If you are working or studying in an Ontario university, you have likely come across the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). UHIP provides health insurance coverage to students and workers of many Ontario universities. This coverage is similar to the coverage provided by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

However, the two plans are not interchangeable. In fact, if you have OHIP, you are not eligible for UHIP.  Only if you are a non-resident who is not eligible for OHIP will you be required to enroll in UHIP and pay associated fees. It should be noted though that these fees are kept low and are more affordable than other insurance options.  Here we will look closer at eligibility for UHIP, what is covered, and other important information about getting the best coverage for you and your loved ones.

Primary Takeaway

In this article we will look at who is eligible for UHIP but the primary takeaway for any non-resident student is that it is mandatory for you to have healthcare coverage. Specifically, if your university participates in UHIP, you will need to sign up for this coverage. Fees for this coverage are kept at a minimum and the coverage extends to most common and major medical needs.

Who Qualifies for UHIP?

UHIP provides affordable health insurance for students and workers at most Ontario universities. It is specifically designed to give coverage to non-residents who would otherwise be uninsured and need to pay the full cost of medical services out of pocket. If you meet any of these criteria, you qualify for UHIP coverage:

For Students

• Full-Time Students: Full time students with a permit to study or a temporary resident visa are eligible. Furthermore, you will need to be working toward a specific degree including an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree from a university that supports the UHIP program.
• Part Time Students: Part time students are also eligible with the same requirements as a full-time student including a temporary resident visa or permit to study.  However, you will need to have been previously enrolled as a full time student as well. You will remain eligible for UHIP for up to 6 semesters as a part-time student. After this, you will likely need to enroll as a full-time student or seek out other insurance options.
• Other Student Program Participants: Along with provisions for full and part time students, UHIP also covers those who are in study-abroad programs and work exchange/co-op programs. Similarly, if you are enrolled in an English as a Second Language program from a participating university you may be eligible. This can sometimes change though depending on the university so it is best to check with your individual university before assuming you will have coverage as an ESL student or under any other non-degree granting program.

For University Employees

• International Employee of a University: Similar to students, you must be associated with a university that participates in the UHIP program and have a valid work permit. Valid permits will be used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
• Those Who Have Exhausted OHIP: Those who are no longer able to extend their OHIP coverage and who are working outside of Canada on approved University business are also eligible for UHIP.
• Those Who are on the Waiting List for OHIP: If you have applied for OHIP and are approved but are still within the 3 month waiting period, UHIP may be able to cover you while you wait for OHIP.

Who is Not Eligible for UHIP

Generally, those who are eligible for OHIP will not be eligible for UHIP. OHIP covers even more services and is a better option if you do qualify. Here are a few other caveats about non eligibility:

• A dependent or family member who is deemed a “visitor” under a Minister’s permit will not be eligible.
• Students who attend via correspondence.
• Children of a UHIP member who become disabled after they have lost eligibility will not be able to regain UHIP.
• Students who take a leave of absence that is not formally approved by the university will lose coverage.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list of eligibility or non eligibility and rules may change. If you are in doubt, it is best to contact your university.

UHIP Q&A

Do all Ontario Universities Participate in UHIP? Nearly all Ontario universities participate in UHIP. The one exception is the University of Windsor. If you attend University of Windsor, you will be automatically enrolled in either Basic Green Shield Health Insurance Plan (GSHIP) or a supplemental plan. If you have further questions about university coverage, it is best to contact your school.

Is UHIP Free? UHIP is a low cost alternative to higher cost private insurances. However, it is not free. Monthly and yearly fees can change and will vary depending on if the coverage is just for yourself or for you and one or more dependents.

How Long Can You Be on UHIP? Generally, the maximum time you can be covered under UHIP is two years. However, you can extend your coverage after graduation but must file for an extension before your initial coverage is terminated. Dates surrounding extension can vary and will depend on your exact graduation date. If you plan to extend your coverage, contact your university well in advance of the end of your coverage.

Is UHIP Mandatory? If you are eligible for UHIP, you must participate in the program. It is required that you have health insurance and UHIP offers the most affordable option for non-resident students.

Can You Cover a Spouse or Children Under UHIP? Yes, you can cover a spouse or dependents under UHIP.  You will pay premiums based on how many dependents you are covering. Costs are kept affordable and if you or your dependents do not qualify for OHIP, UHIP provides a quality alternative.

