What to Expect When Your Husband Gets His Vasectomy.

Birth control is a decision that couples make during their marriage to avoid having an unplanned baby. To achieve a permanent method of birth control, couples have to decide who must undergo an operation. The choice lies between female tube ligation and a male vasectomy. The vasectomy provides the safest and most cost-effective permanent option.

Yoon Kyun Sang in Doctors (2016).

During the procedure
The vasectomy is a minor procedure which can be done in the doctor’s rooms. It requires a local anaesthetic and takes about 15 minutes to be performed. It can be done in two ways, the one method involving the making of two minor incisions and the other so-called non-scalpel option. The latter option makes use of a needle to puncture a hole through which the sperm ducts or vas deferens are pulled to be cut and sealed off. Urology Georgia are experts in the non-scalpel option vasectomy and offers advanced treatment ensuring their patients gets the best care.

The recovery period
The person can normally be back at work after about 2 days and fully recovered after 5 days. There can be a little bit of blood still oozing from the holes, some tenderness, swelling and a general feeling of discomfort in the scrotum region. The symptoms will disappear in about 24hours. The doctor will prescribe some painkillers and instructions on how to recuperate. Any strenuous activities must be avoided and no heavy objects should be lifted for at least 3 days. The couple should abstain from sexual intercourse for about a week.

Ji Chang Wook in Healer (2014).

The time it takes to be effective
The object with the vasectomy is to sterilize the male and it also does so in almost 100% of all the cases, in some very rare cases the tubes can re-join. For the first six months after the vasectomy, there might still be some sperm present in the semen and another type of contraceptive must be used. The urologist will require that semen be brought for microscopic testing until sterility is confirmed. No unprotected intercourse must take place until this confirmation is given.

Risks associated with vasectomy
The risk involved with a vasectomy lies in the fact that it doesn’t always sterilize a male permanently and the tubes can re-join in rare instances. Studies conducted to establish if there is any health risk involved with vasectomies didn’t identify any real issues. A large number of men develop a type of allergy to the proteins in their sperm after a vasectomy although these antibodies have not been shown to produce any negative effect in any organ.

Ji Sung and Han Ji Min in Familiar Wife (2018).

What you should consider prior to vasectomy
Consider the risk that in rare cases the procedure is not 100% effective and might not be a permanent birth control procedure. The couple must be 100% sure that they don’t want to have any children in the future or they just want to allay the fear of having an unwanted pregnancy. The vasectomy is not a method to improve sexual performance or to change a partner’s attitude to sexual intercourse. Consider the possibility of the husband developing psychological issues about being sterilized.

Spotlight | The Eternity Rose.

Valentine's has long been over, and by now, the flowers that were given as gifts to celebrate the occasion have either wilted or have been thrown away. After all, fresh cut flowers look good for just three to four days - a week, at the most.

But not my rose.

The Eternity Rose.

Mine neither dries, fades, or wilts, and will last and look the same for many more Valentine's (and even wedding anniversaries) to come. It's called The Eternity Rose, a one-of-a-kind gift that's guaranteed to live up to its name. Created by a group of Australia-based artisans, The Eternity Rose has been in the market - Europe, in particular - for over nine years.

A rose for all eternity.

What makes this product extraordinary is that it's made with a real rose, grown to perfection by a team of trained horticulturalists who vigilantly watch over the blossoms and harvest them at their ideal stage of bloom. The roses then undergo a complex, 60-step process of preservation which includes 'freezing' the flower in its natural form, coating it with several layers of lacquer, dipping it in platinum, silver, and gold, or glazing and trimming the edges with pure, 24-karat gold. The entire process takes about 90 days, making this product a finely crafted work of art.

Even the leather case is a work of art. 

My very own Eternity Rose is an exquisite, light blue rose, glazed and trimmed in 24-karat gold. Sure, a gold or platinum-dipped rose would look even more majestic, but I personally chose blue since this color represents the 10th wedding anniversary. Husband and I are celebrating our tenth year of marriage this June, and the Blue Eternity Rose makes a perfect, lasting keepsake for this happy occasion.

Makes a lovely conversation piece, too. 

The glazed roses are also available in other colors, including red - the ultimate symbol of beauty and love. Each rose is presented in a stylish display case made from leather, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Certificate of Authenticity.

Aside from Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries, The Eternity Rose makes an exceptional gift for just about any occasion - birthdays, Mother's Day, and even graduations. They can be purchased directly from The Eternity Rose website, and can be bought with or without a display case, or as a set with a brass vase also dipped in precious metals.

A closer look at my Light Blue Eternity Rose.

If you prefer something wearable, you'd be glad to know that The Eternity Rose also has rose pendants and earrings available. You can buy them as a set to match your Eternity Rose, or purchase them separately. They offer free shipping for all orders, and can deliver to over 50 countries around the globe, including the Philippines.

