Prostate Cancer

What they are: Nicotine patches are similar to an adhesive bandage; you place one on your skin and it releases a constant amount of nicotine into the body while you wear it. They come in different sizes, with larger sizes delivering more nicotine.

Why to buy: Nicotine replacement patches are available over the counter or with a prescription, and typically cost less per day than a pack of cigarettes. Patches are convenient and easy to use and can be removed during sleep to lessen the likelihood of insomnia. Due to the constant, slow release of nicotine, you are not likely to develop a craving for a patch; it doesn’t provide the intense delivery of a cigarette.

Things to consider: Unlike smoking, which delivers a large dose of nicotine to your body within seconds, nicotine from a patch can take up to three hours to get into the body. For this reason, putting on a patch when a cigarette craving strikes is not effective. The nicotine patch reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms, such as lack of concentration and irritability.

What they are: Nicotine replacement gums are available over the counter or with a prescription and typically cost much less per day than a pack of cigarettes. Gum comes in different strengths to provide the amount of nicotine you need, based on your previous smoking habits.

Why to buy: Gums are relatively convenient and easy to use, although you must remember to keep yours with you, because it must be chewed frequently to deliver enough nicotine to manage cravings. Though it cannot get nicotine into your body quite as quickly as a cigarette, gum delivers nicotine within minutes, which is far faster than a patch.

Things to consider: Nicotine gum should not be used with cigarettes and you should not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or while using the gum. To chew enough gum to quell cravings, most people need between 15 and 30 pieces per day, chewed off and on for about 30 minutes. Nicotine gum should not be chewed continuously like regular gum and should never be swallowed. It is chewed a few times to break it down and then placed in between your gum and cheek for 10 or 15 minutes, chewed again for a bit, then put back into the cheek. Continuous chewing may cause stomachaches.

What they are: Nicotine replacement lozenges and lollipops are available over the counter or with a prescription. They may cost a bit more than patches or gum, but typically less than a pack of cigarettes. Lozenges and lollipops come in different strengths to provide the amount of nicotine you need, based on your previous smoking habits.

Why to buy: Some people don’t like to chew gum and prefer sucking on a candy to replace nicotine when quitting smoking. These products are relatively convenient, but you must remember to keep them on hand to use throughout the day. Lozenges and lollipops deliver nicotine within a few minutes, similar to gum.

Things to consider: Nicotine lozenges and lollipops should not be used with cigarettes and you should not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or while they are in your mouth. Nicotine lozenges and lollipops should not be chewed or swallowed as this can lead to heartburn and stomachaches. Some people find these products irritate the mouth and throat.

What they are: These products deliver nicotine through a spray into the nose or are inhaled through the mouth. They are available by prescription only.

Why to buy: Nicotine nasal sprays and inhalers deliver nicotine as quickly as a cigarette, making them particularly helpful for people who are highly dependent on tobacco. For the person who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day, these products may be very effective.

Things to consider: You need a prescription to obtain a nicotine spray or inhaler. Sprays cost about the same as gums and patches, but inhalers can be more expensive. They may be covered by insurance, which can help reduce the cost.

What they are: Two different non-nicotine prescription medications may help people quit smoking by reducing the desire to smoke.. These are bupropion (brand name Zyban) and varenicline (brand name Chantix).

Why to buy: These medications may significantly increase the quit smoking success rate beyond using nicotine replacement alone. They can be used in conjunction with nicotine replacement, further increasing success rates of quitting.

Things to consider: Like all prescription medications, these drugs can have side effects. Many people tolerate them well, but some people experience very serious side effects, particularly from varenicline, which in some people causes hostility, agitation, anger, aggression, depressed mood, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, mania, or suicidal thoughts or actions. These can develop when a person begins taking the medication, after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping the varenicline. Insurance may not cover the cost of these medications.

What they are: There are two over-the-counter medications approved for use as sleep aids to manage occasional insomnia:

• Diphenhydramine. The active ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl, this medication also is found in brand name sleep aids such as Tylenol PM and Sominex, as well as numerous generic sleep aids.
• Doxylamine. The active ingredient in Unisom, doxylamine also is found in generic sleep aids.