What Doesn’t UHIP Cover? UHIP covers a wide range of medical services but there are exceptions. Most notably, UHIP does not cover prescriptions. However, the Canadian government strives to keep prescriptions at affordable costs whenever possible. Other services that are deemed not medically necessary may also not be covered. If you are ever in doubt about a service that may not be necessary, it is best to inquire with your physician first.

Get Medical Care with UHIP

Are you covered by UHIP and looking for medical services? BCML walk-in clinic provides an all-inclusive option for your non-emergency needs. We offer physical therapy, eye exams, dental care, diagnostics and much more. Located in the heart of Toronto, we proudly provide quality, convenient care to UHIP members. Call us at 416-929-1900 to schedule today.

Having the option to go to a medical facility for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries is crucial in the province of Ontario, Canada. This is due to the fact that going to hospitals and waiting to be tended to by their staff and doctors may not be so convenient for issues that are not considered emergencies. Some people may be more comfortable going to hospitals where their regular doctors are working; however, there may be times where illnesses or injuries may happen at any given time and getting appointments with their regular physicians cannot wait. These are the scenarios where urgent care centers and walk-in clinics come into the picture. This article will show readers the importance and differences between these two types of medical facilities.

Important Things to Know About Walk-In Clinics

People may not realize it but walk-in clinics and urgent care centers have many similarities. One of the main things that make these types of medical facilities different from hospitals is due to the fact that they were created to handle patients without prior appointments. Also, they are meant to handle medical cases that do not threaten the lives of their patients. However, these types have their own differences that people should know so that they would not go through the hassle of going to a specific medical facility that may or may not be able to handle their illnesses or injuries. You may refer to the following list for some of the important things you should know about walk-in clinics, which includes the common reasons and medical issues that patients may have to get treated in walk-in clinics:

• For those who are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), their visits to walk-in clinics will be covered. However, people should also know that there are only certain medical services that are covered by the OHIP. Dental services are some of the treatments that OHIP usually does not cover. If you are given prescription medication, the OHIP will not be able to cover them in a walk-in clinic setting. OHIP covers prescription medicines only in hospital settings. You should always inquire with the walk-in clinic to check if your treatment will be covered by your OHIP.
• A walk-in clinic has a first come, first served rule. This is very important for those patients who need immediate attention from the physicians and staff working in walk-in clinics. Walk-in clinics give these patients options especially if they are unable to set immediate appointments with their regular doctors. Convenience is the main reason why patients would rather go to walk-in clinics than going to hospitals.
• Since walk-in clinics handle medical cases that are not life-threatening in nature, there is less chance for patients to catch contagious diseases. Having fewer patients waiting in line to be served as compared to hospitals, walk-in clinics will not risk patients to get affected by illnesses from other patients.
• Walk-in clinics have the capability to give assessments, treatments, and advice to patients. As long as the illnesses or injuries are minor in nature, walk-in clinics can effectively handle these cases. The doctors working in walk-in clinics can also prescribe medicines to patients, which is very convenient. Some walk-in clinics are situated inside or near pharmacies. This makes it possible for patients to purchase their needed medication as soon as they receive their prescriptions.
• Walk-in clinics offer family doctor services. This makes it convenient for people of all ages to get treatment and assessments. With doctors who specialize in family medicine, walk-in clinics are known to be all-in-one medical facilities. This is because these doctors have the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat multiple types of medical issues. Patients may go to walk-in clinics to get checked for common colds, allergies, and other non-life-threatening ailments.
• For patients who have issues in relation to their eyes, walk-in clinics offer the professional services of optometrists. Walk-in clinics provide patients with eye exams and health checks to diagnose their needs and requirements for getting prescription glasses. It is also known that an eye exam can also be a way to determine if a patient may have other diseases. Some diseases like heart problems, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, and diabetes show signs in a patient’s eye before these diseases manifest in other areas.
• Dental services are also offered by walk-in clinics. Most of the time, dental issues are not considered to be too severe unless bacteria have affected deep into the patient’s mouth. Dental services in walk-in clinics may range from check-ups, deep cleaning, or teeth restoration treatments. By giving patients oral exams, a walk-in clinic may detect signs of oral cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Physiotherapy is one of the important services offered by walk-in clinics. People who have physical injuries or are recovering from them will be helped by the trained and certified physical therapists working in walk-in clinics. Patients are guided with their strengthening, rehabilitation, and recovery from joint and muscle pain. Orthopedic treatments are common in walk-in clinics. These treatments help patients suffering from conditions such as sprains, fractures, strains, and arthritis.
• Walk-in clinics have audiologists available to treat patients that have hearing concerns. By offering hearing aid services and hearing tests, these doctors are able to effectively diagnose and treat patients with their hearing problems. Hearing aids may come in various types. In-the-canal hearing aids are given to patients who wish to be discreet with their problems.
• Most walk-in clinics offer x-ray and ultrasound services. These are essential to diagnose internal injuries and illnesses of patients. The results coming from these devices are necessary for doctors to come up with effective treatments for patients. The results may be used by in-house doctors or patients may bring their results to their regular doctors whichever they prefer.
• Another necessary service offered by walk-in clinics is nuclear cardiology. This is a non-invasive technique that is used to test the health of the heart of a patient. This involves assessing the current health of the patient’s heart, and it is also used to assess the blood flow within the system of the patient. By monitoring the patient’s heart, a walk-in clinic may catch signs of any heart disease that might affect the patient. Having the opportunity to know of this possibility can help prevent major heart issues in the future.

