The temperatures outside may be sizzling but what about the heat in your bedroom?

If things have cooled (thank you, hormones, stress, children, life, insert-your-reason-here), these aphrodisiac foods will spice up your fine romance by boosting your sex life naturally.

Oysters
The aphrodisiac ingredient in this seafood is zinc, which boosts sperm count and testosterone production. The result? An increased libido for your partner, and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients for you as well.

Red Wine
They don’t say “Wine and dine ‘em” for no reason. Aside from giving you a slower, cozier buzz and freeing you of inhibitions, red wines have antioxidants that improve blood flow and blood circulation, meaning more intense orgasms in the bedroom.

Watermelon
Call it the fruit version of Viagra. Watermelons increase libido by relaxing blood vessels and have a similar effect on men as the little blue pill. It’s filled with antioxidants that improve skin and prostate health, too.

Avocados
Filled with healthy, unsaturated fats, avocados help blood flow and improve sex hormones. The folate they contain is also important for healthy sperm. Fun fact: avocado is the Aztec word for testicles!

Pomegranates
Get to your climax quicker with these sexy fruits. Rich with antioxidants, pomegranates aid blood flow, which in turn increases sensitivity. For men, the fruit delivers stronger erections.

Chocolate
The classic aphrodisiac food, chocolate helps us produce serotonin, or the “happy” chemical. On top of this feel-good factor, cocoa contains the stimulant phenylethylamine, which increase excitement levels. Not to mention they’re just plain delicious, which results in improved moods all around.

Some of the most commonly used methods of birth control are hormonal. However, there are 2 different types of hormonal birth control- combined (containing estrogen and progesterone) and progestin-only. Both types are equally effective when used properly, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The types of progestin-only birth control are the pill (mini-pill), the shot (called Depo-Provera), implant (Implanon), and IUD (Mirena).

Progestin methods are often used in women that can’t take estrogen due to certain medical conditions. People who have had blood clots, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis should not take estrogen-containing birth control. People prone to these conditions should also not use estrogen-containing birth control. The same goes for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, smokers >35y/o, and people with migraine headaches with an aura. People who are breastfeeding usually prefer progestin-only birth control because estrogen-containing birth control can decrease their milk supply.

The most common side effect of this type of birth control is irregular bleeding. People may experience bleeding in between periods, irregular spotting throughout their cycle, or they may stop getting a period all together. People may also experience headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, or weight gain. The progestin can increase your appetite, so although the medication itself does not cause weight gain if you are hungrier you may eat more and this can lead to weight gain. Depo-Provera most commonly causes weight gain as compared to the other methods discussed here.

The progestin-only pill, or mini-pill, is a pill that is taken daily. It is important to take the pill at the exact time every day, because even a delay as little as three hours can lower the efficacy of the pill. When starting the pill you should use a back-up method of birth control for the 1st week. The same should be done if a pill is missed. If used perfectly the failure rate is about 0.3%. Along with irregular bleeding, which is the most common side effect, people may also tend to develop ovarian cysts. This medication may not be effective if used in combination with certain anti-seizure medications.

Another type of progestin-only birth control is an injection called Depo-Provera. It is an injection that is given about every 12 weeks. This injection should be given ideally during the 1st 5 days of your period. In people that are breastfeeding the shot can be given during the post partum period, and it can even be given immediately after delivery. Again the most common side effect is irregular bleeding. Many people will stop getting a period completely after several injections. It can take about 6 months or more to get a regular cycle back after stopping the injection. Depo-Provera can lead to reversible bone loss, especially if used for more than 2 years. This bone loss is reversible after discontinuation of the shot, but it is important to take in sufficient calcium and vitamin D while using the shot.

Another kind of progestin-only birth control is the implant, called Implanon. This is a small implant, about 2 x 4 cm, which is placed in the upper arm. It must be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider. It can be left in place for 3 years. It also can lead to irregular bleeding or absence of your period.

The Mirena IUD is a device that sits in the uterus for up to 5 years while slowly releasing progesterone. For more details on this refer to last months article on IUDs.

