Birth control

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Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. It is estimated that up to 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, yet it remains a poorly understood and often underdiagnosed condition.

While there is no known cure for endometriosis, there are a number of treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life for those who suffer from it. In this article, we will explore the various treatment options available for endometriosis and the latest research on what can help.

Pain Management

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis, and it can range from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating cramps. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be effective in managing mild to moderate pain, but for more severe pain, prescription medications such as opioids may be necessary.

In addition to medication, other forms of pain management such as heating pads or hot water bottles can provide relief. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation have also been shown to be helpful in managing pain associated with endometriosis.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy is a common treatment option for endometriosis. The goal of hormonal therapy is to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, as estrogen is known to contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue.

There are a number of hormonal therapy options available, including birth control pills, progesterone-only medications, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation and reducing the amount of estrogen in the body. Progesterone-only medications such as medroxyprogesterone can also help reduce estrogen levels and limit the growth of endometrial tissue. GnRH agonists work by temporarily shutting down the production of estrogen, which can help reduce the size of endometrial growths.

Surgery

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In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat endometriosis. The most common surgical procedure for endometriosis is laparoscopic excision, in which the surgeon uses a laparoscope to remove endometrial tissue. This procedure can be effective in reducing pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

In more severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus and is generally considered a last resort for those who have not responded to other treatment options.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

While there is no specific diet that has been proven to cure endometriosis, there are a number of dietary and lifestyle changes that can help manage the symptoms. For example, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation in the body and may help reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms.

In addition, regular exercise can help manage pain and improve overall health. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga can also be helpful in managing the symptoms of endometriosis.

Alternative Therapies

A number of alternative therapies have been proposed as potential treatments for endometriosis. For example, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing pain associated with endometriosis. Similarly, herbal remedies such as chamomile tea and ginger root have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful in managing symptoms.

In conclusion, endometriosis is a complex and often underdiagnosed condition that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. However, there are a number of treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Pain management, hormonal therapy, surgery, diet and lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies are all viable options for those who suffer from endometriosis.

It is important to note that each case of endometriosis is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you suspect that you may have endometriosis, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

Sources:

“Endometriosis Fact Sheet.” Office on Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis.
“Endometriosis Treatment Options.” Endometriosis Foundation of America. https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-options.
“Medical Treatment of Endometriosis.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/medical-treatment-of-endometriosis.
“Laparoscopic Excision of Endometriosis.” Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, vol. 13, no. 6, 2006, pp. 529–533. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2006.06.012.
“Acupuncture for Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, vol. 37, no. 11, 2015, pp. 1005–1015. doi:10.1016/s1701-2163(15)30239-1.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that abortion and unplanned pregnancy rates dramatically plummet when birth control is provided for free. While this may not be surprising, what is surprising are the numbers. By providing free birth control to 9,256 women and adolescents between the ages of 14- 45 in the St. Louis area between 2007 and 2011, researchers found that there was a 62% – 78% decrease in abortion and unplanned pregnancy.

Jeff Peipert, MD, PhD, and Robert J. Terry Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology stated that:

The impact of providing no-cost birth control was far greater than we expected in terms of unintended pregnancies. We think improving access to birth control, particularly IUDs and implants, coupled with education on the most effective methods has the potential to significantly decrease the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions in this country.

Unplanned pregnancies account for 50% of all U.S. pregnancies, which is higher than most other developed countries. Roughly half of these pregnancies are the result of women not using contraception and the other half from incorrect use.

IUDs and implants are a great option, providing superior protection and remaining effective for 3 – 10 years depending on the type. Unfortunately they are very expensive upfront, costing in many instances over $800 and not being covered by insurance.

The researchers remind us that:

Unintended pregnancy remains a major health problem in the United States, with higher proportions among teenagers and women with less education and lower economic status. The results of this study demonstrate that we can reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy and this is key to reducing abortions in this country.

I understand that people don’t want to pay for the contraception of others through taxes, but paying for other people’s children through welfare, food stamps, and other methods costs far, far more. I am still undecided on the issue of whether some form of safe and effective contraception should be completely free. What do you think?

Sources:

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2012/10/04/abortion.rates.plummet.with.free.birth.control

http://www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/Pub/Portals/7/unplanned-teenage-pregnancy-part-c-statistics.pdf