What Makes Urgent Care Centers Different From Walk-In Clinics?

Seeing that a walk-in clinic is able to cover various types of illnesses or injuries, there may be a need for patients to go to a different type of medical facility if they have more severe problems. Without needing to go directly to hospitals and avoid the long waiting lines from the emergency rooms, patients can go to the nearest urgent care centers. It is highly advised that people should be familiar with the things that make urgent care centers different from walk-in clinics. The list below shows some of the common differences between these two types of medical facilities:

• Since walk-in clinics are focused on giving physiological treatments to injuries that would help promote improvement in the movement of the patient’s limbs, they are not known to treat simple fractures. Walk-in clinics are equipped to treat mild physical injuries such as bruises and sprains. Urgent care centers, however, have qualified doctors or clinicians that apply splints or casts to patients who need them. Treating minor fractures are one of the common services that are handled in urgent care centers.
• Urgent care centers are allowed to treat lacerations and injuries that may need patients to receive stitches. Invasive treatments are offered in urgent care centers as long as they do not pose high risk to the lives of the patients.
• Treating asthma is one of the most common medical issues that urgent care centers are equipped to handle. This problem may be considered severe since patients with asthma find it hard to breathe and have greater risk of problems to their respiratory systems. However, these cases may still be considered not severe enough to threaten the lives of the patients.

Going To Walk-In Clinic Can Be Cost-Effective

If you are not able to set an appointment with your regular doctor, it is highly recommended that you find an alternative to treat any type of medical issues that you may have. By going to a walk-in clinic, you may be surprised that your issue might be diagnosed and treated at the earliest possible time. This option can save you time and may help cut the costs of your medical bills. Knowing the different types of medical issues a walk-in clinic near you is offering is very important. You have to consider the fact that walk-in clinics hire licensed and certified doctors, therapists, and staff that can effectively treat various types of illnesses and injuries.

Furthermore, these professionals will also direct you to a hospital when they determine that your case is severe enough and needs to be handled in an emergency room. It is best that you get a professional medical evaluation first if you are unsure of the sickness that you currently have. If you are looking for a reputable walk-in clinic within the province of Ontario, you may contact Bay-College Medical & Lockwood at 416-929-1900. Our staff will do its best to immediately treat your medical issues. They are also ready to answer any of your medical concerns.

A walk-in clinic, as the name implies, provides care without an appointment. You can come in any time during a walk-in clinic’s business hours to receive treatment on a first come, first served basis. In some cases you may be able to make an appointment to reduce the potential for a wait time, but the clinic will also accept walk-ins. Walk-in clinics can include centers for urgent care, retail clinics located inside pharmacies and some community health clinics.

Here we will look at some of the services you can receive at a walk-in clinic, insurance coverage, and when it is appropriate to seek this kind of care versus going to an emergency room.

What services does a walk-in clinic offer?

The services a walk-in clinic provides will differ depending on which kind of walk-in clinic you go to. Let’s look at some common services available at each type of walk-in clinic.

