Which Birth Control Method Is Most Suitable for You?

Birth Control Method

Unplanned pregnancies can be quite a challenge in marriage and out of marriage. Therefore, experts recommend that both women and men should find appropriate contraceptive methods to have a choice when they want children. However, it may not be as easy as it sounds. Choosing the right method is difficult without advice from a qualified medical practitioner. Book an appointment online with Ideal Gynecology, LLC to learn more about birth control in McDonough.  Here is essential information you may find helpful when exploring birth control methods.

What to consider when choosing the right method

Before going to the doctor, you should discuss a few things with yourself regarding contraception. To begin with, do you want the method to also reduce the risks of sexually transmitted diseases? Some control both pregnancy and STI transmission, while others omit the latter. Another thing you want to consider is whether you want to preserve your ability to conceive. The method will also be affected by the amount of cost you are willing to pay. The doctor will help you go through these and other essential questions to narrow down to the right option. They may also be required to perform a pelvic exam.

Birth control options

Before narrowing down your options, these are the birth control methods at your disposal:

i. Natural methods

You will be making lifestyle changes to avoid pregnancy naturally. Options include:

  • Abstinence: This is the most effective method to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It basically prevents the chances of a sperm meeting an egg. However, it is not practical in most cases.
  • Withdrawal: During sexual intercourse, the man may withdraw his penis just before ejaculation so that it happens outside. It is only about 80% effective, meaning there are chances that you could still get pregnant.

ii. Barrier devices

Alternatively, you could use devices that prevent the sperm from swimming to the egg. They include:

  • Male and female condoms: This is a common form of birth control used by most people. This is because it is widely accessible. Additionally, it has a benefit because it prevents both pregnancy and the spread of STIs. Female condoms sometimes contain spermicides that kill sperms as they enter.
  • Diaphragm and cervical cap: A diaphragm is placed into the vagina to cover the cervix. A cervical cap also acts as a barrier to hinder sperms from crossing over to meet the egg. These two are used with spermicides to increase effectiveness.

iii. Injections

Injections are hormone control methods that are administered regularly to prevent the woman from ovulating. However, you are at a higher chance of conceiving if the drug is at the peak of wearing off.

iv. Pharmaceutical types

Most of these options require a prescription from the doctor to purchase. They include intrauterine devices, contraceptive pills, contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, and an implant.

As you can see, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to contraception. There are even permanent methods for people who have closed the chapter of childbearing. Talk to the doctor about your objectives and health condition to determine the most suitable one for you. Consult specialists at Ideal Gynecology, LLC for more information.

6 Possible Reasons You Are Experiencing Back Pain

Back Pain

According to recent studies, approximately 80% of American adults have or will experience back and neck pain at some point. This makes back pain one of the major conditions affecting people worldwide. It has also been named as one of the top reasons for missed workdays. Therefore, it affects you as an individual and the economy. Book an appointment with a Shrewsbury back pain specialist for the right treatment option. Here are the common reasons you could be experiencing back pain:

1. Osteoarthritis

An osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that causes wear and tear in joints. Women are usually at a higher risk of developing this condition than men. When it affects the spinal cord, it breaks down the cartilage between the facet joints, which serve as cushions. In turn, they rub together to cause pain and stiffness in the back. Luckily, doctors can manage this condition medically.

2. Endometriosis

This cause of back pain only affects women. Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of tissues outside the uterus. It is a gynecological disorder that can be treated by doctors to eliminate chronic back pain. Apart from lower back pain, people living with this condition also experience painful menstruation and pelvic pain.

3. Prolonged sitting

If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, research shows that you are at risk of lower back pain. The Guardian report revealed that it could even cause premature death. This is because sitting for too long results in poor circulation and also compresses the hips and spine. Therefore, experts recommend that people with such jobs should walk regularly and occasionally stand to exercise back muscles and prevent back pain.

4. Strenuous exercises

The body requires regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and work properly. However, strenuous exercises strain and stress the body to cause pain. Injuries from extreme sports could also cause a similar problem. You should exercise with an expert’s advice to ensure that you don’t stress your body muscles beyond their limits.

