because this means the Mirena is not in the right position. If you can't feel the threads at all, make an appointment to have your doctor check to see if the Mirena is still there and in the correct spot.

You know what you can do if you can't find the answers you're looking for? Call the manufacturer of Mirena, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals - I called them to confirm the information I just gave you! They are an excellent resource to use, especially when you can't find the information you are seeking on the internet or elsewhere.

Hey there, my name is Cate Sibley, and along with my good friend Nova, I run a site called http://www.getpharmacyadvice.com/ I am a licensed pharmacist trying to share my knowledge and offer help to those with questions relating to their medications and health - something I have a hard time doing while at the pharmacy due to lack of time and privacy. Come to my site and I will be sure to give you what you need. In return, you will be giving me the opportunity I've been looking for with my pharmacy career -the chance to help you and others in a private and hassle-free manner.

One of the most common Mirena Coil side effects is yeast infection. Have you read this? "Yeast Infection No More" by Linda Allen. Linda is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate holistic yeast infection solution guaranteed to permanently cure the root of Candida and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, naturally, without the use prescription medication and without any side effects. Learn more by visiting her website YeastInfectionNoMore.com