Dementia and Your Loved One
About Me
Dementia and Your Loved One

I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.

Dementia and Your Loved One

Questions To Ask Yourself When Choosing A Birth Control Method

Vickie Armstrong

If you're sexually active and not currently using a method of contraception, it may be time to consider going on birth control (that is, unless you want children in the very near future). Women can easily obtain birth control after having an exam and consultation at an OB/GYN's office. However, with so many different birth control options available to women these days, it can be difficult to make a decision. There are, however, some questions you can ask yourself to help guide you to the right choice.

Do You Want to Have Children Down the Road?

First of all, consider whether or not you'd like to have children at some point in your life. Unless you're absolutely, 100% sure that you never want to have biological children, you'll want to choose a temporary birth control method. Some options of temporary methods include:

  • birth control pills
  • the IUD
  • birth control patches
  • vaginal rings

If you're positive that you don't want to have children, then you might want to consider a permanent method of birth control, such as having your Fallopian tubes tied.

Do You Mind Taking a Contraceptive Every Day?

Furthermore, be sure to consider the convenience factor of your birth control method. If you're the type of person who has a hard time sticking with a daily routine, then you'll probably want to choose a birth control method that's not the pill. After all, birth control pills need to be taken at the same time every day in order to be fully effective. Fortunately, there are plenty of birth control options that you don't have to worry about taking daily. For example, you can have a vaginal ring or IUD implanted at your OB/GYN's office; from there, you could be protected for a year or even several.

Do You Have Any Medical Conditions?

Finally, be sure to have an honest conversation with your OB/GYN about any medical conditions that may affect your birth control options. For example, if you have a history of diabetes or migraines, then you may not be a viable candidate for hormonal birth control options. Instead, you may need to find a progestin-only birth control option. The same goes if you're a heavy smoker or if you're breast-feeding.

Answering these questions will ultimately help you determine which birth control option is best for your needs. From there, you can enjoy extra peace of mind when it comes to your contraception. Contact a clinic like Tri-County Women's Health Care for more information.


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