CONTRACEPTION - HORMON IMPLANTS
These contain the synthetic progesterone levonorgestrel and are inserted under the skin into the fat. They release a small amount of hormone every day which is only one quarter to one half of that obtained from current OCPS and so are very safe. They are very reliable contraceptives with a failure rate around one-tenth that of the OCP.
The most outstanding thing about the implant is that it provides continuous contraception for five years! Because hormone implants at this stage contain potent androgenic progesterones they may induce side effects such as weight gain and headaches and by the time we have them in Australia, researchers may have developed an implant with a more natural or feminine progesterone.
Hormone Patches
These adhesive patches are impregnated with synthetic hormones that are slowly absorbed into the blood stream through the skin and provide constant low dose contraception. The patches could be applied to the skin of the upper inside thigh and changed every third day. They will be safer than oral forms of contraception and their arrival is eagerly awaited.
Vaginal Rings
The vaginal ring is a flexible silicone rubber ring, similar in size to a vaginal diaphragm and is impregnated with synthetic hormones. It is placed high up in the vagina around the cervix where it slowly releases its hormones that are absorbed into the circulation thereby preventing ovulation.
Rings containing both oestrogen and progesterone are left inside the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week to allow a menstrual bleed to occur. The ring is then reinserted by the woman to begin another monthly cycle. Rings containing only progesterone can be left in place for ninety days, before a new ring is needed.
Women generally find the vaginal rings easy and simple to use
In trials the vaginal ring is proving to be very safe as it provides constant low doses of hormones and does not affect the metabolism of the liver to the same degree as hormone tablets. The vaginal ring is still on trial overseas. In Australia, the Sydney Centre for Research into Reproductive Health intends to start trials on its efficiency and it should be available here within several years.
The contraceptive hormone implant, vaginal ring and patch will be more effective than the mini pill because there is no risk of forgetting a daily pill.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF ERECTION FAILURE
PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENTS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES?