Retail Walk-In Clinic: Retail clinics are often located within pharmacies. They often provide vaccine shots, flu shots and care for common illnesses like strep throat, rashes and sinus infections. They provide fast care typically with minimal wait times. However, they are not equipped for serious emergency situations like major wounds, trauma, head injuries or significant burns. A retail clinic will typically have a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant on staff.

Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic: A walk-in clinic located outside of a retail setting provides many of the same services that a retail location would along with additional diagnostic capabilities and care for more serious illness and injury. This type of clinic will offer blood tests, burn treatment, and care for simple bone breaks. Some walk-in clinics may also include dental, cardiology and optometry services.  An urgent care will typically have at least one doctor on site along with nurses and physician’s assistants.

Free Clinics/Community Health Centers: The services provided at these types of clinics may vary depending on where you live. Typically they will provide STD testing, blood work and other services similar to what you will find at a retail or urgent care walk-in clinic. If you are unsure of what your local free clinic or community health center provides, check their website or call ahead.

When should you go to a walk-in clinic?

Walk-in clinics are a quick way to receive treatment for many non life threatening conditions. While they do not have as many capabilities as an emergency room, they will often have much lower wait times and can still provide effective diagnostics and care for many patients.

Benefits of a Walk-In Clinic

Walk-in clinics make getting the care you need convenient and affordable. Since their original intent was to provide medical care for underserved communities, these facilities are often faster than going to a primary care physician or emergency room. In the case of retail clinics, you may have one located in your nearest drugstore. For urgent care, most large communities will have several while they may only have one nearby hospital.

Even if you are close to a hospital, you will likely have a shorter wait time at an urgent care than you will at an ER where they are often overloaded with patients with serious injuries. Similarly, you will save time compared to visiting your regular doctor who likely requires an appointment. This can be especially important when you have an injury that is not life-threatening but does require care quickly to ease discomfort. For example, you can receive an antibiotic prescription for strep throat or a sinus infection at an urgent care within minutes versus waiting for an appointment.

Does OHIP Cover the Cost of a Walk-In Clinic Visit?

If you are an Ontario resident and are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, your walk-in clinic visit will be covered. An exception to this may be if you are prescribed medications at the clinic. Prescription medications are only covered by OHIP when administered in a hospital setting. If you have concerns about prescription costs, discuss this with the medical professional providing care.

When should you go to the ER?

Though a walk-in clinic provides a wide range of services, they are not equipped for many emergency situations.  This includes trauma from a car accident, head injuries, complex bone fractures, heart attacks and severe burns.

If you experience any of these, you should either call 911 or head straight to the emergency room. If you are uncertain if the ER or walk-in is correct, consider whether or not you would go to your primary care physician with your injury or illness. If you would,  then a walk-in is the best choice.  Alternatively, you can call the walk-in clinic to ask what they recommend.  Do this instead of calling or going to the ER when you are unsure. Going to the ER when you have an injury that could be cared for at a walk-in clinic, will likely cost you and the ER staff more time than necessary.

Additionally, you may need to seek ER care if your injury or illness occurs late at night or in the early morning. Retail clinics and urgent care facilities typically close no later than 10 pm and many close much earlier especially on weekends.

Conclusion

Both retail walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities offer a wide range of medical care and diagnostic services. Knowing when to go to one of these clinics can save you from waiting for an appointment with your primary care physician or spending hours in the ER. If you are experiencing symptoms of an illness or injury that are not immediately life-threatening, consider a walk-in clinic for treatment.

Conveniently located in the heart of Toronto, BCML Walk-In Clinic provides urgent care along with dental, optometry and cardiovascular services to the community. To reach our caring physicians, contact us at 416-929-1900.

Some situations are unquestionably emergency scenarios that will require a hospital visit. Severe injuries from car accidents and other sudden trauma are a prime example. However, other medical concerns may be better treated at a walk-in clinic, urgent care or by making an appointment with your primary care physician.

Here we will look at some guidelines for when you should go to the emergency room or seek other medical care.

What is the Difference Between a Walk-In Clinic, Urgent Care and ER?

Technically speaking, all three of these medical facilities can provide “walk-in” care, meaning care provided without requiring an appointment. An emergency room is contained within a hospital and will have the most extensive medical equipment, medical staff and capabilities. It will also likely have the longest wait times. Due to this, the ER should be reserved for serious and life-threatening emergency situations to not increase these wait times.