Believe me, this rose is even lovelier in person. :)

Visit The Eternity Rose website to know more about their products and view the complete collection and/or follow their official Facebook page for promos and product updates.

Spotlight | oNecklace Infinity Jewelry Collection.

Today, the husband and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary and our 14th anniversary as a couple. That's quite a long time of togetherness, I know. :)

And what better way to commemorate this occasion than with new jewelry from one of my favorite jewelry brands, oNecklace? If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you're probably aware that I have worked with oNecklace in two previous campaigns - the first one was on Valentine's Day two years ago, while the second time was last October when they launched their Pink Ribbon Collection.

Working with oNecklace has always been a joyous experience, and I am thrilled to be part of their new campaign. It's like the universe is conspiring to make our anniversary extra special and worth remembering. Haha!

I love that the boxes now come in my favorite color! :)

oNecklace recently introduced new items to their Infinity Jewelry Collection, and now I am a proud owner of these two lovely pieces - the Personalized Infinity Bracelet and the Classic Infinity Ring.

New pieces from the Infinity Jewelry Collection.

Nothing says forever better than this Personalized Infinity Bracelet, adorned with tiny heart charms engraved with your and your loved one's initials.  

B + C to infinity and beyond. :)

The infinity symbol is suspended from a dainty yet durable rolo style chain, made with sterling silver, rose gold plated, or 24k gold plated similar to mine.

Personalized Infinity Bracelet when worn.

Complementing this piece is the Classic Infinity Ring, a timeless, trendsetting ring that can be paired with any look.

Classic Infinity Ring.

Like the bracelet, this ring is another meaningful way to represent eternal love, as it bears the iconic infinity symbol. Similarly, this ring can be crafted with the material of your choice - sterling silver, 24k gold plated, or rose gold plated similar to mine.

Classic Infinity Ring when worn.

All oNecklace pieces come with a Certificate of Authenticity, a guarantee that the materials used are hallmarked and confirm with legal standards.

Certificate of Authenticity.

I know there are a lot of June brides out there like me, so if you're celebrating your anniversary soon and would like to commemorate the occasion with a meaningful gift, I suggest you visit oNecklace and purchase a piece or two from their website. They ship orders within 24 hours, and offer free shipping to anywhere in the world!

Thank you, oNecklace for these lovely gifts!

And happy anniversary, my love! Cheers to a lifetime of togetherness! I love you! :)

Wordless Wednesday #138 | Way Back When.

Found my husband's old wallet while rummaging through the drawers.
Inside were a few dollars, an expired credit card, my 2002 UPLB grad photo,
our studio pics from 2003, and old love letters. How cheesy! :)

Three Things to Look at When Choosing a Divorce Attorney.

There are a few moments in life that you never forget, but you don't want your divorce case to always remain on your mind. A messy divorce can leave you uncomfortable and unhappy about the future. Attorneys who specialize in divorce can make you feel as happy about those proceedings as you did about your marriage. When selecting your divorce attorney, there are three key things you want to look at and consider.

Photo credit: Telegraph UK.

Experience in Divorce Cases
One of the first things you want to look at is how much experience the attorney has in handling divorce cases. Family law attorneys often specialize in all areas of family law, which can include paternity and adoption cases, wills and estates and marriages and divorces. The more experience the lawyer has in handling divorce cases, the better you'll feel about your case. As a father, you may want to consider working with someone who has experience in the rights of the father and husband. This ensures that the lawyer will fight for your rights and what is right for your family.

Settlement vs. Trial
Some divorces are such happy and peaceful occasions that both parties work things through without ever once stepping foot in a courtroom. When looking at family and divorce lawyers, consider asking those lawyers whether the majority of their cases settle out of court or go through the court system. Reaching a settlement outside of court puts less pressure on both you and your former spouse. You'll also feel better knowing that your children never need to testify and that they'll never see their parents fighting in front of them.

Comfort and Ease
The most important thing that you want from an attorney is someone who makes you feel more comfortable and puts your mind at ease. Divorce is often stressful and may leave you dealing with a host of different emotions. A lawyer who puts you at ease can make you feel more peaceful both during the divorce proceedings and later. Reviews of Cordell and Cordell from former clients claim that the lawyers working for that firm helped them feel more relaxed and got them through their proceedings faster and with minimal stress. Whether you choose Cordell and Cordless or another firm, make sure that your lawyer will work hard for you and do what is right for your case.

The wonders of Classic Shaving.

Every man wants a close, comfortable shave. Shaving is a daily task that must be performed, and it makes sense that the tools used should be classic. That is where Classic Shaving works wonders. The website has a wonderful selection of shaving tools that any man would be proud to own.

A quality razor provides a shave that will take a gentleman through the longest day. ClassicShaving.com has a wide selection of razors, including such tools as safety, straight, Hart Steel and Thiers-Issard razors. These shaving supplies are of the highest quality and made to last.

