Medical Abortion: A Woman’s Choice

Abortion has always been a controversial topic. There are very compelling arguments for both sides from all walks of life and professions. Some feel that ending the life of a fetus is still ending a life and it should be a very difficult decision to make and never to be taken lightly. Others feel that women have the right to decide what to do with their own bodies and sometimes bringing a child into a bad life situation will only do the child more harm than good. As a healthcare professional, whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, you are first and foremost pro-patient care.

Mifegymiso is a combination of two pills taken sequentially to induce a medical abortion up to 49 days into pregnancy. It was approved for use in Canada July 2016 but was only available to Canadian women in January 2017 whereas combination drugs of this nature have been available in over 60 countries for several years now. It is important to note that although medical abortion is more accessible and convenient than surgical abortion, it is does not carry less risk. Both methods have risks but if used correctly, this treatment will help so many women exercise their right to choose.

For more on information on this topic make sure to read my eNewsletter coming out soon. Even though it is a grim subject it is so important to educate ourselves on all options for women and learn to not judge or discriminate against people whether you are pro-choice or pro-life.

“If you’re against abortion, don’t have one”

-Unknown

Keep an open mind and an open heart. Take care!

-Mena

Power over Your Period!

For some girls getting their first period is a rite of passage into womanhood while for others it’s an uncomfortable thing that happened that no one talked about. Lots of changes happen to your body once you start your period and many women have questions and concerns about their period but the right information is hard to find sometimes. Also, some women may find it embarrassing to ask these kinds of questions and therefore prefer to ignore them. Regardless of how you feel about your period every woman should have access to the right information so she can understand her body. Knowledge is power and you’re about to gain a whole lot of power over your period!

1. Estrogen and progestin are the two main hormones that control your menstrual cycle
2. Period cramps occur because during your period your uterus contracts to cause the bleeding of your period.  This tightening of the uterus is also what causes the painful cramps
3. Having been pregnant and birthed a child reduces your risk of having menstrual cramps
4. PMS goes away once you get your period
5. Smoking is a huge risk factor for having PMS
6. Midol® isn’t effective for menstrual cramps or PMS
7. The time in your cycle that you are most likely to get pregnant is about 9-14 days into your cycle, if your cycle is 28 days. (Day 1 of your cycle is the day you get your period)
8. It is possible to get pregnant while you’re on your period but the chance is not as high as on other days
9. Douching is not good for vaginal health
10. When you have not had your period for a full uninterrupted 12 months and you are otherwise healthy, then you are officially in menopause

Read my MedSchool for You program “Let’s Talk about Your Period” when it’s released in the near future, but for now here are the top 10 facts about your menstrual cycle and everything else that goes with it.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. My we raise them.”

-Unknown

Thanks for reading. Until next time!

Mena