Why to buy: Diphenhydramine and doxylamine effectively induce drowsiness and lead to uninterrupted sleep for many people. These products come in many forms, including soft gels, tablets, caplets, and chewables. Soft gels and chewables are faster acting than tablets.

Things to consider: You should not take diphenhydramine or doxylamine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have glaucoma, heart problems, enlarged prostate, or ulcers. Additionally, do not take doxylamine if you have or have had asthma or bronchitis. Some people feel groggy the next day after taking these medications. For very few people, especially children, diphenhydramine and doxylamine may cause agitation and alertness, which will not help insomnia!

What they are: Natural sleep aids include dietary supplements, herbs, and other non-medication substances. Common natural sleep aids include:

• Melatonin. A hormone naturally produced by the body to induce sleep, which can be taken as a dietary supplement as well
• Valerian, chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower. Herbs believed to have sleep-inducing and relaxation properties
• Kava kava. An herb with relaxation properties, which is no longer recommended by many health care providers due to potential problems with liver toxicity
• Theanine. A substance found in green tea that can promote relaxation and sleep.
• Magnesium. A mineral that the body uses to relax muscles
• Lavender. An aromatherapy herb (smelled, not taken orally) that may promote relaxation and restfulness
• Hops. A plant best known as a flavoring component for beer, which can be used as a dietary supplement to manage insomnia
• L-tryptophan. An amino acid (a building block for protein) that may improve sleep for some people

Why to buy: Some of these herbs and dietary supplements have research to support that they may be helpful for managing insomnia, including melatonin, valerian, chamomile, passionflower, theanine, magnesium, hops, and L-tryptophan. They may be less likely to cause next-day grogginess than over-the-counter sleep medications.

Things to consider: Natural does not always mean safe. All dietary supplements and herbs should be carefully reviewed with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you are managing a health condition, this will help to ensure a supplement is safe to combine with medications you are using. Use plant- and herb-based natural sleep aids with caution if you have hay fever or seasonal allergies; some of these products may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Natural sleep aids may not be safe for people with a history of mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. If in doubt, talk to your doctor first. Magnesium can have laxative effects, so start with a low dose to assess your tolerance to this mineral.

What they are: Stop-snoring products are designed to decrease bothersome snoring, either through physically opening breathing passageways, or by changing how the muscles in the mouth and throat are contracting or relaxing. Mouthpieces and nasal clips and strips are used to open breathing passages. Homeopathic, herbal, and other natural substances are taken orally or sprayed into the throat to ease snoring.

Why to buy: Some people find stop-snoring products to be helpful. They are relatively inexpensive and the products designed to physically open breathing passages are safe for nearly everyone.

Things to consider: Snoring can signal a serious health condition, such as sleep apnea. If you’ve developed snoring recently, if your snoring is severe, or if you are groggy most of the time during the day, talk to your doctor before you try to self-treat snoring.

What they are: Most shaving creams in tubs and tubes are applied directly to your skin in a thin layer using your fingertips. Many contain aloe and other soothing ingredients. Shaving creams and gels in disposable cans come out in ready-to-use foam.

Why to buy: Shaving creams and gels are a convenient way to hydrate and protect your skin for a close shave without razor burn. They take up less space than traditional shaving soaps, and require less prep and clean up.

Things to consider: Shaving traditionalists argue that canned shaving creams do not provide the same lather effect as shaving soaps, and thus do not protect the skin as well from cuts and razor burn. If you have sensitive skin, look for shaving creams with numbing and/or soothing ingredients.

What they are: Shaving soaps are meant for mixing in a mug with a wet shaving brush to achieve lather. Shaving sticks, or face sticks, are hard shaving soaps packaged in a plastic cylinder for easy application. More commonly used for facial shaving, you rub the exposed end of the stick across the area to be shaved and then lather the soap with a moistened shaving brush.

Why to buy: Shaving soaps and sticks are thought to provide superior hydration compared with canned shaving creams. Oil-removing ingredients in the shaving soap and the scrubbing action of the brush remove the natural oils from the face so water can more easily penetrate and soften the whiskers. Shaving sticks are popular for traveling because they’re compact and permitted in carry-on luggage by TSA and other airport security agencies. Plus, with shaving sticks there’s no risk of accidental discharge and messy luggage.

