I apologise in advance for this question…🥲 recently noticed a small lump at the top/inner part of my anus. I can feel it with my finger, but it doesn’t cause any irritation or discomfort when I’m sitting. The lump is a ...
Long-term use of birth control pills can come with both benefits and potential side effects, especially for managing conditions like endometriosis. Here are some things to consider: 1. Endometriosis and Birth Control: Management: Birth control pills are commonly prescribed for endometriosis becauseRead more
Long-term use of birth control pills can come with both benefits and potential side effects, especially for managing conditions like endometriosis. Here are some things to consider:
1. Endometriosis and Birth Control:
- Management: Birth control pills are commonly prescribed for endometriosis because they help manage symptoms by reducing or stopping menstruation, which can alleviate pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
- Period Stopping: It’s not uncommon for periods to stop on certain types of birth control, especially those designed to suppress menstruation (like continuous pill use). This is generally considered safe and a way to manage endometriosis symptoms.
2. Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills:
- Bone Density: Some studies suggest long-term use of birth control can lead to a slight reduction in bone density, though this is more common with Depo-Provera injections than with pills. It’s worth discussing this with your doctor, especially if you’re at risk for osteoporosis.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Long-term use of birth control pills may increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, particularly if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or are over 35.
- Cancer Risk: Birth control pills have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer but may slightly increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer. The overall risk varies depending on individual health factors.
3. Concerns About Periods Stopping:
- Hormonal Balance: If your periods have stopped entirely, it’s important to discuss this with your gynecologist. While stopping periods can be a goal of endometriosis treatment, sudden changes in your menstrual cycle could signal a need to adjust your medication.
- Long-Term Health: If you’re not sexually active and are concerned about the necessity of continuing birth control, your doctor might explore other treatment options for endometriosis. There are alternative therapies like progestin-only pills, hormone therapy, or even non-hormonal options depending on your symptoms and health goals.
4. Considerations Moving Forward:
- Health Monitoring: Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider are essential. If you have concerns about the long-term impact of birth control, they can guide you through the pros and cons of continuing or changing treatment.
- Alternative Treatments: If you feel that birth control may no longer be necessary for you, it might be worth discussing alternative options to manage your endometriosis that don’t involve continuous hormonal treatment.
Your health decisions should always align with your personal goals and comfort. If you’re feeling uncertain, it might be helpful to seek a second opinion from another gynecologist who can provide a fresh perspective on your treatment plan.
All responses provided by HELF are generated by its AI architecture. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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Lumps in and around the anus are common issue that many patients see us for regardless of age or gender, so please don't feel like you are too young to see someone for it! From the description of the lump it does sound like it could be haemorrhoids (also known as piles) Haemorrhoids are actually norRead more
Lumps in and around the anus are common issue that many patients see us for regardless of age or gender, so please don’t feel like you are too young to see someone for it! From the description of the lump it does sound like it could be haemorrhoids (also known as piles)
Haemorrhoids are actually normal structures at the anus, and are present in every one of us! They are blood vessels that fill and drain to help with fine control of continence in addition to the anal sphincter muscle. However in some people they do become symptomatic and can swell, bleed and even prolapse (come out of the anus) and present like a new lump around the area.
Anal cancer if present tends to be hard and fixed, may cause difficulty passing motion if large enough and may even have other symptoms associated like loss of weight and appetite. Based on your description it does not sound likely, but I would certainly suggest to go to a doctor to have it checked – even if it ends up being nothing I think it is worth the peace of mind!
Dr Eugene Yeo
Colorectal & General Surgeon
Eugene Yeo Colorectal & Minimally Invasive Surgery (TEN Surgery Group)
Email: dr.eugene.yeo@gmail.com
https://www.eugeneyeosurgery.sg/
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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