5. Obesity

The cause of your problem could be your weight without you even knowing. Too much weight causes stress in muscles, which is the leading cause of unexpected lower back pain. Obesity affects the joints located in the lower body on most occasions. You should adopt measures to restore and maintain a healthy weight, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and drinking a lot of water.

6. Posture and furniture

The furniture you sit on or sleep on regularly could significantly affect the health of your lower back. It could play a role in the wrong posture, which will cause you trouble. If your job involves using a computer, you should be keen on the furniture. According to experts, posture plays a key role in physical and mental wellness.

There are so many reasons you could be experiencing lower back pain. See a doctor immediately after the pain begins to affect the quality of your life. For example, bladder loss or chest pain could signal severe problems. The doctor will first establish the cause of your problem before determining the best treatment option. Book an appointment today with the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine.

Affectionate Primary Care Services in Maryland

Affectionate Primary Care Services

In your bid to keep your health at its optimum, you need excellent primary care to prevent diseases and detect underlying complications. If you need a proficient primary care center in Rockville, MD, contact the experts at Doctors First to enjoy the best services. The compassionate providers conduct their work skillfully and with a touch of gentleness to ensure your experience is worthwhile.

About Practice

Doctors First in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Germantown, Maryland, comprise primary care professionals who strive to keep their patients’ needs and health goals first. To help patients acquire optimal health and prevent diseases, the adept providers offer several top services, including diabetes management, immunizations, geriatric care, and allergy treatments.

In all Doctors First locations, patients are sure to find cutting-edge equipment and technology within clean, prestigious facilities. Patients are impressed with the warm atmosphere, compassionate staff, excellent communication, and skillful doctors. Moreover, all the practice’s locations have on-site lab and diagnostic testing equipment to give patients quick answers to acute and chronic conditions.

Available Services

Your experienced providers at Doctors First offer a variety of world-class treatments at their convenient locations. You can reach out to receive treatments such as:

  • Arthritis Specialist – Arthritis causes joint pain and hampers your motion. These inconveniences can make your life miserable. If you suspect this condition, your elite team at Doctors First regularly addresses swelling, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis to make your condition manageable.
  • Migraines Specialist – Whenever you face a crippling migraine episode, finding assistance promptly is vital. To get started on your journey to relieve migraines and other stubborn headaches, contact Dr. Rakesh Malik and his compassionate counterparts for effective treatment.
  • Allergies Specialist – More than fifty million individuals of all ages struggle with allergies, according to statistics. If you feel tired of living with allergies, contact Doctors First professionals for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
  • Asthma Specialist – Asthma is characterized by wheezing and bouts of shortness of breath. If you are struggling with this condition, your team at Doctors First can offer the help and support you need to optimize your health. Contact the experts for thorough asthma care.
  • Weight Loss Specialist – Are you facing weight issues? Losing stubborn fats and getting the body shape that you desire can be an uphill task. Contact Rakesh Malik and the team at Doctors First for a comprehensive weight loss plan customized to your needs.
  • Eczema Specialist – Eczema refers to those red, itchy patches on your skin. It is a common condition that spares no one since kids and adults alike risk contracting this condition. Your providers at Doctors First are experienced in offering relief for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and infections.
  • Primary Care Specialist – Having a primary doctor is critical towards enjoying the best health possible. At Doctors First, your dedicated providers offer compassionate and supportive care that encompasses physical exams, treating chronic illnesses, and urgent care services.

Bottom Line

The facility accepts major insurance providers, and the staff welcomes new and existing patients at their offices for better health. If you seek full-service healthcare, you are at the right place at Doctors First. Book directly online or call the offices for an exceptional treatment experience.

How to Rid Your Face of Wrinkles, Crow’s Feet, and Frown Lines With Botox Treatments

Everyone desires a naturally youthful appearance. However, several factors like age, squinting, and frowning over the years encourage the appearance of lines on your face’s specific areas. Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is one facility that boasts expert dermatologists who administer Botox in Midtown East. The specialists will help rejuvenate your looks and give you a new appearance, boosting your self-confidence.

Botox in Midtown East

Who is eligible for a Botox injection?