Walk-in Clinics and Urgent Care can sometimes be used interchangeably and both may provide similar services. However, walk-in clinics located inside of a retail pharmacy will typically have less robust medical offerings compared to an independent urgent care facility. These retail clinics will typically be staffed by a physician’s assistant or nurse and offer services such as flu shots, treatment for strep throat, minor cuts and some basic health screenings.

A full urgent care facility will have physicians on staff and provide everything a walk-in clinic provides along with blood tests, x-rays, and some cardiology services. Urgent care may also be able to care for broken bones, but this may require an ER trip in other cases.

When Should You Definitely Go to the ER?

The simplest answer to this is that if you feel like you are in an emergency situation, you should head to the ER to exercise the most extreme caution. Alternately, you can call 911 to describe your symptoms or situation and be advised on the best course of action.  That being said, the following situations should be considered for immediate ER visits:

• Persistent and severe chest pain
• Symptoms of a stroke, including difficulty speaking, confusion, sudden weakness in an arm, leg or your face.
• Difficulty breathing
• Major trauma (I.E. significant injury from a car accident, a fall, or other similar sudden incident)
• Head injuries
• Vomiting blood
• Drug overdose
• Severe burns
• Seizures

When Should I Go to Urgent Care?

Urgent Care facilities offer a wide range of medical testing and treatment. While they should not be used for the emergency situations described above, they are the best option for the following:

• Signs of common illnesses such as cold, flu and strep throat. However, in severe flu cases especially in the very young or the elderly, an ER visit may be required. A high and sustained fever is one such instance.
• Urinary tract infections
• Diarrhea (unless you are also showing signs of dehydration, in which case you may still need to go to the ER).
• Ear and sinus infections
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Minor cuts and burns that you are unable to treat at home but are not life-threatening.
• Pink eye
• Sprains – a sprained wrist, ankle, knee etc. may be able to be treated at an urgent care. Some simple bone breaks may also be treated at a clinic.

Call Your Primary Care Physician When Possible

If you are unsure if you need emergency medical attention, your primary care physician is often the best person to contact. Your regular doctor will already have your medical history on file and know your medications. They are the best person to tell you when and where you should seek medical attention.

Should I Call an Ambulance?

In life-threatening situations you should contact 911 in order to have an ambulance dispatched. However, it is important to note that this may not result in faster care. Though the emergency vehicle will have certain equipment on board that may help in some situations, there is no guarantee you will be seen by a doctor more quickly once you arrive at the ER.

Additionally, you will be billed $45 for your ambulance ride which is your portion of the ambulance cost if you have the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).  In some cases, you may be charged the full amount of $240 if it is found that you were not in a life-threatening situation. This cost alone should not be a deterrent to seeking the care you need, but it is worth considering if you have another transportation option.

What to Bring With You to the ER or Urgent Care

While preparing for an ER visit may not be an option in many cases, if possible, consider taking these measures before heading to the ER. These measures can also apply to a walk-in clinic visit.

Bring an Advocate: When you arrive at the ER, there will be paperwork and likely a wait time. Along with providing moral support during this process, a friend, spouse or relative can help speak for you if you are not able to.

Have a List of Medications: If you are on any kind of prescription medications, it is important for the ER team to know what those are. Some prescription drugs can have negative interactions with other medications you may be given at the hospital. Similarly, if you have taken any over the counter medications or supplements, this may also be relevant to your treatment so have this information available as well.

Know Your Allergies: On your list of medications, also include your known allergies.

Other Relevant Medical History: If you have any other known medical conditions, this information should be included on your medication list along with your primary care doctor’s name. Depending on your reason for going to the ER, you may also want to write down relevant information to your current ailment.

For example, if you have a sudden and severe allergic reaction, include a list of items you ate or came into contact with that could be the most likely culprits. While it is not absolutely necessary to write this all down, it may save you from having to repeat yourself and help you avoid leaving out important information during the stress of an emergency situation.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in medical distress of any kind, take comfort in knowing there are multiple options for your care. Many injuries and conditions do not require a stressful trip to the ER which is likely to include a significant wait time.

Instead, many medical treatments and diagnostics are available at conveniently located walk-in clinics like BCML Walk-In Clinic. We provide blood tests, cardiology services, eye care and treatment for many other common medical concerns. To reach our caring physicians, contact us at 416-929-1900.

