Invasive lobular breast cancer: Prognosis and statistics

Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common type of breast cancer. It affects the lobules of the breast, which are the structures that contain the glands that produce breast milk. According to the American Cancer SocietyTrusted Source, about 10 percent of people who get invasive breast cancer have invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Approximately 80 percentTrusted Source of people with invasive breast cancer have invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It is the most common type of breast cancer, and it affects the ducts that carry milk through the breast. If a lobular breast cancer is invasive, this means that it has spread beyond the lobule to other parts of the breast. In some people, it spreads beyond the breast tissue into other parts of the body. ILC can develop at any age, but it tends to be more common in older people. Some evidence suggests that using hormonal replacement therapy after menopause may increase the riskTrusted Source. In this article, learn more about the prognosis and survival rates for ILC, as well as how doctors treat the disease. BEZZY COMMUNITY Shared Breast Cancer Stories and More Tap into community conversations discussing breast cancer diagnoses, backed by our powerful BC community. Bezzy BC: empowered by each other. Prognosis Laurent Hamels/Getty Images The prognosis (future outlook) after a cancer diagnosis depends on several factors, including: the size of the cancer whether the cancer has spread and where it has spread to a person’s age a person’s general state of health the effectiveness of the treatment the cancer grade, which measures how abnormal the cells appear at a microscopic level the results of certain markers, including estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu The prognosis also varies depending on the stage of the cancer. A lower number means that the cancer is in an earlier stage, while a higher number means that the cancer has advanced. Survival rate A survival rate can show how many people with the same type and stage of cancer are still living 5 or more years after receiving the diagnosis. These statistics do not take age or overall health into consideration. In general, if doctors diagnose and treat cancer in the early stages, survival rates tend to be higher. If cancer has advanced, for example by spreading beyond the breast tissue, survival rates are likely to be lower. Depending on the stage of breast cancer, the general 5-year survival rates for women are: Stage 0 or 1: nearly 100 percent Stage 2: about 93 percent Stage 3: around 72 percent Stage 4: approximately 22 percent Treatment Doctors can treat ILC in two ways: locally and systemically. Local treatments for ILC target the tumor and the area that immediately surrounds it. These treatments can include surgery, such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, or radiation therapy that directly attacks the cancer. Systemic treatments for ILC attack cancer cells that have spread beyond the breast tissue. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are the two main systemic treatments for ILC. Targeted therapies such as palbociclib or verzenio are often used for advanced stages, particularly stage 4 breast cancer. Depending on how advanced the cancer is, a doctor may recommend a combination of local and systemic treatments. Most invasive breast cancers (even stage 1) can be treated with a combination therapies such as surgery and hormonal therapy or surgery and radiation. An oncologist, or cancer specialist, will help determine the best treatment plan for each person. They will take several factors into account, including the person’s general health and the grade and stage of the cancer.

What causes high testosterone in women?

While testosterone is considered a male sex hormone, females produce small amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands. High levels can be caused by certain conditions and may affect physical appearance and overall health. Together with the female sex hormone estrogen, testosterone plays a role in the growth and maintenance of female reproductive tissue and bone mass. These hormones also influence behavior. In this article, learn about conditions that cause high testosterone in females, as well as about symptoms and treatment. A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms, “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. ‘Normal’ testosterone levels According to the American Urology Association, average blood levels of testosterone in males are at least 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Females secrete much lower amounts, with average levels considered to be between 15 and 70 ng/dL. The level of hormones produced in the body varies each day and throughout the day. However, testosterone levels are generally highest in the morning. Symptoms of high testosterone in females Symptoms of high testosterone in females may include mood changes, a deep voice, thinning hair, and acne. Image credit: iStock Testosterone imbalances in females can affect their physical appearance and overall health. Symptoms of high testosterone in females includeTrusted Source: acne deep voice excess hair on the face and body increased muscle mass irregular periods larger-than-average clitoris loss of libido mood changes reduction in breast size thinning hair Severely high levels of testosterone in females can cause obesity and infertility. Causes of high testosterone in females High testosterone in females is usually caused by an underlying medical condition, such as: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) CAH is the term given to a group of inherited disorders that affect the adrenal glands. These glands secreteTrusted Source the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which play a role in managing metabolism and blood pressure. The adrenal glands also produce the male sex hormones DHEA and testosterone. People with CAH lack one of the enzymes necessary to regulate the production of these hormones, so they secrete too little cortisol and too much testosterone. CAH may be mild (nonclassic CAH) or severe (classic CAH). Symptoms in females includeTrusted Source: deep voice early appearance of pubic hair enlarged clitoris excess body hair facial hair irregular or absent menstrual periods severe acne shorter height as an adult after rapid childhood growth While there is no cure for CAH, most people with the condition can receive treatment that will reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Hirsutism Hirsutism is characterized by unwanted hair growth in females. It is a hormonal condition thought to be linked to genetics. Symptoms include male-pattern hair growth that is dark and coarse. It typically affects the: back chest face In cases of excessively high testosterone, other symptoms will also be present, includingTrusted Source: acne balding deepening voice enlarged clitoris increased muscle mass reduced breast size Home remedies and medical treatments help many people control the symptoms of hirsutism. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects females of reproductive age. It is estimated that PCOS affects between 6–12%Trusted Source of people in the United States. People are not usually diagnosed until they are in their 20s and 30s. However, children as young as 11 years old can be affected. Symptoms of PCOS includeTrusted Source: enlarged ovaries that develop follicles and do not release eggs regularly excess body hair irregular, infrequent, or long menstrual periods PCOS may leadTrusted Source to several health complications, including: depression heart disease infertility miscarriage obesity sleep apnea type 2 diabetes Doctors do not know what causes PCOS, although excess insulin and genetics may playTrusted Source a role.