Botox injections take care of your facial wrinkles that result from squinting and frowning. Botox treatments are the most common cosmetic procedure preferred by patients who need their facial muscles relaxed. Your doctor will recommend a Botox injection on specific areas of your face that experience

  • Frown lines. Frown lines are wrinkles between your eyebrows.
  • Crow’s feet. These are wrinkles that appear around your eyes.
  • Curved lines that appear on your mouth’s corners.
  • Excess skin on your chin.

However, your doctor will discourage you from going for a Botox injection when you are expectant, breastfeeding, or if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients.

Is your face likely to appear stone-cold after a Botox Treatment?

No. Your cosmetics specialist injects on your face’s specific locations. As a result, he does not take away your ability to express your desired emotions. However, when poorly administered, you are likely to have a shiny forehead, visible ripples, and a seemingly frozen appearance. Botox being a sensitive treatment, dermatologists advise that the procedure be done by an experienced professional.

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery record that more than a million cosmetic patients have had their doctors treat them with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved injections. Though individual results and downtime may vary, the approximately ten-minute procedure consisting of tiny injections is likely to depict noticeable improvements within days.

How does a Botox injection work?

Being a neurotoxin, Botox targets your nervous system stimulating muscle contraction. Your muscles contract when nerves release acetylcholine, where your nerve ends and your muscle cells meet. When acetylcholine attaches to your muscle cell receptors, the cells contract and shorten, resulting in frown lines. Botox injections prevent your muscle cells from releasing acetylcholine, thus stopping the cells from contracting. As a result, your muscle cells get relaxed.

How long does a Botox result last?

After a Botox treatment, you will start to experience visible changes within 24-48 hours. However, you will feel maximum results for up to seven days. Over time, your cells will regain their contracting ability. Though the results vary, you are likely to enjoy Botox benefits for up to four months. However, you can repeat the treatment every three to six months, depending on your aesthetic needs.

How is the drug administered?

When you contact your doctor for a Botox treatment, he will examine and discuss your aesthetic needs before administering the drug to the affected area using a fine needle. Though you will experience small discomfort in the injection area, the treatment is not painful. A Botox injection is quick and involves a minor sting that lasts for a few seconds.

Having a Botox injection not only erases the frown lines and wrinkles on your face. The treatment prevents your facial wrinkles from worsening, giving you a chic look with facial contours. For more inquiries on Botox treatments, contact professional dermatology experts today at MDCS: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery or book an appointment.

Techniques to Help Manage Diabetic Foot Pain

Diabetic foot pain is often an indication of an advanced disease, the reason being an obstruction of the nerves in your legs. Essentially, you need to see a doctor as soon as you discover pain in your legs if you have an existing diabetes problem. Dr. Nirav Patel in Yonkers is experienced in the area, as he will surely help protect you from an amputation. You will also find essential advice and ways you can live better with diabetes.

Dr. Nirav Patel in Yonkers

What issues can put you at risk of diabetic foot problems

Diabetes is an issue that arises when your body cannot eliminate abnormal levels of blood glucose. Such abnormalities have profound effects on your body, leading to peripheral arterial and neuropathy diseases. These two issues are the main reason for diabetic foot problems.

· Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

PAD involves the accumulation of cholesterol on your legs. Mostly the issue affects the veins in a classic condition called atherosclerosis. Over time, larger plaques build up on your legs, blocking the movement of blood, meaning that essential tissues such as the muscles and the skin lack oxygen to carry out their functions. This scenario in the leg leads to pain as the first symptom. Other symptoms of the issues you can face include:

  • Skin rashes
  • Leg numbness
  • Poor nail growth
  • Hair loss on your legs
  • Thick and ugly looking skin
  • Heaviness in the legs

Diabetes and other chronic issues such as high blood cholesterol increase your chances of having PAD.

· Peripheral neuropathy

This involves a feeling of discomfort in your legs. The issue begins with an elevated level of blood sugar that destroys many nerves in your body. Your feet’ nerves also feel the effects of increased blood sugar, giving you a tingling sensation that does not dissipate with time. You might even notice your leg sensitivity diminishing with time if you do not reach Premier Vascular sooner. Other notable symptoms of the problems include:

  • Aching
  • Nerve damage
  • Burning sensation
  • Sharp pains.