Things to consider: You’ll need to buy a shaving brush, usually made of either boar or badger hair or of synthetic fibers like nylon, and a shaving mug in which to whip up a nice lather—and then find a convenient place to store them. Even though shaving soaps may cost more initially when buying the soap and equipment, over time they are comparable in cost or even cheaper than many canned shaving creams.

What they are: Shaving creams commonly include of a mixture of oils, soaps, ingredients that alter surface tension (surfactants), and water or alcohol, balanced to ensure proper pH and consistency. For enhanced moisturizing, ingredients like aloe and vitamin E are often used, and menthol provides natural cooling and soothing.

Why to buy: Compared with standard soap and water, shaving creams, gels, soaps, and sticks offer greater moisturizing of the skin and hair, and better protection from cuts and razor burn.

Things to consider: Decide if you want your shaving products to be unscented, or to contain calming scents like jasmine and lavender. If you have sensitive skin, look for shaving products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. You can also find shaving creams, gels, and soaps that are paraben-free.

What they are:A pedometer is a small device, usually worn on your belt or clipped to a pocket, which counts how many steps you take in a day. There are two types:

• Pendulum: Placement of a pendulum pedometer is vital for accuracy and they must remain in a vertical position on the hip or waist band.
• Piezoelectric accelerometers: These can be placed anywhere on the front of the body, and some can even be kept in a pocket or on a neck lanyard and still provide accurate step counts.

Most pedometers weigh only a few ounces and include a security strap to attach to clothing to prevent you from losing it.

Why to buy: Pedometers are an easy way to track your daily exercise and overall health. Beyond counting steps, many pedometers track the distance in miles, amount of time you’ve been active, and total calories burned.

Things to consider: When choosing a pedometer, consider the size of the display screen and the ease of reading results. Pendulum-style pedometers are generally less expensive than accelerometers, but the counting of incidental steps can be frustrating. Advantages of accelerometer pedometers are there are no moving parts and they remain silent as they record every step you take. Remember you’ll need to set your average step length or stride length in order for the pedometer to be accurate. Read the instructions on your pedometer carefully; most ask for the step length and explain how to measure it properly. Also note that some pedometers reset at midnight so you’re ready to go each morning, while others require you to manually reset them. Look at whether you need to change the batteries regularly or if it’s rechargeable through a USB connection to your computer.

What they are: Monitors that help you measure steps plus other tracking, such as heart rate, calories burned, and so on.

Why to buy: Pedometers with features that track heart rate and so on are handy for keeping an eye on your cardiovascular health, too. More advanced models include a memory function to save your accomplishments and some can upload data to a website, so you can easily track your results online and share with your doctors and friends.

Things to consider: When investing in tools to support your health goals, sometimes simplest is best, but other times it can be helpful to combine goals and look for a device that will give you other helpful information, such as heart rate or trackable online information.

What they are: Disposable razors are intended to be used one to a few times before discarding. With some types, the entire razor and handle are thrown away after use. With others, only the blade portion of the razor is replaced and the handle is reused. Disposable razors come with a variety of features, including:

• Pivoting or non-pivoting heads. Some people find a pivoting head gives a closer shave over curvy areas, such as the chin, ankles, and knees. Other people find that when the head pivots, they feel less in control of the blades. Choose whichever works best for you.
• With or without a soothing lotion or lubrication strip. A lubrication strip can help the razor glide over sensitive areas, but some people find the strip to be sticky or gooey, which gets in the way of shaving. If you opt for a razor with a lotion strip, you may need to use less shaving cream or gel.
• Single or multiple blades. With razors, blade quality often matters more than blade number. Higher-quality blades are sharper and have fewer imperfections in the blade’s surface, allowing for a closer shave with fewer nicks and cuts. This means that a cheaper razor with multiple blades may not give as good of a shave as a more expensive version with fewer, higher-quality blades. The most expensive disposables have both high quality and high numbers of blades. Look at the trade-off between blade quality, number, and cost to find the product that fits your budget.
• Men’s and women’s options. Don’t let color differences between men’s and women’s razors, such as pink for women and black for men, discourage you from experimenting. Many women find that a high-quality men’s razor works best for shaving legs and underarms. And there’s nothing wrong with a man who has sensitive facial skin trying out a razor that is marketed to women.