Does birth control make you gain weight? Cause infertility? Help with acne? Issues of birth control, pregnancy, and fertility are critically important to many adults but there are many rumors and rumors and misinformation to contend with. 

To help separate fact from fiction, we are taking a look at the myths surrounding birth control and its effect on fertility and other issues. Read on for a comprehensive look at types of birth control, their effects, and their rates of effectiveness.  

Effectiveness of Birth Control Types

Currently, there are more than a dozen recognized forms of birth control with effectiveness rates ranging from 71% effective to 99% effective.  Here we will take a brief look at each. 

99% Effective Birth Control Methods

Arm Implant: An arm implant is among the most effective and longest lasting birth control methods. This hormone-based implant is inserted into your arm by your doctor and will continue to release pregnancy-preventing progestin for up to 5 years or until your doctor removes it. 

Pros: Arm implants are highly effective, long-lasting, low maintenance and can decrease cramps associated with menstruation. Also, unlike oral contraceptives, you do not risk forgetting to take your birth control. 

Cons: Serious complications from implants are rare but some patients may experience infections at the site of insertion, headaches, and bleeding. You should also be aware that there is a chance that the implant may move. If you no longer can feel your implant in your arm, contact your doctor immediately to determine if the implant has moved and needs to be extracted. 

Hormonal IUD: A hormonal IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by your doctor. This, like the arm implant, also releases the hormone progestin. Progestin prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries. Therefore, they cannot be fertilized. 

Pros: Unlike the arm implant, you will not feel the hormonal IUD once it is in place. Though there are small strings that protrude slightly from the cervix, neither you nor your partner will feel these. This style of IUD can last up to 7 years.  

Cons: The most common side effects of a hormonal IUD are cramps and backache for the first few days after the device is inserted. You may also notice light vaginal spotting between periods for the first several months after insertion. Rarely, complications may arise from an infection or if the IUD pokes through the uterine wall. 

Copper IUD: The copper IUD is very similar to the hormonal IUD in that it is inserted in the same way and has the same risks and benefits. However, it has the advantage over a hormonal IUD in two ways:

• Longest lasting birth control with up to 12 years of protection. 
• It is the only 99% effective birth control that does not contain hormones. 

Birth Control Shot: The birth control shot contains the hormone progestin and is administered by your healthcare provider every three months. 

Pros: Unlike IUDs that are inserted, there is no risk of a device moving and causing problems. Instead, the shot is quickly administered every three months for 99% effective birth control with minimal side effects.

Cons: With a shot, you may notice increased mood swings, weight gain, acne, and soreness in your breasts. However, one of the biggest risks associated with the shot is that patients often fail to get their dosage on time. When you delay getting your dosage, the effectiveness of the shot drops to 94%. 

Vasectomy/Tubal Ligation: Vasectomy (for men) and Tubal Ligation (for women)  are surgical, permanent birth control forms. Each is considered 99% effective. Complications and risks are rare with both procedures but Tubal Ligation is more invasive. Technically, both procedures can be reversed but it can be a complicated procedure that is not guaranteed to restore fertility. 

91% Effective Birth Control Methods 

Birth Control Pill: Birth control pills cover a wide range of brands and varieties of oral contraceptives but all work similarly. With this method, you take a pill each day which releases estrogen and progestin. Since there are multiple types and brands, side effects can vary. Users commonly report headaches, mood swings, decreased sex drive, and spotting between periods. In some cases, blood clots can form but this is rare.

Pros: A pill does not require you to visit your doctor every three months the way the shot does. If you have acne, the pill can help to reduce this along with pain during menstruation.  You can also attempt to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill.

Cons: The pill can affect your mood, decrease sexual interest, cause headaches and bloating. Forgetting to take your pill daily will increase the likelihood of you getting pregnant. 

Note: There is also a “minipill” which contains a lower dose of hormones. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this option is right for you. 

Vaginal Ring: The vaginal ring is a soft, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina for three weeks out of the month. It also uses hormones to prevent pregnancy. On the fourth week of the month, you remove the ring to have your period naturally.  

Pros: Like the pill, the ring will help to reduce acne and body hair. It is also comfortable for most patients and your partner will not be able to feel it during intercourse. 