Neuropathy is an issue that mostly affects you at night. You will notice this when you suddenly wake up at night with a painful sensation in your legs.

What adverse issues can you face with untreated diabetic foot pain?

Dr. Patel advises that you reach him as soon as possible when you notice a painful sensation in your legs. The issue often means that you have had untreated diabetes for a long time and could lose your legs. You might experience the following complications when you ignore diabetic foot pain.

  • Gangrene
  • Non-healing ulcers
  • Non-healing diabetic foot issues
  • Critical limb problems

The best treatment for stopping diabetic foot pain

Diabetic foot pain is an issue that requires you to take care of your blood sugar levels. Dr. Patel specializes in this aspect and can help prevent amputation or any other medical problem.

Find relief for your diabetic pain problem by having a session at Premier Vascular. Find out whether you are at risk of amputation and save yourself by calling or reaching the center through its website.

Family Dentistry Services: What to Expect from Family Dentists

Finding the right family dentist can be a daunting experience, especially if you do not know where to look. You benefit from using the internet or getting referrals from a friend, but that does not guarantee that you will get the right one. As family dentistry keeps getting popular, it is essential to know the traits and qualities of a good professional for the sake of your family’s dental health. Luckily, Dr. Foroud Hakim and his team at San Ramon Dental Excellence are ready to give you an insight into what a family dentistry practice looks like.

Dr. Foroud Hakim

What to expect from family dentistry services

Family dentistry is all about providing dental care for all age groups. You can go with your child and spouse to see one dentist in a single sitting. The services you can expect to get include:

Routine dental cleaning and exams

The ideal time frame for a regular dental checkup is six months. When you visit the clinic as a family, you can expect your dentist to track your oral health. During the sessions, your dentist performs regular exams such as checking your teeth for decay or damages to give you a clean bill of health. They can also teach you the health practices you need to adopt to ensure your mouth stays healthy.

Wellness dental care

Dental care is not just about identifying potential health risks and devising treatment plans to resolve your problems. It is a wellness program designed to maintain your mouth’s wellbeing, and this applies to the whole family. So when you see a family dentist, you will not have to worry about booking a separate appointment with another practice to receive advanced care such as teeth straightening or whitening.

Preventive care

The primary goal of preventing a dental problem before it arises is to save on money and other potential problems. The peace of mind knowing your mouth is healthy through proactive preventive care is better than waiting until a problem develops. A family dentist is trained to detect problems before they become severe. They can examine your family’s dental history to determine whether any disease will be passed to your oncoming generation.

Monitoring the family’s health

Scheduling appointments with a different dentist is not only time consuming, but it also prevents you from knowing your family’s health in detail. Even if you have the time and money to do so, the chances of understanding special concepts such as how children’s teeth change with age can be daunting. A family dentist ensures that your child gets all the dental care they need, thus eliminating any dental anxieties.

A family dentist could be the only person that can save your family’s oral health

Dr. Foroud and his team can vouch that being in the company of a family dentist can save your family from dental anxieties. You want to be there when your child or partner is getting examined or receiving treatment. Always make a point of having one family dentist who understands your family’s medical history in detail. To find out how a family dentist can assist you, schedule a consultation today.

How to manage pain effectively

If you are an older adult you are more prone to pain which could be anything from a dull ache to a sharp stab. Fortunately, there are effective pain management routines that could help elevate the pain and make your life comfortable. Dr. Dev Sen in Fredericksburg is a pain expert who could help develop a clinical pain management plan to complement your home pain management remedies. You should know the cause of the pain first and how it affects your body, before developing home pain-relief remedies and taking pain medications.

Dr. Dev Sen in Fredericksburg

What Could Cause Severe Pain?

Chronic pain could occur after an injury to the joint’s tendons, muscles, and connective tissues, and body bones. Medical conditions like cancer, back problems, and arthritis could cause pain. You can better manage pain if you know what causes it, and it could be prudent to treat other underlying conditions to effectively manage the pain.