Why to buy: Razors are quick and easy to use. Since we tend to get better with practice, shaving is a good option for many adults who don’t have the time for waxing or hair removal gels and creams.

What they are: Electric razors use multiple, rapidly rotating blades that are separated from direct contact with the skin by a thin, perforated screen. The razor is glided over the skin to cut multiple hairs at once.

What they are: Mechanical, or analog, scales have a dial readout displaying weight in pounds and kilograms.

Why to buy: Mechanical scales tend to be less expensive, don’t require a battery, may come with extra large numbers for ease of use, and are the simplest to use.

Things to consider: Over time, mechanical scales may consistently add or subtract a few pounds. Most come with a tension knob to adjust the scale as required

What they are: These scales give a digital (and sometimes audio) readout of weight.

Why to buy: Digital scales may have features to allow storing and tracking weight over time, may have the ability to switch between pounds and kilograms, and may provide voice readouts of weight. If several family members are using one scale, consider a model with a multiple-user memory function.

Things to consider: If you’re concerned about cost and ease of use, a mechanical scale may be a better choice. Digital scales require batteries, which need to be replaced when they wear out, so consider buying a rechargeable set for best value.

What they are: Digital scales with full features can measure and track body weight, body mass index, percent body fat and lean body mass, hydration status, and bone mass.

Why to buy: These models are a good choice for those who want the most information about weight and related measures. Tracking fat and lean body mass can motivate some people to more consistently follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Things to consider: Extra features often mean higher cost. These models provide an idea of fat and lean mass, bone mass, and hydration, but are not always completely accurate. You should not rely on results from these scales to make important medical decisions. Digital scales require batteries, which need to be replaced when they wear out, so consider buying a rechargeable set for best value.

What they are: Gender-specific multivitamins are formulated to address men and women’s different nutritional needs.

Why to buy: Basic multivitamins may not provide enough of certain nutrients or too much of others for some men and women.

Things to consider: Gender-specific multivitamins may or may not address age-specific nutrient needs. Read labels carefully and pick a product that meets not just your nutrient needs by gender, but also by age.

What they are: Multivitamins formulated for children address the different nutrient needs of kids, based on age. Formulas are available for babies, toddlers, school age children, and adolescents.

Why to buy: Children require less of some nutrients and more of others to nourish growing bodies. Children’s multivitamins address these unique needs and are available in chewable and liquid forms, making them easier for kids to take.

Things to consider: Adult multivitamins aren’t meant for kids, so stick to age-appropriate children’s multivitamins. Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and added sugars—things many parents do not want to give their children.

What they are: Often sold as “senior” or “silver” multivitamins, these formulas address nutrition needs that change with advancing age.

Why to buy: Seniors need more of some nutrients and less of others. For example, after age 70, the recommended amount of vitamin D increases from 600 IU to 800 IU.

Things to consider: Ask your doctor if medications you take affect your nutrition needs or your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients. Also ask if it’s safe to take your vitamins at the same time as your medications. Some nutrients and medications can interact with one another, and taking them separately is important for health.

What they are: Prenatal multivitamins provide necessary extras for a healthy pregnancy, such as additional folic acid, other B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, and zinc.

Why to buy: Regular multivitamins do not provide enough of critical nutrients to ensure healthy development of your baby. Shortages of certain nutrients can increase the risk of serious birth defects, so a prenatal multivitamin is a smart choice if your trying to become, or already are, pregnant.

Things to consider: If you are trying to get pregnant, be sure to start your supplements beforehand as nutrition may protect your baby best before you even know you’re pregnant. After your baby arrives, ask your doctor for advice on whether to continue taking your prenatal vitamin or whether to switch to a different formula for women who are breast-feeding. If you aren’t breastfeeding, you can go back to your usual age-appropriate multivitamin for women.

What they are: With manual monitors, the user inflates the cuff around the arm and listens for the pulse through a stethoscope to determine blood pressure as the cuff deflates.