Cons: Blood clots may occur though this is rare. Those who smoke and/or who have high blood pressure will increase their risk of this complication. The ring’s effectiveness is also reduced when not used properly, i.e. not removed or replaced when required. 

71% to 88% Effective Methods

 

• 88% Effective Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a small silicone cup that fits over the cervix. It is placed just before sex and prevents sperm from entering. The diaphragm is beneficial in that it does not contain hormones or side effects. However, fitting the device correctly can be difficult which reduces its rate of effectiveness. 

 

• 71% Effective Spermicide: Spermicide is a cream that kills sperm. To optimize the effectiveness of this cream, it should be combined with condoms and/or a diaphragm. When used on its own, it can be difficult to get adequate protection. 

• 85% Effective Condoms: perhaps the most common form of birth control, condoms are a thin sheath of latex placed over the penis before sex. While they are the only birth control that is effective in preventing STDs, they are not the most effective at preventing pregnancy. Optimally, combine condoms with another form of birth control to get the best protection from both STDs and pregnancy.

• Natural Methods: Natural methods of birth control involve tracking fertility days. While this can be up to 88% effective when done perfectly, it is not a perfect system. Those with irregular menstruation cycles should not use this as their only form of birth control. 

 

 

Quick Facts About Birth Control

• Condoms are the only birth control that reduces the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
• A copper IUD is the only 99% effective form of birth control that does not contain hormones.
• The only permanent form of birth control is tubal ligation and vasectomy. 
• Some forms of birth control, such as the vaginal ring, can increase the risk of blood clots. This is especially dangerous for those with unmanaged blood pressure and for those who smoke. 
• Using other forms of birth control such as the pill or vaginal ring along with condoms can provide better protection from both pregnancy and STDs. 
• The pill and the vaginal ring can both reduce acne and body hair. 

Does Birth Control Cause Infertility?

It is a common myth that the birth control pill will cause infertility. However, there is no truth to this. As with all of the previously mentioned birth control methods (with the exception of tubal ligation and vasectomy), you can cease use and begin trying to get pregnant immediately.

How Long Should it Take to Get Pregnant?

It is a common trope in pop culture that women will get pregnant almost immediately. Because of this, many women attempting to get pregnant feel there is something wrong if they do not conceive within a month or two.  However, while pregnancy can happen this quickly, it is just as common for it to take several months or even a year of regular attempts. 

As a general rule,  women under the age of 35 should not be concerned about infertility until they have attempted to get pregnant for a year or more. Women 35 to 40 can continue to attempt getting pregnant for up to 6 months before seeing a doctor about fertility issues. However, those who are over 40 should seek medical guidance from the start. Tests can show your likelihood of conceiving naturally and fertility treatments can be administered as needed. 

Final Thoughts on Birth Control and Fertility 

Infertility is a common issue and there are many reasons for it. However, birth control is not one of them. If you are concerned about your ability to get pregnant, speak with your doctor. There are several modern treatments and solutions to help increase the probability of conceiving.

At BCML, our caring medical professionals are here to guide you through all your health concerns including birth control and fertility. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 416-921-2121 & 1-800-667-0923 (toll free #). 

Just under 5 months ago, in January of this year, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Canada. While this may feel like a lifetime ago, there are still things we do not know about this disease that has changed the way people live and work across the globe. We are still learning about the disease and projections are still being made about vaccines and a possible spike in cases later in the year.

Here we will look at the most recent information about COVID-19, and answer the question: what is the COVID-19 Pandemic disease?

Where Does the Term COVID-19 Disease Come From? 

COVID-19 is an abbreviated form of coronavirus disease 2019. A coronavirus is one of a family of viruses that are named after the latin word “corona” which means crown. This is due to the way the cells of each virus looks as though it has a crown of protrusions covering it. 

All coronaviruses are associated with respiratory illnesses which includes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Most coronaviruses will produce relatively mild symptoms similar to the common cold but some, like the one that causes COVID-19, can cause much greater problems. 

This can start to get confusing as we will often hear people using coronavirus and COVID-19 interchangeably. However, coronavirus is a term used for many different viruses while COVID-19 disease is specific to the current pandemic and is “novel.” Novel, in this context, meaning that it is new and this is the first time it has been found in humans. 

