Facts behind the common birth control myths The field of contraception and gynecology has advanced. One very crucial component of this field is birth control. Right from condoms and pills to IUD (Intrauterine Device), there are plenty of methods to ensure that there is no occurrence of unwanted pregnancy. Even so, there are plenty of misconceptions revolving around the usage of birth control. To ensure that you are not a victim of these myths, here are the ones you need to steer clear away from. Myth 1: You do not need to practice birth control while you are on breastfeeding One of the most common myths around birth control is that you do not need to adopt it if you are breastfeeding. As per Mary Jane Minkin, who is the M.D at obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University, it is perhaps one of the biggest reasons behind unwanted pregnancies. The reason is that while you are on breastfeeding, the hormones generated from the pituitary gland get suppressed. These are responsible for ovulation. However, this is not the case all the time, so it is advisable to stick to a birth control method even when you are breastfeeding. Myth 2: The birth control pill needs to be taken at the same time every day As per Vanessa Cullins, the M.D of External Medical Affairs at Planned Parenthood, there is no connection between the efficiency of a birth control pill and the time you consume it.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the White Blood Cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow. Chronic means the disease grows and spreads gradually, comparatively slower than acute forms of leukemia. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed in older adults and is rare among children, but it can affect people at any age. This article discusses the condition’s causes and symptoms, understanding which can facilitate early diagnosis and ensure timely treatment. What causes chronic myeloid leukemia? This form of leukemia develops due to a genetic mutation. While it isn’t quite understood what sets it off, how it progresses to cancer has been discovered. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. In people with chronic myeloid leukemia, a part of the 9th chromosome switches places with a section of the 22nd chromosome, resulting in an extra-short 22nd chromosome (aka the Philadelphia chromosome) and an extra-long 9th chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is found in up to 90 percent of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. The DNA swapping between the two chromosomes leads to the formation of a new fusion gene called BCR-ABL. BCR-ABL causes the myeloid cells to produce an abnormal enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which allows WBCs to grow uncontrollably.

Eczema is a condition that results in skin inflammation and dry, itchy skin. Rashes typically appear on the arms and behind the knees but can also develop on other parts of the body. Although eczema is a chronic condition, its symptoms can be largely controlled through timely treatment and lifestyle changes. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, here are a few common triggers contributing to and aggravating the disease: Food allergies Food allergies are common eczema triggers that can also worsen the condition. A few common food allergens are gluten, soy, dairy, citrus fruits, and certain fish varieties, such as shellfish. Here, eliminating possible allergens from one’s meals and adding them back one by one can help identify the precise eczema trigger. Genetic predisposition Studies have shown that people with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop eczema. Further, mutations in the FLG gene that is responsible for the generation of profilaggrin—a protein found in the epidermis or outermost skin layer—have been found to trigger eczema. Dry weather conditions Dry weather can result in a lack of moisture in the skin, triggering itching and eczema. Indoor heating systems used in such weather conditions can aggravate the disease.