Why to buy: Once you master their use, manual monitors are accurate and less expensive than most automated models.

Things to consider: Manual monitors are more difficult to use than automated models, requiring more practice to learn or even another person to operate it.

What they are: These devices have built-in stethoscopes with readings displayed on a digital screen. With semi-automatic monitors, the user inflates the cuff, while fully automatic monitors inflate the cuff for you. 

Why to buy: These monitors typically are more expensive than manual options, but may vary in price depending on features. If you are looking for the most accurate and easiest way to store and track blood pressure readings over time, these models are a good option. 

Things to consider: If you’re more concerned about cost than ease of use, manual options may be a better choice.

What they are: These newer devices allow a smaller cuff to be placed on the wrist or on a finger, instead of on the upper arm. 

Why to buy: Putting on and taking off these monitors is easier than manipulating an arm cuff.  

Things to consider: Although they tend to fall in the same cost range as automatic arm monitors, these monitors tend to be less accurate and lead to more errors than arm cuff monitors.

What they are: Depending on your budget and health tracking needs, you may want to consider spending extra dollars to purchase a digital monitor with more advanced features, including memory to store readings over time and computer software to track and graph your readings on a computer or mobile device. 

Why to buy: Advanced features allow you to track blood pressure over time. Along with a few observations and notes, this can help you uncover connections between your behaviors, such as what you’ve eaten or how much you’ve exercised, and your blood pressure readings. Understanding these connections can help you take positive, effective actions to improve your health. 

Things to consider: Advanced features cost more and may take more time to learn how to use. Many come with good instructions but if you’re uncomfortable with computers you may find these features take significant effort to learn and use.

What they are: Antacids are chewable tablets, effervescent drink powders, liquids, and syrups containing one or multiple active ingredients shown to temporarily neutralize stomach acid and treat the symptoms of heartburn.

• Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. Some antacids combine it with alginic acid, a gelling agent, to create a barrier which prevents stomach acid from refluxing back up into the esophagus. Effervescent formulas with aspirin provide added pain relief.
• Calcium carbonate, typically found in chewable tablets.
• Aluminum hydroxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, usually found in gel or liquid form.

Why to buy: Antacids may provide immediate, temporary relief (1 to 2 hours) from minor symptoms of heart burn and indigestion.

Things to consider: Minor side effects include diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. Generally, medications containing aluminum or calcium are likeliest to cause constipation; those containing magnesium are likeliest to cause diarrhea. Some products combine these ingredients in order to help prevent unpleasant side effects. Consuming excess calcium carbonate can be hazardous, so read labels carefully.

What they are: H2 receptor antagonists, or “blockers,” are used to decrease stomach acid by preventing histamine from stimulating acid production. There are four FDA-approved variations—cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine—all available over the counter.

Why to buy: H2 blockers are an effective and well-tolerated treatment for heartburn and indigestion. Many can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn, and effects last longer than antacids.

Things to consider: Cimetidine has the most instances of adverse reactions in this drug class, including headache and dizziness. Cimetidine interacts negatively with many other medications, so read labels and talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What they are: PPIs are the most potent and effective treatments available for frequent heartburn and indigestion. Available by prescription and over the counter, omeprazole and lansoprazole are the most common active ingredients.

Why to buy: PPIs offer effective, long-lasting treatment of acid indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers by significantly reducing stomach acid production with few side effects. Most PPIs do not provide immediate relief, but take hours or days to become effective and are taken for weeks at a time. If you need both immediate and long-lasting results, look for combination products with an antacid and acid reducer.

Things to consider: Acid reducers are not meant for long-term use. The FDA advises that no more than three 14-day treatment courses be used in one year unless directed by a doctor. Side effects may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and dizziness. High-dose or long-term PPI use may lead to increased risk of bone fractures, and decreased vitamin B12 absorption, potentially leading to vitamin B12 deficiency.

What they are: The standard active ingredient in anti-gas products is simethicone. In a nutshell, it works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach, causing them to combine into larger bubbles that can be passed more easily. Softgels, tablets, and capsules tend to have higher doses of simethicone than chewables, liquids, and dissolving strips.

