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The Endometriosis Fix: Contraception?

October 31, 2009 - 3:16pm 134 reads 0 comments

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.

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