What is female ejaculation?

Female ejaculation is when a female’s urethra expels fluid during sex. It can happen during arousal, but there is not necessarily an association with having an orgasm. Scientists do not fully understand female ejaculation, and there is limited research on how it works and its purpose. Female ejaculation is normal, although researchers remain divided on how many people experience it. In this article, we look at the current thinking on the mechanisms, purpose, and frequency of female ejaculation. What is it? helivideo/Getty Images Female ejaculation refers to the expulsion of fluid from a female’s urethra during orgasm or sexual arousal. The urethra is the duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. There are two different typesTrusted Source of female ejaculate: Ejaculate fluid This type more closely resembles male semen. It is typically thick and appears milky. The paraurethral glands produce this fluidTrusted Source. Other names for these glands include Skene’s glandsTrusted Source, Garter’s duct, and female prostate. Analysis has shown that the fluid contains prostatic acid phosphatase (PSA). PSA is an enzyme present in male semen that helps sperm motility. In addition, female ejaculate usually contains fructose, a form of sugar. Fructose is also generally present in male semen, where it acts as an energy source for sperm. Squirting fluid This fluid is usually colorless and odorless. It originates in the bladder and is similarTrusted Source in composition to urine. This fluid can sometimes contain PSA, and a person typically expels this fluid in greater quantities than ejaculate. Is it real? Researchers have confirmed the existence and origin of both female ejaculate fluid and squirting fluid. A 2020 reviewTrusted Source concluded that there is “sufficient evidence” to support the existence of female ejaculation, but further research is necessary to assess its chemical composition. Other studies have also confirmed the physical origin of squirting fluid and its ties with physical arousal, A small 2022 studyTrusted Source involved doctors injecting a colored dye into the bladder of several participants before providing sexual stimulation. It was confirmed that the expelled fluid in squirting contained the dye administered. In a 2014 studyTrusted Source researchers used ultrasound to monitor women during self-stimulation. The study found that all the women started with an empty bladder, which began to fill during arousal. The post-ejaculation scans revealed that the participants’ bladders were empty again. Is it normal and how common is it? The secretion of fluids during arousal and stimulation is normal. People may produce different volumes of different fluids depending on circumstance and stimulus. The authors of a 2013 review estimated that 10-54%Trusted Source of women experience female ejaculation. However, it is difficult to fully assess the rate at which people experience it. Some people may secrete fluid during arousal without noticing. It is possible that they are not aware of it because the fluid can flow backward into the bladder rather than leaving the body. What is known is that the experience of female ejaculation, including the feeling, triggers, and amount of ejaculation, varies considerably from person to person. Are there any health benefits? There is no evidence that female ejaculation has any health benefits. However, research has found sex itself to offer several benefits. During orgasm, the body releases pain-relieving hormones that can help with back and leg pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Immediately after climaxing, the body releases hormones that promote restful sleep. These hormones include prolactin and oxytocin. Other health benefits include: relieving stress boosting the immune system protecting against heart disease lowering blood pressure Learn more about the health benefits of sexual intercourse here. Connection to the menstrual cycle It is not clear whether or not there is a link between female ejaculation and the menstrual cycle. Some women say that they are more likely to ejaculate after ovulating and before menstruating, while others do not see a connection. More research is necessary to confirm or refute this association. Connection to pregnancy Some scientists believe that female ejaculate plays a role in pregnancy. They think this because the fluid contains PSA and fructose, which help sperm on their journey toward an unfertilized egg. Others dispute this theory, however. They argue that ejaculate usually contains urine, which can kill sperm. They also say that it is not easy for the fluid to travel from the urethra to the vagina, where it would need to be to play a role in pregnancy. Frequently asked questions Below are some frequently asked questions about female ejaculation. Is female ejaculation the same as squirting? Female ejaculate and squirting fluid are two distinct fluids that originate from different parts of the body. While they are not the same thing, the body may produce one or both in response to similar states of arousal or sexual stimulus. Is there a connection between female ejaculation and the G-spot The G-spot is a colloquial term for an area of the vaginal wall in front of the paraurethral glands. These glands produce female ejaculate during stimulation and arousal. Takeaway Female ejaculation is perfectly normal, and research suggests that it may be common despite people rarely discussing it. Scientists do not fully understand the biological purpose of female ejaculation or how it works. The experience of females who have ejaculated during sex varies co