Remember that all of these methods are fairly reliable methods of birth control. They are also helpful in people who have heavy periods because it can cause them to become lighter or to stop all together. None of these protect against sexually transmitted diseases, however, so you should always use condoms if you are at risk of developing an STD. Check in next month when we’ll be discussing combined hormonal methods of birth control.

When it comes to what to be thankful for, nothing trumps your health. Money, love, success, personal goals—none of them are possible without good health to give them rise.

In this time of reflection and thanks, you might consider paying it forward by supporting a worthy cause that helps women who, perhaps, have not been as fortunate as you in health department.

Here are a five fantastic ones to consider:

Best for Babes

A revolutionary, paradigm-changing organization that’s helping women beat the Booby Traps (as they call oh so cleverly call them) that prevent moms from achieving their own personal breastfeeding goals, Best for Babes is giving breastfeeding a makeover. From women’s health to women’s rights, Best for Babes is on the forefront of freeing women from the shackles of misinformation and judgment that are so deeply ingrained in our popular consciousness and serve to disempower women at the most crucial time in their lives. This is feminism 2.0: Giving women back their power to take care of themselves and their babies, emotionally, physically and spiritually, and, by proxy, nurture future generations on all levels too. To support, go to www.BestforBabes.org.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

89% of funding goes to programs that award research grants to experts seeking prevention methods and treatments. No big business here—just a steadfast determination to find a cure by investing in prevention. The BCRF’s funds have fostered some of the field’s biggest discoveries of late, including uncovering that women of African decent often have a genetically different form of breast cancer than woman of European ancestry. To support, go to www.BCRFCure.org.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

With growing nationwide chapters spearheaded by local volunteers that understand the needs of their communities, the NOCC provides support and encouragement in a real and immediate way. On the national level, the NOCC empowers women and the people who love them with the awareness they need to get educated about ovarian cancer with initiatives like T.E.A.L (Take Early Action and Live) and Break the Silence, in conjunction with Dr. Oz. To support, go to www.Ovarian.org.

Postpartum Support International

One in eight women suffer from postpartum depression—and most of those women do it in silence. Even the most otherwise empowered and together women buckle under the weight of this confounding disorder. PSI serves to give women essential information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, aka postpartum depression, including risk factors, symptoms and treatments, and connects them to the best local resources available so they get on the road to recovery. To support, go to www.Postpartum.net.

HealthyWomen

No, we didn’t just pick it because we like the name! This women’s health nonprofit is a one-stop shop for the latest scoop on everything from birth control to mental health to digestive disorders to cancer to sexual health. With a mission of educating, informing and empowering women to make the smartest health choices, HealthyWomen is a trusted go-to for objective, expert, evidence-based need-to-know-now info. To support, go to www.HealthyWomen.org.

The intrauterine device (IUD) is one of the most effective forms of birth control. It is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The IUD can be used by women of all ages, including teenagers and those who have never had children. There are 2 types of IUDs available for insertion: the hormonal IUD (Mirena) and the copper IUD (Paraguard). The IUD mostly works by preventing fertilization, but it also interferes with implantation. Fertility is not affected by the use of the IUD. Return to fertility after removal of the IUD is similar to the rates after discontinuation of other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills.

The Mirena is an IUD that contains the hormone progestin. It slowly releases this hormone over 5 years. The Mirena IUD has more than just contraceptive benefits. It can also help women who have heavy periods. In fact, about 47% of women will have no period after three years of Mirena use. Even if your cycle doesn’t go away completely, the majority of women will still at least experience shorter and lighter cycles. The Mirena IUD should be placed within seven days of your menstrual cycle, but can be placed at any time during your cycle. The Mirena can be placed immediately post partum, but there is a higher risk of expulsion or uterine perforation when it is placed at this time. It is safer to wait until at least 6 weeks post partum. The 5 year failure rate of the Mirena IUD is 0.7 pegnancies/100 women. However, if you do become pregnant while using the IUD make sure to consult your healthcare provider immediately because there is a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, meaning that the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.

