Birth Control Pills and HIV

Will birth control pills protect us from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and other STDs?

Some people are misled to believe that if they take birth control pills, they are protecting themselves not only from getting pregnant but also from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, birth control pills or other types of birth control, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or tubal ligation will NOT protect you from HIV and other STDs.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use. Condoms come lubricated (which can make sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable) and non-lubricated (which can be used for oral sex).

It is important to only use latex or polyurethane condoms to protect against HIV and other STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms have tiny pores that may allow for the passage of viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and herpes.

If you use non-lubricated condoms for vaginal or anal sex, you can add lubrication with water-based lubricants (like KY jelly) that you can buy at a drug store. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, you should never use oil-based products, such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, to lubricate a condom. These will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.

It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your doctor or nurse. Don't be embarrassed.

Also, do not assume that your partner knows how to use a condom correctly. Many men have never had anyone show them how. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once. Research is being done to find out how effective the female condom is in preventing HIV and other STDs.

Dad's Participation in the Pregnancy

While they may not carry the baby in their wombs, most dads are keen to be as involved as possible with the new addition to the family. One way they can do this is to accompany their partners during their medical checkups.

These are some of the benefits you gain by accompanying your spouse to the obstetrician:

• It will make your spouse feel better. Always remember that she's making a huge sacrifice that we guys would never want to make. The least you can do is make time for a few appointments so she feels you are in the game with her.

• For the average guy, pregnancy is one big mystery. Going along to meet the doctor will give you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify your doubts.

• It will help you understand your partner's state. Visiting her doctor will also enable you to update yourself on your baby's progress.

• Unlike your spouse, who is bringing up the baby inside her, you may not feel equally excited about the pregnancy. Being able to see the baby's ultrasound image and hearing those tiny heartbeats will help you connect to your unborn baby.

• As the pregnancy advances, the obstetrician will play an increasingly important role in your life as a couple. It is important that you establish a rapport with the doctor and the other hospital staff so that you are more comfortable in dealing with them later when you need to do so. You don't want to be meeting the obstetrician for the first time when your baby is being born.

• Bring a video recorder or a camera phone and with your finger clearly over the lens the entire time, record the first sounds of your baby's heartbeat. This may come in handy later on if you ever find time to make a birth video.

Conceiving a Baby: Things Future Dads Should Avoid

Men don't usually scour pre-pregnancy books, stocking up on all the right vitamins and minerals, and planning against the hidden dangers that could harm their baby-to-be. But - though in a couple trying to get pregnant the attention tends to be focused on the woman - there is a lot you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for your wife and become a proud dad.

Future dads, who are trying to conceive, would do well to avoid the following things:

• Hot water baths: Heat around the testicles may affect a man's ability to conceive. One reason why men have testicles that hang outside the body is that it makes them cooler and improves their capacity to produce healthy sperm. Soaking in a hot bath or spa will therefore adversely affect your sperm production. Besides, it will also harm immature sperm before it develops. Thus, bathing in hot water today may end up reducing the fertility of your sperm up to three months down the line.

• Warm underwear: Warm or tight underwear can also affect your sperm production by raising the temperature in the groin area.

• Too much cycling: If you are an enthusiastic cyclist who cycles daily, you may run the risk of reducing your sperm count. This is because of the overheating of the testicles caused by the fact they remain squeezed between the legs and the seat of the cycle.

• Sex, in case of yeast infection: If you suffer from a yeast infection, avoid having sex with your spouse. You run the risk of infecting your spouse, who can pass the infection back to you and so on. A yeast infection will generally make intercourse less pleasant, and therefore reduce the number of times you have sex; this could indirectly affect your chances of conception. Some also believe that the creams or suppositories used to treat yeast infections may interfere with successful conception.

If you are about to start a family with your spouse, you will often hear about "family planning". But what really does it mean? Family planning is often understood as prevention of pregnancy.

Interactive Pregnancy Calendar

The presence of early pregnancy symptoms is an indication that your spouse needs to undergo a pregnancy test. If positive, it means your spouse is on her way to give birth to your baby.

However, pregnancy-divided into three trimesters-remains a mysterious period for most women. And as for the men, most expectant dads go through these months without a slightest clue as to what is expected of them. Here is a pregnancy calendar to prepare you on what to expect from your spouse and how best to help her.

Pregnancy Calendar: First Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The sudden hormonal rush during this phase may lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms and sensations for your spouse. Nausea (commonly referred to as morning sickness) and an aversion for certain foods items may become apparent. Weakness or fatigue is another common symptom at this stage.

What you can do:

As the full import of the pregnancy starts to sink in, you can discuss the baby with your spouse. You could also accompany her during her visits to the obstetrician. Make use of this relatively relaxed period by spending quality time together, at home and outside.

Pregnancy Calendar: Second Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The initial distressing symptoms such as nausea will now subside. However, your spouse's belly will continue to expand throughout this stage. This will restrict her movements considerably. Bleeding from the nose and gums, heartburn, indigestion, and the appearance of varicose veins or hemorrhoids are the other symptoms that she will have to bear with.

What you can do:

Her pregnancy will increasingly impede your spouse's capacity to live a normal life. You can help by taking over at least some of her domestic duties. This is also a good time to help her plan her pregnancy in detail.

Pregnancy Calendar: Third Trimester

What your spouse will experience:

The developing baby will make further demands on your spouse's body: her weight will continue to increase and may lead to back and hip pain. Swellings on the ankles and face may also be present. Besides, even mild exertion during this period may leave her gasping for breath.

What you can do:

In this final stage of pregnancy, your spouse may become increasingly housebound. Try to find ways to make her feel comfortable and keep her spirits high-an occasional gentle massage will be highly appreciated. This is also the time to finalize arrangements for the birth of your baby.