Many women suffer from a variety of conditions that can make life difficult, beyond their menstrual period. Along with these conditions, one’s fertility is always in question. Do you want to be pregnant? Now? Later? Never? With all of this in mind, Mopani Pharmacy would like to take this opportunity to answer some of the questions you may have.
Oral contraception
Whether you have period issues, a face full of acne, hormonal imbalance or you may be sexually active – in each of these cases, a doctor may prescribe you an oral contraceptive (The Pill). Please remember that an oral contraceptive method will not protect you from a sexually transmitted disease.
The Pill contains oestrogen and progestin that keep your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), it also changes the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to keep sperm from joining an egg (fertilisation). It may also help to balance your hormones and take care of your hormonal acne.
They do have side-effects, so a doctor will need to take a good patient history before describing one. There are differences, so make sure to have one indicated for your age group and needs.
The pill is a relatively safe option for women in their reproductive years with no increased risk due to usage from young age.
It is also recommended to get a pap smear done every two years, and many doctors will insist that you have one before they prescribe you an oral contraceptive.
Inject-able contraception
Popping a pill every day can become a nuisance at some point. So, you start looking around again – and someone suggests a Depo Provera injection.
This injection contains hormones (progestin and or oestrogen) that stops your body from releasing eggs (ovulation) and thickens the mucus in the vagina and endometrium. It lasts two to three months, depending on the type. It can either be the best thing that has ever happened to you, or the worst. You can have a period-free experience, with little to no side effects. Or you can have heavy periods, headaches and a steep weight gain, etc.
Again, this should only be used under advisement of your doctor, and it will not protect you from any STD’s.
This method of contraception is available at Mopani Pharmacy Wellness Clinics. Our qualified Sisters will administer the relatively painless injection once every two to three months, depending on the type. You will also receive a booklet with notes on your blood pressure, weight, and the return date of your next injection.
Intra-uterine device (IUD)
This device is shaped like a “T” and is fitted inside your uterus. It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from reaching an egg.
Some IUD’s have hormones that release in the uterus and causes the mucus of the endometrium to thicken and prevent fertilisation. Without hormones triggers the body’s own immune system to prevent pregnancy.
There are some side-effects to this, but in general, this device will successfully prevent pregnancy for at least five years.
Prescription is required and can only be fitted by a doctor or gynaecologist.
Other options – Tubal ligation (sterilisation) and hysterectomy as permanent contraception
Tubal ligation permanently prevents pregnancy, so this is advised for women who already have children but don’t or can’t use contraceptives.
A hysterectomy is the procedure done to surgically remove a uterus. In general, this is only done when there is a uterine dysfunction of some sorts that can only be dealt with by removing the uterus.
PCOS
Most women who suffer from Poly-cystic-ovary syndrome (PCOS), are diagnosed in young adulthood. They are either experiencing irregular periods that they thought would have stabilised after their teen years, or they might discover fertility issues, weight gain without cause or hair-loss.
PCOS causes prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods or excess androgen levels (male hormones). The ovaries may develop numerous fluid-filled follicles and fail to regularly release eggs. It affects about 1 in 10 women.
Treatment regimens depend on the needs of the patient; such as infertility or hormonal imbalance, and requires diagnosis and prescription treatment by your doctor.
Endometriosis
This is often a painful disorder, that causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, to grow outside of the uterus. Mostly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the lining in the pelvis.
Researchers think that about 11% of women have endometriosis – and again, this is usually diagnosed in young adult women who struggle with fertility, period pains that can only be managed with constant pain blockers or irregular periods.
Treatment usually involves hormonal treatment and sometimes in severe cases surgery.
Menopause
Menopause typically occurs in women late in their 40’s to early 50’s and is defined as having no menstrual period for one year. It is caused by the decreased production of oestrogen and progesterone in your ovaries.
Symptoms include: hot flushes, weight gain, vaginal dryness (which leads to painful intercourse) and increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular conditions.
Symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy that your doctor will discuss with you, or by lifestyle changes to try and prevent and manage some of the symptoms.
Conclusion
We know that conventional treatments will not always “make the problems go away”, and that womanhood comes with many challenges. However, we are here, to work with your doctors and to take every possible route to try and find the best possible course of action. If you have questions about your fertility and contraception, please visit our Homegrown Babies Clinic. Our knowledgeable Sisters are here to help.
PS
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