How Pain Affects You

Although pain is a protective mechanism against danger, it could reduce the quality of life. Almost all parts of the body have pain receptors but the skin has lots of receptors that tell the location of the danger. Pain could numb the muscles reducing the movement of joints and thus reduce motion and ability to do everyday activities.

Home Remedies for Pain

You could adopt different non-medicine home remedies to manage your pain at home which includes:

  • Heat therapy uses either cold or hot pads to relieve you from mild and severe pain. Ice packs could reduce swelling and inflammation soon after an injury. It also numbs the area reducing more damage to the muscles and tendons thus reducing the spread of infection. Heat packs, on the other hand, help improve the blood circulation to the affected area which leads to the supply of nutrients and oxygen on the injured part and removal of toxins.
  • Physical therapies that incorporate mild movements on the joints could help improve movement. You could stretch slowly, walk, do aerobic exercises that help reduce pain and elevate your moods. It could help if you increased the pace and impact of the exercises slowly to gain complete motion and healing on the joints.
  • A massage could also help reduce pain as it is better suited for soft muscles, but you should avoid it on the pain in the joints. Although it cannot be recommended as a long term solution to pain, it helps increase motion and release muscle tension.

Pain Medications

When you have mild pain you could opt for over-the-counter medications that could relieve the pain. If the pain persists after the over-the-counter medications, you could seek the services of a pain expert. They could recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, local anesthesia, and antidepressants depending on the type of pain you have.

The Bottom Line

Pain could impair the ability to accomplish everyday activities and it could help if you learned how to control the pain effectively. A pain expert could help develop home remedies that could work for your condition. They could also recommend medications and surgeries that work well for your pain.

What to do When You Experience Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is common, especially when you exercise regularly, but it can also be a severe health condition. In the recent past, people have been experiencing shortness of breath in Otsego due to COVID-19 complications. It makes people struggle to breathe because of insufficient airflow in the lungs.

If you experience trouble breathing and consistent tightness in your chest, ensure you seek medical help immediately. First, consider going for a COVID-19 test before you opt for other treatments. It could be an emergency, and getting tested earlier will help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment option before your condition worsens.

shortness of breath in Otsego

How does it feel to experience shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath makes you very uncomfortable when breathing. You struggle to breathe in and out because there is no airflow in your lungs, and it becomes challenging to breathe quickly. As the issue escalates, you will start drawing breath before you finish the last exhale.

You will also feel like breathing more quickly with a tight sensation in your chest since your body cannot get adequate oxygen supply. Sometimes the problem happens out of the blue and increases with time.

Shortness of Breath Due to COVID-19

Even though COVID-19 comes with different symptoms, the main one is shortness of breath. That is why it is crucial to determine the cause of breathing difficulties before visiting your doctor.

Luckily, there are multiple COVID-19 testing centers where you will know if you have contracted the virus. The testing needs specialized tools and equipment other than the regular breathing tests done in the hospital.

Remember, there are different causes of breathing difficulties, and you can only get the right treatment if you do the right test. It will be risky to seek treatment when you do not understand the cause of your breathing difficulties.

What happens during the COVID-19 test?

When you decide to go for the COVID-19 test, try as much as possible to avoid contact with other people. This is because the disease is contagious, and you do not want to infect others. Avoid using public transport and also ensure you maintain social distancing guidelines at all times.

Once you get to the testing center, a test specialist will give you a mask and ask you about how you feel and when you started experiencing shortness of breath. The specialist will ask you a few questions before you go to the test center. You will then sanitize your hands properly. Below is what happens next.

  • The healthcare worker will record your details, including your name and phone number.
  • Use a swab to take a sample in your nose and inside the back of your throat. It can be uncomfortable, but it will not take long.
  • Take the sample to the lab for testing.
  • Advise you when the results will be ready.
  • You will then drive back home and ensure you continue self-isolating.

COVID-19 is a life-threatening condition that continues to claim people’s lives. Ensure you contact your healthcare specialist as soon as you experience difficulties in breathing. The earlier you go for the test, the better it is to prevent the condition from worsening.