Why to buy: These basic products are convenient, proven ways to get fast relief from bloating and pressure commonly referred to as gas. Combine your anti-gas medicine with your after-meal mint—check out dissolving strips you put on your tongue, complete with breath-freshening mint flavor.

Things to consider: When used as directed, simethicone is safe and has little to no side effects. However, no more than 500 mg of simethicone should be taken in a twenty-four hour period. Look for special anti-gas formulas with lower dosages for babies and children.

What they are: These medications are combinations of simethicone for anti-gas and antacids like calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. They are available in a variety of easy-to-take formulas including softgels, tablets, capsules, chewables, and liquids.

Why to buy: Medications that combine an anti-gas ingredient with an antacid offer quick relief from the discomfort of bloating and gas and the pain of acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach.

Things to consider: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take prescription medications, as antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. Products containing aluminum or calcium may cause constipation; those containing magnesium may cause diarrhea. Some antacids combine these ingredients in an attempt to cancel out unpleasant side effects. If gas symptoms last for more than two weeks, stop use and talk to your doctor.

What they are: Food enzyme dietary supplements are easy-to-chew-or-swallow tablets made with food enzymes from natural sources—most contain the alpha-galactosidase enzyme from safe, food-grade mold. Food enzymes break down the complex carbohydrates found in many foods, making them easier to digest so they don't cause gas. You typically take one tablet per serving of “problem” food at the beginning of the meal for best results.

Why to buy: These supplements are a natural way to prevent the gas, bloating, and discomfort caused by eating healthful foods like beans, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions, peppers, a variety of grains, cereals, nuts, and seeds.

Things to consider: Store food enzymes at or below room temperature; avoid heat. Look for vegetarian-friendly formulas. Some chewable and “melt away” varieties contain a higher dose of food enzymes; always read labels and follow directions.

What they are: Teas to address a particular digestion issue contain an ingredient, or combination of ingredients, such as:

• Ginger, fennel, fenugreek, or chamomile for nausea, indigestion, and heartburn (acid reflux)
• Peppermint for nausea (good for nausea, but may worsen heartburn)
• Parsley or fennel for gas and bloating
• Slippery elm or meadow sweet for intestinal discomfort and spasms
• Aloe, senna, cascara, or burdock root for constipation

Why to buy: Herbal teas are generally safe and easy to use, offer gentle relief for occasional digestion woes, and are relatively inexpensive.

Things to consider: Teas for constipation can have strong laxative effects in some people; start with a quarter to half cup serving and see how your body responds. Increase the dose as needed to relieve constipation. Pregnant women, people with kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or those who are taking diuretic medications should consult their doctor before using digestion teas.

What they are: Natural digestion aids are available in capsule or tablet form and contain many of the same herbs found in digestion aid teas.

Why to buy: Digestion aid capsules are more convenient; they can be carried with you and taken anytime, without the need to boil water to make tea. Capsules may deliver a more concentrated dose of the active ingredient than tea.

Things to consider: As with teas, products for constipation can have strong laxative effects, so start slow and increase the dose only as needed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using these products if you are pregnant, or have kidney problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease, or take diuretic medications.

What they are: Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms are made from natural (latex) or synthetic (polyurethane and polyisoprene) material and are effective for minimizing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Why to buy: These condoms come in various sizes, colors, textures, shapes, and flavors. Latex condoms are the least expensive option. Polyisoprene is the newest option and some people find this material feels the most “natural” and comfortable. Polyurethane and polyisoprene are good options for people with latex allergies.

Things to consider: Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms are equally effective, so use whichever product works best for you and your partner.

What they are: Lambskin condoms are made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb.

Why to buy: Some people feel that lambskin feels more “natural” than latex and polyurethane, though the newer polyisoprene condoms may be worth a try for those who’ve used and liked lambskin in the past.

Things to consider: Lambskin condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, because they have small pores through which viruses and bacteria can pass. They are effective for minimizing the chances of pregnancy, because sperm are too large to pass through the pores. Lambskin condoms are generally more expensive than latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.

