One helpful technique is to pinch your nostrils and, while keeping your mouth closed, gently blow air (as though you’re inflating a balloon). This will create a back pressure, which can often help equalize pressure. You may also want to try nonprescription remedies such as oral or nasal decongestants, which may help keep the eustachian tubes open. Medications require some time to work, so you’ll have to plan ahead. However, if you continue to have this problem, your doctor can recommend prescription remedies.

I’ve heard that birth control pills can be dangerous and are a type of abortion. Is this true?
It’s important to understand that even strongly committed pro-life physicians don’t agree on whether combination birth control pills (those containing both estrogen and progesterone) cause abortion. Having said that, birth control pills, also known as “the pill,” are designed to prevent ovulation—the release of a mature egg from the ovary, also known as an ovum. If a mature egg isn’t released by the ovary, then fertilization can’t occur. If fertilization doesn’t happen, a new life isn’t created, and thus, there is no abortion.

There are at least three forms of birth control that may potentially prevent an already fertilized egg from implanting in the womb or uterus, which technically constitutes abortion because life begins when an egg is fertilized by a sperm. These forms of birth control are called intrauterine devices (IUDs), progesterone-only (POPs) birth control pills, and the frequently debated morning-after pill, also known as emergency contraception. Experts argue both sides of this issue; however, Focus on the Family strongly opposes the use of IUDs, POPs and the emergency contraception pill because of the potential to cause abortion.

From a purely medical perspective, birth control pills (BCPs) are safe for most women. However, all medications have the potential to cause side effects and, occasionally, complications. It’s imperative to understand that BCPs are designed to prevent pregnancy when taken as directed and do not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

What do you think of antidepressants? I have a friend who is depressed most of the time. My dad says that these drugs can be dangerous in teens my age.
There are several classes of drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. Occasional moodiness or sadness usually doesn’t represent what is known as clinical depression. The changes that you’re going through at this time of your life may periodically make you feel irritable or depressed. However, if you feel that you are stuck and can’t pull out of your depressed mood, you should call your doctor and get professional help.

Antidepressant medication prescribed for some youths has been associated with an increase in suicide, so any medication given to someone your age should be monitored closely under the observation of an experienced professional. If you’re currently taking an antidepressant medication of any kind and experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or irritability, contact your doctor or therapist immediately.