Sex is an integral part of adulthood, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But, despite its biological function of producing offspring, having babies is not always the desired outcome of a pleasurable experience. Here are a few non-hormonal birth control methods to consider when you want to avoid pregnancy.

The Condom

Marla Ahlgrimm points out that the condom is the most iconic form of birth control out there. These balloon-like implements are rolled over an erect penis and can prevent pregnancy up to 85% of the time. Fortunately, condoms are also effective at reducing a person’s risk of contracting an STD.

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How much do you know about keeping your heart healthy? Marla Ahlgrimm says probably more than you know, but it never hurts to brush up. Keep reading for a few quick facts about heart health.

Your diet matters.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, what you eat directly impacts your heart. She says that, for the most part, eating foods that are low in salt and trans fat is the best way to keep your heart healthy. She also recommends reducing your sugar intake and learning how to read the labels.

It is up to you to manage your health conditions.

Eating well can help you stay healthy, but that is not the only thing that determines your level of wellness. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that some genetic conditions can affect your heart health as well. High blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory disorders can also negatively impact your cardiovascular system. She notes that eating a healthy diet, exercising, and staying in touch with your primary care physician or specialists is the best way to manage your health so that you can keep your heart beating at peak.

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Women tend to suffer more migraines than men, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But, what causes them? Keep reading as Ahlgrimm shares some insights.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the top factors that determine whether or not a woman (or man) experiences chronic migraine headaches is genetics. People with an extensive family history of migraines, while not 100% guaranteed to experience them, are far more likely than the general public. Further, failure to eat properly, too much caffeine or alcohol, and dehydration can all lead to migraines.

As we settle into a new season, Marla Ahlgrimm says to watch out for migraine headaches related to air pressure, humidity, and ambient temperature outdoors. Unfortunately, of all the causes for migraine headaches, weather and genetics are the two that are outside of our control. One thing that is within our power to change, however, is the way we sleep. 

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that people who do not sleep enough or, alternately, who sleep too much, may trigger migraines if they are already predisposed. Interestingly, most sufferers report that sleep is one of the few things that can relieve a migraine headache. Some people with migraines report less severe pain if they can sleep for three to four hours at the onset of a migraine.

Finally, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that stress is another trigger. And, unfortunately, in our day and age it may be the most common. While people may not experience migraines in the middle of a stressful situation, it is often hours later, once they begin to relax, that a headache may creep in or blindside them.

Chronic migraine is a serious condition that can have a significant impact in a woman’s life. Women who experience eight migraine days each month may seek relief through prescription medication and lifestyle changes.

Hormones do the body lots of good. But, their effects are not always convenient. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, your brain knows exactly which hormones to send and when. Unfortunately, in the case of stress, this can leave you feeling on edge and can have an unhealthy effect on your body. Keep reading for a few quick answers to common questions about stress and hormones.

Q: What triggers feelings of stress?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The answer to this question is unique for every person. Some people feel stressed out because of money, others because of family obligations. However, most people experience the natural stress response when faced with a sudden or extreme situation. An example would be a large dog running at you with its teeth showing while barking loudly. This would instantaneously trigger your adrenal glands to release a surge of cortisol and adrenaline.

Q: What happens when adrenaline and cortisol are released?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Each of these hormones works to elevate your heart rate and can give you a seemingly unnatural boost of energy. As the primary stress hormone, cortisol increases the amount of glucose (blood sugar) flowing through your veins. Cortisol has an effect on a few of your non-essential systems – suppressing digestion, for example. When these hormones are present, you likely feel fear, your heart rate will increase significantly. and your senses are heightened.

Q: Is the body’s response to stress self-limiting?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In most cases, yes. When you are faced with the threat, and that threat is no longer present, your hormone levels return to normal. Unfortunately, many women are under chronic stress, living with factors such as financial struggles, tumultuous relationships, and social pressures. This can lead to a chronic stress response, which can then in turn result in digestive issues, depression, sleep problems, and weight gain to name a few.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, women can reduce everyday stress through a combination of meditation, eating well, and getting enough sleep. While not all stressors can be eliminated, taking care of your mind and body is one of the best ways to be prepared to effectively deal with life’s issues.

Do women have more headaches than men? Not surprisingly to women everywhere, the answer is yes. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is due to everything from stress to hormones. Keep reading as the author and women’s health advocate answers a few questions on the topic.

Q: Are hormones the cause of headaches?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Often, yes. Estrogen, especially, can contribute significantly to headaches in women. Fluctuating levels of this female hormone can trigger tension headaches and even migraines.

Q: When are headaches most common for women?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Unfortunately, headaches are prevalent and sometimes frequent for women beginning at the onset of puberty. When a woman is getting ready to menstruate, her estrogen levels drop. This triggers migraines. Similarly, after giving birth, a woman’s estrogen levels dip dramatically as there is no longer a pregnancy to support. During pregnancy, and especially in the first trimester, estrogen levels soar significantly and quickly, which can also lead to headaches.

Q: What about menopause?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Menopause can also lead to fluctuating hormone levels. As the ovaries begin to say sayonara to their child-bearing years, the body can react in many different ways. Headaches are one of these.

Q: Hormones aside, what are some other headache triggers common in women?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Many of the most common include dehydration, taking certain medications, poor eating and sleeping habits, and anxiety. Similarly, women can also experience headaches due to both overexertion and living a sedentary lifestyle. It is also not uncommon for both genders to notice tension between their temples after consuming things like alcohol, Parmesan cheese, aspartame, caffeine, and chocolate. Poor posture, noise, and glare are also culprits women who experience frequent headaches should consider exploring.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that an unfortunately small number of women are vaccinated against serious issues while they are pregnant. She explains that the flu and whooping cough vaccines may save lives when a woman is expecting.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the Centers for Disease Control recommends a whooping cough vaccine, also known as a TDAP, at the beginning of the third trimester. The agency also suggests that pregnant women receive a flu vaccine. She explains that these vaccinations are not only to protect the mom but also the newborn baby. Antibodies built up after the vaccine are passed to the baby, which is then born with some level of protection against these diseases.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that antibodies are built up after approximately two weeks. They are passed through the placenta to the baby.

The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to influenza by 40% for pregnant women. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that babies less than six months old are 72% less likely to enter the hospital because of the flu if their mother received the vaccine in utero.

When it comes to whooping cough, a vaccine lowers the risk of serious consequences on a baby less than two months old by nearly 80% and lessens the chance of being admitted in the hospital before eight weeks of age by more than 90%.

The bottom line is that vaccines are important for pregnant women. The flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccine are two of the most important. Unfortunately, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that nearly 40% of pregnant women are not aware that these vaccines are available and necessary.