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Barrier Methods of Contraception
Barrier methods are some of the oldest and safest forms of contraception (birth control). These methods work by acting as barriers to keep the man's sperm from reaching the woman's egg. Some methods also may protect against certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Barrier methods are safe and effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Combining chemical and physical barriers--such as spermicides and a diaphragm--provides more protection. Barrier methods are not as effective as some other birth control methods, such as birth control pills or the intrauterine device (IUD). Spermicides are chemical barrier methods that include tablets, foam, cream, jelly, and film (thin sheets that contain spermicide). Of all birth control methods, latex condoms provide the best protection against STDs. The female condom provides a physical barrier that prevents sperm from entering the cervix. Like the male condom, the female condom is more effective when used with a spermicide.

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Hormonal Contraception - Injections, Rings, and Patches
In addition to oral contraceptives (birth control pills), there are several other forms of hormonal birth control-injections, rings, and patches. These methods are safe and effective for most women. Hormonal methods of birth control, such as injections, rings, and patches are effective ways to prevent pregnancy. With most types of hormonal birth control, a woman takes hormones similar to those her body makes naturally. The hormones also cause other changes in the cervical mucus and uterus that help prevent pregnancy. One type of injection of hormonal birth control, called depot-medroxy-progesterone acetate (DMPA), provides protection against pregnancy for 3 months. In addition to preventing pregnancy, the vaginal ring may offer other health benefits (see box). The vaginal ring and the skin patch have benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy. The skin patch is a weekly method of hormonal birth control. The skin patch is a very effective method of birth control.

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You and Your Baby: Prenatal Care, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum Care
You may wonder what labor and delivery will be like. Prenatal care can serve as a guide to help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth. Early and regular prenatal care (a program of care for a pregnant woman before the birth of her baby) can increase your chances of having a healthy baby. Often, you will receive care from a whole health care team that may include doctors, nurses, and childbirth educators. Childbirth preparation classes will help you prepare for labor and delivery. At the Murray Woman's Clinic, all our patients are given a copy of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" after they have completed their first appointment with a doctor during their pregnancy.

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Eating Disorders
In the United States, 7 million women and girls have eating disorders. The three main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious problems. If not treated, eating disorders can lead to serious social, emotional, and medical problems-sometimes death. A person with an eating disorder is obsessed with food, body weight, and body shape. Anorexia nervosa (also called anorexia), bulimia nervosa (also called bulimia), and binge-eating disorder are the three main types of eating disorders. Binge eating (also called compulsive eating) may be the most common of the eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa: An eating disorder in which distorted body image leads a person to diet excessively. Binge Eating Disorder: An eating disorder in which a person eats large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control over his or her eating. Bulimia Nervosa: An eating disorder in which a person binges on food and then forces vomiting or abuses laxatives.

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Detecting and Treating Breast Problems
Your breasts are always changing. They change during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause (when menstrual periods end). One major problem, breast cancer, remains one of the leading causes of death in women. Mammography is a way to detect changes in the breast tissue by X-ray. If you have an increased risk of breast cancer, your doctor may suggest you have this test done more often or before age 40. Mammography is vital for all women, regardless of breast size or if you have breast implants. Most breast lumps (about 90%) are found through breast self-exams. Routine exams become even more important after menopause because the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in women aged 34-50. If breast cancer is found and treated early, most women can be cured. This is why routine breast self-exams, mammography, and checkups by your doctor are vital. If you have found a lump in your breast or the results of your mammography are not normal, other tests may be used to help diagnose breast problems

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