Potential side effects of the Mirena IUD are irregular bleeding, especially for the first three to six months. Patients may rarely develop an infection of the pelvis, called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. If you are prone to acne, the Mirena IUD can make it worse. There is a small chance that the IUD can migrate out of the uterus and into the abdominal or pelvic cavity. If this is the case, you might need a laparoscopic surgery to have the IUD removed.

The copper IUD (Paraguard) works the same way as the Mirena, but it is made of copper, doesn’t contain hormones, and is meant to stay in place for up to 10 years. The Paraguard can also be placed at any time of the cycle. The failure rate of the Paraguard is 0.6-0.8/100 women. As with the Mirena, although pregnancy is rare if you do become pregnant you may be at increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

The main side effect of the Paraguard is heavier and longer menstrual cycles. However, the Paraguard IUD can be associated with a decreased incidence of endometrial cancer.

Remember that IUDs do not prevent against sexually transmitted infections and should not be placed if you are at high risk of developing or currently have a pelvic infection. They should also not be used if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

IUD are extremely effective methods of birth control. They should be considered in anyone who desires long term birth control but doesn’t want anything permanent. Once it is in place, you do not have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy. It does not interfere with sex or daily activities. You can use a tampon with it. It is easily reversible, and if you wish to become pregnant, simply have the IUD removed. The insertion of an IUD is a simple office procedure, so if you are interested in this type of birth control discuss it with your doctor and you can decide if it is the proper type of birth control for you.

For more information, email us here or call 732.431.1616.

Not sure which kind of contraception is best for you? No need to fret.

Part two of Dr. Julie Leizer’s series on the topic talks barrier methods:

Barrier methods of contraception are some of the safest methods of birth control. They work exactly as they sound: they act as a barrier between the sperm and the egg to prevent pregnancy. There are different types of barriers, chemical barriers and physical barriers. Chemical barriers are called spermicides. Physical barriers include condoms (both male and female), diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges. This post is meant to give you a general overview of the different types of barrier methods of contraception and their effectiveness.

The Chemicals Between Us

Chemical methods of birth control, as mentioned earlier, are called spermicides. These are chemicals that are inserted directly into the vagina no more than 30 minutes before sex, and then should stay in for up to six to eight hours afterwards. They come in foams, creams, jellies and suppositories. Spermicides, if used alone, must be inserted before every time you have sex to be effective. The benefits of spermicides are that they are cheap, over-the-counter, and do not contain any hormones. The potential risks include allergic reactions and vaginitis, which is vaginal inflammation. Spermicides DO NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or HIV. In fact, if used frequently they can actually increase transmission of HIV if your partner is affected. With perfect use, the chance of pregnancy is low, but with typical use (meaning use by the average person, who may not always use them consistently or correctly), the pregnancy rate is 28%.

Let’s Get Physical

Physical barriers include male condoms, female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and the sponge. Male condoms can be made of rubber (latex), plastic (polyurethane), or animal membrane. Latex and poly-urethane condoms provide the best available protection against many STDs, including HIV. Natural membrane condoms do not protect against STDs or HIV. Male condoms are more effective when used with spermicides. In fact when condoms and spermicides are used together, the efficacy is about the same as with hormonal methods of birth control. The spermicides should be placed directly into the vagina, not onto the condom. Water-based lubricants (KY jelly, for example) should be used with condoms to prevent breakage from friction. Oil based lubricants (such as baby oil) can weaken and break the condom. The benefits of condoms (much like spermicides) are that they are cheap, can be bought over-the-counter, and do not contain hormones. However, a new condom must be used each time you have sex. With perfect use failure rates are about 2%, but with typical use the failure rate is about 18%. A possible side effect is an allergic reaction.

The female condom is similar to the male condom in the way that it works. It is a plastic barrier with two rings, one that goes close to the cervix and the other stays outside of the vagina. It should also be used with spermicide as well as lubrication. The female condom can be put in place up to 8 hours prior to sex. Typical use failure rate is 21%, but with perfect use failure rates are about 1%.