Thiers-Issard razor.

Any woman with a special man in their lives will want to present him with a thoughtful and useful gift and will enjoy browsing through the available inventory on the site to find the perfect shaving tool. Besides razors, other supplies are also available and include such items as brushes, shaving cream, cologne, hair and skin care products, shaving mugs, strops and gift sets. The website has everything that a well-groomed man could want.

Complete shaving set.

Shaving implements are offered to fit every man’s taste. Gift ideas are also presented on the site ranging from under $25 to under $300. Online shoppers will have no trouble finding the perfect razor for their needs.

Unique shaving tools never go out of style. A razor that is of high quality will last for many years and will provide a close, smooth shave every time. Men who take pride in their shaving implements will have tools that never disappoint.

Unconditional Love | My Ingat na Damang Dama Story.

Today, the husband and I are celebrating two milestones - our tenth anniversary as a couple, and our fifth anniversary as husband and wife. And if there's one person in the world who loves me unconditionally and takes care of me so preciously, it's got to be him.

He may not be the kind of guy who shows his affection by means of flowers and chocolates. Rather, he is the kind of man who would surprise you with your favorite sleeping pack or BB Cream, or go to great lengths just to satisfy his pregnant wife's craving for chicken cordon bleu, french fries with mayonnaise, and fried siomai in the middle of the night.

He is the kind of husband who would take good care of you when you are sick - bring you to the doctor for check-ups (in the worst case stay by your side at the hospital, 24/7), get you the medicine you need (say, Salbutamol for my asthma, or Biogesic for my headache), and make sure you take them on time.

06.06.08

Have someone in your life who takes care of you or has taken care of you the same way? Then share your Ingat na Damang Dama story with Biogesic for a chance to win some amazing prizes!

Contest Mechanics.

There are four ways to send in your entries:

1) Via Twitter. 

Tweet your story and use hashtag #ingatnadamangdama

2) Via Facebook. 

Submit your story via the Facebook Fan Page App. 

3) Via video.

Upload a Video of your story using the Facebook Fanpage App.

4) Via email.

Send in your story via email to biogesicph@gmail.com.

Ten stories will be chosen and each entry will be given a cash prize of Php 5000. So what are you waiting for? Head over to Biogesic's social media pages and start sharing your Ingat na Damang Dama stories!

Need inspiration? Watch John Lloyd's video below!

Fashion Pulse | Sexy Lingerie.

By convention, Valentines Day is usually synonymous to roses, chocolates, perfume, and jewelry. And so is sexy lingerie. Silk camis, vavavoom corsets, red knickers, and lacy underthings - these usually sell like hotcakes during this time of the year. It's the season of love, after all, and that makes a perfect excuse to buy lingerie online or at the department store.

Wearing sexy lingerie, however, should not be a seasonal thing. Moreover, they should be worn not just for the sake of others (i.e., for your husband's viewing pleasure). Valentines Day or not, any woman deserves the boost of confidence brought about by slipping into a push-up bra or a frilly thong.

Photo credit: Suasion Secrets

Most women, however, feel shy and embarrassed when buying lingerie in public. As such, women nowadays opt to buy sexy lingerie online. It's a more convenient option, actually. No need to leave the house, no need to spend on gas for a trip to the mall, and no need to stand in line at the cashier.  Also, it spares you from the salesladies' nosy questions, or the funny looks and stifled laughs from other shoppers. Best of all, you can easily ask your husband's opinion without having to shout "Honey, will I look good in this?" from halfway across the department store.

Consider This | Choosing a Wedding Photographer.

When the husband and I were planning and preparing for our wedding some five years back, one of the first and most important things we considered was our wedding pictures. After all, it's a momentous, once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and we wanted someone who can capture the moment - our moment - down to the most minute details.

Photo credit: Nick Sumner

Here are some points we considered when we choose our wedding photographer. If you're tying the knot soon, or if you're still in the preparation stages of your wedding, you may find these helpful.

1) Who's In? Who's Out? Get recommendations from friends and relatives, or from people who have previously worked with wedding photographers.

2) Save or splurge? To be able to relive your special day just by looking back at your photos - isn't that nice? So it's only justifiable if you have to pay a bit more for your wedding photograper halifax as long as he has the skills and talent.

3) Job well done? Check the photographer's previous works and see if they live up to your standards or if his photography style is to your liking. Most photographers these days have websites or online portfolios where you can view their work.

4) Warm and friendly? There has to be chemistry between you and your photographer. You have to get along, after all, he/she will be spending the entire wedding day with you.

Remember, it's okay and quite understandable to make a big fuss about your wedding photography halifax. I've been there and done that, and I'm pretty sure there are a lot of married couples out there who did the same as bride and groom. :)