What they are: Some latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms have added ingredients to increase pleasurable sensations during sexual activity, for example, substances that cause a warming sensation in the genitals. Other condoms may have added textures, such as ribs or ridges, which can increase pleasure during intercourse.

Why to buy: If you have difficulty maintaining arousal during sexual activity, or if you’re open to experimenting with new ways to spice up your sex life, you may enjoy a condom with added pleasure ingredients.

Things to consider: These products contain more ingredients than basic lubricated and non-lubricated condoms. More ingredients may mean a higher likelihood of an allergic or other unpleasant reaction. Check the ingredient list so you can avoid any of your known skin allergy triggers.

What they are: Hair-growth shampoos and conditioners contain active ingredients that may help thicken hair and stimulate growth, including amino acids, B vitamins, silica, and biotin.

Why to buy: These products are best for men and women looking to thicken the hair they already have. Most hair-growth shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that help hair appear thicker, rather than actually growing new hair. Many are meant to be used in combination with oral or topical minoxidil treatments, claiming they help prepare the scalp to grow new hair.

Things to consider: You may need to try several formulas before you find one that works for you and your hair. If you have sensitive skin, read ingredients carefully and look for products that are hypoallergenic and pH balanced. There is some evidence that shampoos containing ketoconazole, an anti-fungal medicine used to treat severe dandruff and scalp itching, may also help with hair loss but it is not yet approved for that use. You may be tempted to use any product claiming to cure hair loss, but using products that have not been approved by the FDA, like aminexil and ketoconazole, is not recommended.

What they are: Minoxidil is used to stimulate new hair growth, usually in cases of hereditary hair loss. When applied to the scalp, it can promote hair growth in men with male pattern baldness. Minoxidil may also help women with thinning hair and frontal hair loss. It’s available as a spray or topical liquid with 2% or 5% concentrations and is commonly sold over the counter in a variety of branded and generic products.

Why to buy: Minoxidil is a safe and proven treatment for stimulating hair growth in both the crown area and the hairline.

Things to consider: It may take several months of regular use before you notice any improvement. The effects of minoxidil are temporary and it must be applied regularly (once or twice daily). Once you stop using minoxidil the regrown hair will usually fall out within a few months. Most doctors recommend that women use lower strength formulas of minoxidil and avoid use while pregnant or nursing. Common side effects include burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Some people notice changes in hair color or texture after using minoxidil. The alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff.

What it is: Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, uses infrared light therapy to stabilize hair loss and encourage hair growth. Treatment through LLLT can be done in two ways—at a clinic, or through a home device known as the laser hair comb. The laser comb is a hand-held device you can use anytime and anywhere. For best results, use the laser comb for 10 to 15 minutes daily.

Why to buy: Laser therapy is a nonchemical, noninvasive approach to hair regrowth which may also make your hair thicker, fuller, softer, and more manageable. Infrared light increases cellular metabolism, blood circulation, and oxygen supply to the follicles in the scalp and claims to convert hairs from the resting phase to the growing phase. Laser therapy is a safe option for men and women with few side effects.

Things to consider: Laser therapy is designed for anyone just starting to lose their hair and is not effective in severe cases of hair loss. Most people experience a reduction or stabilization in hair loss through laser therapy; approximately half of people who try laser therapy will experience actual hair regrowth.

What they are: Oral tablets containing finasteride (often sold under the brand name Propecia), are used to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil, a high blood pressure medication that slows or stops hair loss and promotes hair regrowth, is also available in oral tablets. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus reducing DHT levels in the scalp. This can reverse hair loss due to male-pattern baldness. Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles and growth, but does not reduce DHT.

Why to buy: Finasteride is recommended as first-line treatment for male pattern baldness. Like minoxidil, finasteride has been shown to work on both the crown area and the hairline area, but is most successful at regrowing hair in the crown area. Finasteride and minoxidil may be used simultaneously when hair loss is progressive or further hair regrowth is desired.

Things to consider: Oral medications for hair growth are not targeted and can cause hair to grow in many places, not just your head. Women who may become pregnant should not use finasteride or even handle the medication because it can be absorbed through skin and may cause genital abnormalities in male fetuses. Finasteride tends to have more side effects than minoxidil—consult your doctor on what approach is best for you.