The diaphragm is a latex or silicone, dome-shaped device that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix. It is not effective unless it is used with spermicide, which needs to be reapplied each time you have sex. Like latex condoms, only water-based lubricants should be used because oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex. A diaphragm should be checked frequently for holes by holding it up to the light. Latex diaphragms should be replaced about every two years. Silicone diaphragms may last longer. The diaphragm does not protect against STDs, including HIV. A condom should be used with the diaphragm to prevent STDs. One thing that makes the diaphragm different from other barrier methods of birth control is that diaphragms require a prescription and need to be fitted by a health care provider. If you gain or lose 20 pounds or have a baby, you need to be refitted. You should wait 6 weeks after giving birth to use the diaphragm until the uterus and cervix return to normal size. The diaphragm must remain in place for six hours after sex but no more than 24 hours. It can be placed two hours before sex. If it is placed more than two hours before, you need to add more spermicide with an applicator. The benefits of diaphragms are that they don’t contain hormones. The potential risks are allergic reactions and possibly urinary tract infections if they are not fitted properly. With typical use, the failure rate is about 12%.

The sponge is a doughnut-shaped device made of soft foam coated with spermicide that gets inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. The sponge does not protect against STDs, including HIV, so condoms should also be used to prevent STDs. Use some water to wet the sponge prior to insertion, which can be up to 24h before sex. It should be left in place for 6 hours afterwards. It can be left in place for up to 30 hours total, so if you had sex more than once in that time frame you don’t need to use a new sponge. With typical use, failure rates are 12-24%, depending on whether or not you have given birth (efficacy decreases if you have had a vaginal delivery). Failure rates with perfect use are about 9%. A benefit to the sponge is that they do not contain any hormones. They should not be used during your period or before 6 weeks post partum. However, potential risks include allergic reactions and a very small risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.

The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm, but smaller. It is a small plastic dome that fits tightly over the cervix and stays in place by suction. The cervical cap, like the diaphragm, should be used with a spermicide. It also does not prevent STDs, so it should be used with condoms. A cervical cap must be fitted and prescribed by a health care provider. It must be checked frequently for wear or holes and should be replaced yearly. Refitting may be needed after having a baby or after weight gain or loss. You should wait six weeks after giving birth to use the cervical cap. The cervical cap, like the sponge, is less effective in women who have given birth. Typical use failure rates are 13 to 23%.

When used appropriately and consistently, barrier methods of birth control can be very effective. The benefits of these methods are that they are relatively inexpensive and they do not contain hormones. Many women cannot take hormones due to certain medical problems or they just don’t like the way that hormones make them feel. Barrier methods can provide a safe alternative for patients who are very motivated and are looking for alternative forms of birth control. Remember, all of these methods need to be used each time you have sex in order to be most effective. They all prevent against pregnancy, but remember the only ones that prevent against STDs are condoms. Therefore, even when using other barrier methods condoms should always be used if you feel that you are at risk of contracting an STD. Also, always check with your health care provider if you are unsure which method would be best for you.

Dr. Julie Leizer grew up in East Brunswick, NJ and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She is fluent in Spanish, and specializes with our Spanish speaking patients. After completing her Medical degree, Dr. Leizer underwent four years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in New Brunswick, NJ.

With so many different types of birth control out there, choosing the right one for you can be pretty overwhelming. Contraceptive counseling is one of the most common reasons that women visit the gynecologist. So, if you are feeling a little bit confused you are not alone! The purpose of this article is to give a general overview of the different types of available birth control to help you decide which best fits your lifestyle. In the months to come, we will explore each different method of contraception in detail so that you are able to make a more informed decision.

There are many different reasons to use birth control, from hormone regulation to family planning. Whatever the reason, there is a birth control that it right for you.

The first thing that you have to decide is: what are you looking to get out of birth control? Are you looking for something temporary or something that is more long term? Do you want something that will also help to control your cycle? How about something to control acne, menstrual migraines or PMS?

