Birth control is a way to prevent pregnancy, and while choosing, one must weigh its side effects. Therefore, one must seek medical guidance before opting for a method. Read on to know eight side effects of birth control methods. Intermenstrual spotting Vaginal bleeding between periods is normal, and the issue resolves within 3 months of taking the pill. While on dosage, if you have experienced heavy bleeding for three or more days, you should contact a doctor immediately. Irritation in the vagina and possibly of STD Spermicide is a jelly, film, or cream-like substance to kill sperms. If used often, it can increase the chances of acquiring infections and STDs. It can even irritate the vagina. Therefore, it is used with other types of birth control methods. Nausea Another side effect of birth control methods like pills is nausea that may vary in intensity. It is usually mild and goes away after some time. It is recommended that you take the pill before bedtime or with food. If nausea exists for more than 3 months, consult a doctor. Weight gain Some women experience temporary weight gain depending on the amount of estrogen present in a pill. This is most common in progestin-only options.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in men and women. Ironically, it is more common than most people think, due to which it is easy to overlook the warning signs when they appear. It results in nearly 50,000 deaths in a year. The signs and treatment options for colon cancer depend on the location of the cancer, its impact on the organs, and how advanced it is.  Signs The only way to avoid this disease from advancing is through early diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms that are easily overlooked. Weakness and lethargy Colon cancer can take a toll on your body by consuming its energy supplies, which can make you feel lethargic. If you are experiencing a constant state of exhaustion without any apparent reason, you need to discuss this with your doctor.   Severe abdominal pain Colon cancer appears in the large intestine that can interfere with your bowel movements. As a result, change in bowel movements can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and muscular contraction. In itself, the sign may not indicate something sinister. However, if you notice that the discomfort affects your quality of life, you must see a doctor immediately.  Blood in the stool Sometimes blood is visible, and other times you may pass black stool that indicates dried blood.

Hepatitis C is a contagious liver condition that is spread through the hepatitis C virus. It can either be short-term or cause chronic illness that can sometimes be life-threatening. In the United States, as many as 3.9 million people are suffering from long-term hepatitis C. This article will discuss the basic prevention tips and alternative treatments for Hepatitis C to help you avoid the condition.  Prevention tips The most effective way to avoid contracting Hepatitis C is by avoiding contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or blood. Here are some ways to ensure this:  Don’t share personal care items For your safety and personal hygiene, you should never share personal care items such as toothbrushes, nail cutters, and razors.    Never share needles If you are an intravenous drug user, then your chances of contracting hepatitis C increase exponentially because of sharing needles. Additionally, you should also choose your tattoo and piercing parlor carefully.  Practice safe sex Even though it is uncommon for someone to get hepatitis C after sexual intercourse, experts recommend practicing safe sex, especially if you engage with multiple partners.  Avoid exposure to blood products If you are a medical worker, take extra measures to avoid coming in direct contact with blood or blood products.

When the blood in the veins moves slower than how it should, it can lead to the formation of clots, and when these clots are formed in a deep vein, it is known as deep vein thrombosis. The condition can cause several serious health problems if neglected, including a pulmonary embolism. Thankfully, there are several early signs and prevention tips for DVT that can help you nip it in the bud. Early signs of DVT Knowing about the early signs and prevention tips for DVT can help you identify the condition before it takes a severe shape and, in some cases, even help you keep it at bay. DVT does not show symptoms to everyone. But in cases where the symptoms are seen, they are mostly related to the obstruction caused in the flow of blood while returning to the heart. This obstruction leads to a formation of a backup of blood in your leg. Some of the early warning signs that you should look out for are: Swelling in the arms and legs which might not give any warning before happening Feeling sore or pain when you walk or stand Feeling warm in the area that is hurting Enlargement of the veins Skin turning blue or red Worsening of the leg pain while bending the foot Cramps in the legs that usually start in the calf Some people might not feel all the symptoms, while others might not feel any of these signs at all.

Osteoporosis is a condition that consists of the bones being much more weak, fragile, and brittle than normal bones. The bones of those with osteoporosis can fracture pretty easily, especially in places like the spine and hip. This condition can be caused by lower levels of bone mass in the body, which is commonly inherited. Individuals with small frames and of an older age have less bone mass, and lose bone mass faster. Other risk factors include eating disorders and low calcium in the body. These factors can cause the bones to weaken. Since this condition consists of the bones lacking strength and bone mass, there are a few early symptoms that present themselves. Here are 5 early symptoms of osteoporosis: 1. Receding gums When your gum tissue has been pushed back, the tooth’s root becomes more exposed and presents the opportunity for bacteria to accumulate in the area. This is known as receding gums. This as well as other dental problems, stem from low bone density. This could cause your dentist to recommend that you see your doctor and discuss your bone health. 2. Back pain When the bone in the spine known as the Vertebra collapses, this can cause back pain.