Can you get endometriosis if you're on the pill?

Endometriosis is a fairly serious gynecologicial condition. The cells that line the uterus are known as endometrium. These cells grow in other areas of the body, many the pelvis, which can cause severe pain. Not only is endometriosis painful, it can also cause infertility.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition that can cause women who have it intense pain. Women who have endometriosis may experience extremely painful menstrual cycles. Cramps may occur in the pelvic and abdomen up to two weeks before their period begins. Also, during menstruation, cramps may be sever and last the entire time. Intercourse may also be extremely painful as are bowel movements.

What causes endometriosis?
Unfortunately, the cause of endometriosis is not known. One theory is that during menstruation, tissue is left in the pelvis and the abdomen causing the pain associated with endometriosis. Many women have this issue, which is called retrograde menstruation, but not all of them actually develop endometriosis.

How is endometriosis treated?
Treatment of endometriosis is entirely dependent on the women's symptoms and pain levels. To treat the pain associated with endometriosis, the lowering of estrogen levels through hormone therapy will help. If a woman is experiencing infertility due to endometriosis, surgery is an option as are fertility treatments.

How the birth control pill works
Birth control pills are taken orally and help in the prevention of pregnancy. Though they are not one hundred percent effective, if taken properly they are a useful form of birth control for women. The birth control pill works by preventing ovulation which is essential in preventing pregnancy.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone are used in the birth control pill. Birth control pills normally come in a twenty-one or twenty-eight day pack with the hormone pills being taken for twenty-one days. Some packs have other non-hormone pills you can take to keep on track, or you have the option of not taking the pill for seven days.

Endometriosis and the birth control pill
The pain associated with endometriosis is often relieved by using the birth control pill. By using the pill, ovulation stops which in turn lessens the endometriums ability to grow. The birth control pill has also been shown to lessen bleeding during menstruation which can cause a significant decrease in the pain women experience who are suffering from endometriosis.

Can you get endometriosis while on the pill?
The answer to this old wives tale is no! Women who are on the pill do not have a greater chance of getting endometriosis than those who are not. While the cause of endometriosis is unknown, the one thing that is known is the pills effectiveness in treating the symptoms associated with endometriosis.

For women who are contemplating going on the birth control pill, but are worried they may be affected by endometriosis, there is no need for concern. The birth control pill will not cause you to get endometriosis and is in fact an effective way to prevent against pregnancy.