Birth control can be divided into two broad categories: hormonal and non-hormonal. Depending on various factors such as age, lifestyle, and other health conditions, you may not be a candidate for hormonal birth control. The most commonly used non-hormonal types are condoms and diaphragms, also known as barrier methods. These are used in the short term. There is also a non-hormonal IUD, which is good for 10 years, and is great if you are not planning on becoming pregnant anytime soon. Having a surgical procedure to “tie your tubes,” also called a tubal ligation, is a permanent and non-hormonal way to prevent pregnancy if you are sure that you will never want to become pregnant again in the future. This method should be considered non-reversible.

As far as hormonal birth control, thee are many more options. Hormonal forms of birth control have all of the benefits of preventing pregnancy, and they can also help those women who have painful, heavy, or irregular periods. There are pills, the patch, and the vaginal ring. These all contain 2 types of hormones that work together to keep your cycle regular. Alternatively, there is an injection and an IUD which only contain one type of hormone, and these methods of birth control also have the added benefit of making your periods shorter, lighter, or can make them go away completely.

This is just a general overview of the various available birth control methods that are out there. Check back each month as we discuss each method in more detail. When choosing birth control, it is always best to discuss these methods with your healthcare provider first. However, it is good to be informed and to have an idea in your mind what you are looking for in a birth control.

About Julie Leizer, M.D.

Dr. Julie Leizer grew up in East Brunswick, NJ and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She is fluent in Spanish, and specializes with our Spanish speaking patients. After completing her Medical degree, Dr. Leizer underwent four years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in New Brunswick, NJ.

See Dr. Leizer’s video here.

They’re vital, according to our very own Julie Leizer, M.D.

In an interview recently published in CentraState’s bi-monthly magazine Healthy Directions, Dr. Julie speaks frankly on the importance of staying current with your personal health check-ups.

Says Dr. Julie in the piece: “Many conditions that affect the reproductive health of women can be treated effectively when caught early on, but present serious risks when left unmanaged …. It goes without saying that women should schedule regular, yearly appointments with their OB/GYN.”

To read what else Dr. Julie has to say, download here and make sure you don’t miss her Q & A in the Meet the Doctor section on the same page.

To schedule your next appointment, call 732.431.1616.

If getting bedroom eyes from your significant other is more aggravating than titillating, you may be suffering from a low sex drive. Wondering how this can be? Your desire for sex is tied into several factors—physical health, emotional state, beliefs, feelings about your partner, hormones and more—and if one of those factors is out of whack, it isn’t unusual to lose a little libido.

Here are some of the top causes of low sex drive in women:

Stress and fatigue: Particularly common in new parents, fatigue can interfere with your desire to do much of anything, let alone have sex. And stress from any source can easily seep into your love life, making sex low on the priority list.

Medications: Feeling less than amorous is a common side effect of some medications, particularly antidepressants, birth control pills, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines and chemo drugs.

Negative body image: If you don’t feel good about your body, you might be reluctant to let anyone else see it, leading to a low sex drive.

Pain during sex: Known as dyspareunia, pain during sex is a surefire way to keep you shying away from slipping between the sheets for anything more than sleep.

Fights with your partner: When you aren’t getting along with your partner, it isn’t uncommon to lose that lovin’ feeling.

Alcohol: Although widely thought of as a libido booster, alcohol can also zap your drive if you consume too much of it.

Pregnancy: A changing body and changing hormone levels offer up two major potential inhibitors to sexual desire.

Menopause: As the estrogen levels in your body drop, you may be faced with less interest in sex and drier vaginal tissue, which could make sex uncomfortable.

These are just a handful of reasons for diminished sex drive, a fairly common condition—in fact, a study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that about 43 percent of women experience some sexual problem, so if you’re one of them, you’re not alone. It’s also important to remember that your libido will naturally rise and fall during your lifetime. If sex drive issues are negatively affecting you and you can’t figure out why, consult with your doctor about finding ways to bring sexy back.