Sexual Questions Part 1
1. Why do Depo-Provera shots stop periods?
If you've gotten your injections on time, the absence of periods does not mean you're pregnant and is not something to worry about. Periods stop because Depo-Provera causes a "resting state" in the ovaries. When your ovaries do not release an egg each month, the growth of the lining of the uterus does not occur, so neither does menstrual bleeding. The medical term for this is called amenorrhea. Periods usually return within three to 10 months after you stop receiving the injections.
2. What is Lunelle?
Lunelle is a highly effective hormonal contraceptive given as a monthly injection. It is the first in a new class of contraception called the combination long-acting contraceptive. Lunelle contains a combination of two hormones: medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and estradiol cypionate (E2C). MPA is a progestin and is the same hormone found in Depo-Provera. The major difference between Lunelle and Depo-Provera is that Lunelle contains estrogen and Depo-Provera does not. Another difference is that Lunelle only contains 1/6 the amount of MPA found in Depo-Provera. Lunelle also differs from birth control pills in that it contains much smaller doses of estrogen. And unlike birth control pills, which must be taken daily, Lunelle only needs to be given once a month.
3. What are the different parts of the vagina?
The vagina is the large opening in your genitals. Urine is excreted from the bladder by way of the urethra. Then there is the cervix. This is at the very top of the vagina and is actually part of the uterus. The cervix protrudes into the vagina, and has a small opening (about the size of a pencil point), through which menstrual fluid escapes. For more information, click here.
4. How is a tampon inserted? Can a virgin use tampons without breaking her hymen?
First, read the instruction sheet that comes in the box of tampons. To insert a tampon, slide the applicator into the vagina and push the plunger, thereby inserting the tampon. You may practice guiding in the tampon the first time so that it is easier to find a comfortable place and angle for insertion. You may also use a drop of water to moisten the applicator. If there is any question about where to insert the tampon, use a mirror.
As for breaking or not breaking the hymen, hymens come in various shapes and designs. If the hymen is still intact and shaped like a septum (a thin line of skin which divides the center of the vaginal opening, as does the septum of our nose), then this thin membrane of skin may stretch or break when you ride a bike, climb a tree, ride a horse, do gymnastics or any physical activity. For other women, tampons do not interfere at all.
For Sexual Questions Part 2, click here.
