Post Roe Anxiety About Pelvic Pain Treatment? Help is Here
You felt fine this morning. But now you’re experiencing some pretty intense pelvic pain. It’s not the normal cramping you have before or during your period. And it doesn’t feel like a GI issue. You don’t know what’s going on, but something is definitely wrong. Do you call your ob-gyn and wait for an appointment? Or do you go to the emergency room?
This is a scary situation that no one wants to be in. And depending on where you live, your options and access to care may have recently changed. Let’s discuss one emergency health issue and the treatment options that may have been affected by overturning Roe v Wade. Understanding your rights empowers you to get the care you need no matter what laws have changed.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
One cause for the sudden onset of pelvic pain could be an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg attaches and grows somewhere outside of your uterus, like your ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or even scar tissue.
There is practically no chance to carry the pregnancy to term because there is no room for a fertilized egg to develop inside a fallopian tube or ovary. The uterus is the only safe place for a fetus to grow.
Thankfully, ectopic pregnancies only occur 2% of the time. While your risk of having this complication is low, ectopic pregnancies account for up to 15% of patient deaths in the first trimester. So it’s important to learn about the risks as well as your rights if you find yourself in this situation.
Your doctor can usually determine if a pregnancy is ectopic before it puts you in any danger. There are several ways this complication is discovered. An ectopic pregnancy can be detected by:
Pelvic exam
Ultrasound
Blood test
Why are ectopic pregnancies dangerous?
The beginning of an ectopic pregnancy feels similar to a normal, healthy pregnancy. So you may not know right away that something is wrong. The first clue of pregnancy for most women is a missed period. A little morning sickness or tender breasts is another indicator. But things can change very quickly.
It’s true that discomfort, aches, and pains are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy. So you may hesitate to speak up. After all, you don’t want your partner or your doctor to roll their eyes if you complain about every little thing.
So how do you know if something is really wrong? Most ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. As the fertilized egg starts to grow and develop, it quickly runs out of space. This can cause the tube to rupture or burst, which leads to an internal bleed. You may experience sudden pain in your shoulder or dizziness. And a sharp pain in your pelvis.
The reason this is so dangerous is that internal hemorrhaging can become fatal rather quickly. So seeking immediate medical attention is vital. Trust your gut. You know the difference between a normal but annoying ache and an urgent problem. If something feels wrong, speak up and get help right away.
Who’s at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
This complication can happen to anyone. But some people have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. You may have an increased risk if you have:
Scar tissue from previous surgeries
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Certain fertility treatments
Inflammation from an STI (Sexuall Transmitted Infections) or STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease)
A history of smoking
Ok, so you get the bad news that your pregnancy is ectopic. Now what?
Common Ectopic Pregnancy Treatment Options
Sometimes ectopic pregnancies miscarry on their own. But most medical professionals agree that waiting for this outcome is unwise and unsafe. The risk of infection, internal bleeding, and fatal complications are just too great.
Your doctor will either recommend medication or surgery, depending on the circumstances. If the ectopic pregnancy has been caught early enough and you’re not experiencing internal bleeding, the least invasive option is medication.
A cancer drug is used to target the tissue and stop it from growing. Your body will naturally absorb the rest. Blood tests will be performed while you’re on this medicine to make sure the issue is resolved safely.
If your fallopian tube is damaged or has ruptured, surgery is the best option. Doctors usually choose the least invasive methods. But open surgery is a last resort when there has been more widespread hemorrhaging.
Treatment Options in a Post-Roe World
Depending on where you live, you may be concerned about changing treatment options. And you’re not alone. Many doctors and their patients are unsure how new laws affect their healthcare options.
If you live in a state that has banned abortions, can you still get help for an ectopic pregnancy? Most likely, yes! Here’s why you’re able to in many states, still:
Terminating an ectopic pregnancy is not legally considered an abortion in most states. So abortion bans cannot likely prevent you from accessing this life-saving treatment. Ectopic pregnancy treatments are different from abortions.
Even in places where the laws on the books ban abortions, there are often exceptions when the patient’s life is at risk, which is certainly the case with an ectopic pregnancy.
However, some state might have had trigger laws in place that could make some medical treatments for ectopic pregnancies (and other life-threatening reproductive conditions) illegal – make sure you know what’s currently legal and safe in your state.
Why Doctors and Patients Worry
Many doctors are concerned for several reasons. These laws are new and still changing. They are healthcare providers, not legal experts. Some may not understand the specifics of the new laws and what they can and cannot do. Others are afraid of lawsuits or overzealous law enforcement.
All medical professionals make their patients’ well-being a priority. But many are also understandably concerned about the risk to their practice and medical license if they find themselves on uncertain legal grounds.
And patients may worry about doctors holding back treatment options out of fear. So what can you do?
Take Control Back Over Your Health Decisions
Even if you’re not pregnant or don’t have plans to be - have a frank discussion with your doctor about these topics. Make sure you feel comfortable with their understanding of current laws and their willingness to stand up for your rights.
Successful doctor/patient relationships are all about trust. So it’s important to work with healthcare providers that you feel confident and safe with.
Ectopic pregnancy is not the only cause of pelvic pain. Many women experience painful sex or other types of pelvic pain at different times in their lives. Besides working for solutions with their ob-gyn, many find relief working with a sex specialists specifically trained to help with painful sex.
If you’re experiencing sexual pain, you have options. No matter where you live or what laws may change, you have the right to pain relief. I’d love to help you get on the path to healing. Schedule a Strategy Call today to start living with less pelvic pain.
