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Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction3

Oral contraceptives3

Oral contraceptives and risk of Endometriosis (Article)5

Clinical signs and symptoms7

Conclusion7

Development of endometriosis in women of child bearing age

Introduction

Endometriosis is a condition of the uterus in which the cells lining the uterus, called as the endometrial cells, start to proliferate and abnormal development of tissues outside the uterus to other organs of the body. The distribution of these abnormal cells through the body is recognized by the appearance of foci or lesions in the ovaries, uterine ligaments, and recto-vaginal septum. The abnormal cell development is the result of excessive hormonal stimulation. The hormones which help to build up the uterine lining every month, (estrogen and progesterone), also help in the stimulation and growth of these misplaced cells. These abnormal cells act like the normal cells which are present inside the uterine cavity, and start developing and shedding blood during menstruation. The blood flow from these cells deposits in the surrounding areas to become scar like lesions, causing pain and discomfort (Borghese et al., 2008, pp.2557-2562).

The development of endometriosis in women has been associated with genetic, hormonal and immune factors which have postulated to increase the susceptibility of this disease.

Oral contraceptives

The major purpose of the oral contraceptive pill is to prevent pregnancy. The use of OCs is very common in the world and it is estimated that approximately more than 50 million women in the world use OCs for effective contraception. The constitution of OCs contains ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone; a testosterone derived hormone.

OCs work by suppressing ovulation and implantation and as a result, cause normal menstruation period by the circulation and maintenance of estrogen and progesterone like hormones in the blood.

The use of oral contraceptives is associated with the concept of considerable histological changes in the endometrial. These changes include the inhibition of proliferation and differentiation in the glandular cells, causing the endometrial to become atrophic is inactive in many cases. (Oosterbaan HP, 1999, pp. 35-43). Apart from the inhibition of the growth of the cells, oral contraceptives create a definite endometrial. The effect of the presence of progesterone in OCs contributes to the overall response of the drug.

The use of oral contraceptives is associated with contraception. OCs have also been used widely in cases of endometriosis as a drug for the treatment of this condition. The use of oral contraceptives has been a contentious issue in medicine. It is considered by some that the development of endometriosis is initiated by prolong use of oral contraceptives while some studies relate that the use of oral contraceptives prevents in the progression of this condition.

To compare the pros and cons of contraceptive use, it is necessary that the functioning of these drugs should be clear.

How does OC work?

The combination oral contraceptives are made in a way to impersonate the functioning of the normal menstruation cycle. It is administered from day 5 to day 24 of the cycle after which the drug is discontinued, and the normal bleeding occurs. The effect of the contraceptive drug on the endometrial ...