The Endometriosis Fix: Contraception?
If you were sexually active in the 1970’s, you might remember the Dalkon Shield. A real lemon of contraceptive methods, the poorly designed T-shaped device allowed bacteria from the vagina to ascend into sterile uterine ground. The Shield was a VIP invitation for pelvic disease.
That was yesteryear’s intrauterine devise (IUD). Today, two newer and better-designed IUDs—the progesterone-filled Mirena and copper-based ParaGuard—are leaving drastically different impressions on contracepting women in America.
Made from newer, safer materials, the IUD is now an increasingly popular choice, but not just for preventing pregnancy. More and more research is beginning to show, what’s good for contraception might also be good for endometriosis.
A disease of abnormal uterine tissue growth, Endometriosis affects roughly ten-percent of reproductive aged women and can severely impact quality of life. Instead of staying confined to the uterus, endometrial tissue is found in the fallopian tubes, on the ovaries, even near the rectum. Problems like heavy periods, pain during sex and even infertility are just a few of its afflictions, and until recently, there have been limited options for symptom relief.
What brings on the debilitating pain for which endometriosis is so famous, is the contracting of this misplaced endometrial tissue during menses. Since estrogen fuels this fire, doctors have tried methods like putting a woman into pseudo-menopause or pseudo-pregnancy with medications that decrease estrogen levels in the body.
The problem with that approach however, is that estrogen also supports strong bones and anti-estrogen medicines might put women at risk for early osteoporosis, especially if taken for more than six months.
This is where the IUD could gain some significant ground. The hormone IUD contains progesterone, not estrogen. Through methods that are not yet all the way clear, the progesterone IUD (Mirena) works locally in the uterus to decrease pain associated with endometriosis.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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