To help clarify, let’s look at some key terms to know: 

Zoonotic Transmission

As we’ve discussed, coronaviruses are quite common and most only cause mild symptoms. However, when a coronavirus makes the jump from an infected animal to a human, we can get a much worse disease. Currently, it is not yet conclusive exactly how COVID-19 made the jump from animals to humans. 

SARS-CoV-2

This is the abbreviated form of “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.” It is also the name of the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. It is related to SARS-CoV which most of us are familiar with as simply SARS, a virus that also caused thousands of deaths between 2002 and 2004. The viruses have similarities but are not exactly the same. SARS has not had any known cases since 2004 and there is no treatment.  

Disease Vs Virus

It is not uncommon to name a disease differently than the virus that causes it. For example, HIV is the virus while AIDS is the disease. The World Health Organization had, in part, refrained from using SARS-CoV-2 to reference COVID in official communication because the connection to the earlier SARS would have caused more panic. Ultimately, in relation to a virus, a disease is the result of the virus. It’s the blanket term used to reference all the symptoms associated with contracting the disease.

Incubation

This refers to the time it takes to show symptoms after a person has been exposed to the virus. It is not yet clear when a person will become contagious – during incubation or only once symptoms appear. 

Asymptomatic

When someone carries a virus but does not show symptoms, they are asymptomatic. While an asymptomatic person may be able to spread the disease, it is not yet known how common this occurrence is. 

Pandemic Vs Epidemic

It can seem that these two terms are used interchangeably but there is a distinct difference. An epidemic is the spread of a disease within a certain country or community. It may be widespread but it is still within one region or group of people. A pandemic, however, is the spread of a disease to multiple countries. 

Why is COVID-19 Classified as a Pandemic?

COVID-19 has currently been found in 213 countries and on six continents. Only Antarctica has been spared from the disease thus far. By our definition of a pandemic, COVID-19 easily fits the requirements. 

Why is SARS-CoV-2 Worse than Other Coronaviruses?

One of the reasons SARS-CoV-2 is more problematic than other coronaviruses is because it has a longer incubation period. Those with the virus will not know they have it and may still be able to pass it on to others. For example, the flu’s incubation period is typically around 1 to 4 days, while COVID’s could be up to 14. This leaves more time for COVID-19 to spread to others. 

SARS-CoV-2 seems to also be easier to transmit than its predecessor, SARS-CoV. It is not certain why this is so, but a working theory is that those with the virus are able to transmit it to others earlier on. While SARS was more contagious as a person reached the peak of their symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 seems to spread when symptoms are mild or not even present.  

Another reason this virus has become more deadly is because it is likely more contagious than other coronaviruses. This is because the virus is novel or new to humans. It passed from one or more animals until it was passed along to us and we do not have any built up defenses against it. 

How is COVID-19 Different from the Flu? 

While some people would like to believe that COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is similar to the flu, there are actually far more differences than similarities. First of all, they are caused by different viruses and the flu is not a coronavirus. 

More to the point, the flu is something that we have dealt with for decades and understand how to treat it and how it behaves. COVID-19 is a different story. The flu is seasonal and knowing this helps us prepare while COVID-19 could spike in the fall or it may not. We also have vaccines in place for multiple strains of flu and we have more built up resistance to it. 

Currently, COVID-19 has also proven to lead to more fatalities. If you have seen estimates of fatal complications in the 1% to 2% range, it can seem that anxiety over the virus is blown out of proportion. However, consider the fact that this rate would mean 1 to 2 people out of a hundred could die from the disease. Additionally, if we look at the flu, only 0.10% of cases end in death which further highlights how thinking the two are the same could lead to even greater complications. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 and When to Seek Medical Help

Like so many other factors related to COVID-19, symptoms are not 100% clear. Currently, the most common symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be better off treating the illness at home unless you are having trouble breathing. 

If this occurs, you should contact your doctor before going into the office. Your doctor can advise you on the best and safest way to seek medical attention without risking yourself or spreading the disease further.  It is important as well to continue to monitor your health to ensure symptoms are not worsening. 

BCML is Here for You

If you are experiencing symptoms you believe could be related to COVID-19, we encourage you to call BCML at 416-929-1900 to speak with an expert. Our knowledgeable medical team will guide you to the best care and solutions. We are also offering telehealth appointments for other medical conditions to further ensure safe social distancing and avoiding unnecessary trips.