Pregnancy

EmpowHer's Health Tip: Pull Ortho-Evra Birth-Control Patch From Market: Public Citizen

The Ortho-Evra birth control patch exposes women to dangerous levels of estrogen -- posing a possible two-fold increased risk of blood clots -- and should be removed from the market within six months, says a Public Citizen petition filed Thursday with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

EmpowHer's Health Tip: Taking a Home Pregnancy Test

Many women take a home pregnancy test when they suspect they may be pregnant.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to ensure that home pregnancy test results are as accurate as possible:

* Always follow the directions on the box, and make sure that the test has not expired.
* Take the test first thing in the morning.
* Wait at least one week after your missed period.
* Hormonal levels that indicate pregnancy vary in every woman. If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, wait a few days and try another test.