What to know about dermoid cysts

A dermoid cyst is a sac of cells containing tissues that are usually present on the skin’s surface. They form during fetal development and grow slowly, so a person may not notice them until late childhood or adulthood. Dermoid cysts are usuallyTrusted Source noncancerous, or benign. While doctors do not know exactly why they occur, all dermoid cysts are congenital, meaning a person has them from birth. The cysts may continue to grow slowly, and people need surgery to remove them. A dermoid cyst is a small sac of cells that is present from birth. It is a type of benign tumor. Skin cells grow inside the cyst, complete with hair follicles and glands that secrete sweat and oil. The skin cells inside the cyst grow and multiply just like external ones, but the dead cells and old secretions build up inside. Over time, the cyst grows and can encroach into nearby bones, nerves, or organs. People usually discover most dermoid cysts during childhood before the age of 5 yearsTrusted Source, but they can remain unnoticed until adulthood. Dermoid cysts usually grow in the head, face, and neck region, but they can form anywhere in the body. They appear as dome-shaped lumps just under the skin. MostTrusted Source dermoid cysts occur in the periorbital region, the area around the eye socket. Many people get them along the outer edge of one eyebrow. More rarely, dermoid cysts can grow in the nasal cavities and sinuses. A 2020 studyTrusted Source estimates that around 11% of dermoid cysts in the head and neck area will be in the nasal region. Dermoid cysts can also grow on a person’s ovaries. A 2016 study explains that, although ovarian dermoid cysts are present from birth, doctors may not discover them until the person is 20–40 years old. Rarely, dermoid cysts can growTrusted Source or extend into a person’s brain or spine. ADVERTISEMENT Manage your mental health from anywhere Speak to BetterHelp’s licensed therapists about your mental health by video sessions or live chats to receive ongoing care. Plans start at $60 per week + 10% off your first month. Symptoms The symptoms depend on where the cyst is. MostTrusted Source dermoid cysts grow slowly and appear as a lump underneath the skin. However, if they push against a bone, they can make it grow irregularly. Periorbital dermoid cysts may appearTrusted Source as a painless bump on the eyebrow. The eye area may inflame and swell if the cysts burst or become infected. People with dermoid cysts in the nasal areaTrusted Source may experience swelling and a blocked or runny nose. Most people with ovarian cysts do not experience any symptoms. However, some people may have pain or discomfort in one side of the lower belly area. Symptoms of cysts in the brain or spine vary depending on their precise location. Some people experience: back pain weakness in their limbs persistent headaches Causes Dermoid cysts occurTrusted Source while a fetus is developing. While the fetus is in the embryonic stage, skin cells and structures get trapped in the wrong place and form a cyst. However, doctors and researchers do not fully understand why this happens. Diagnosis Doctors can often diagnose dermoid cysts with a physical exam. Periorbital dermoid cysts tend to look and feel similar and are usuallyTrusted Source on the outer third of the eyebrow. If doctors are concerned about the cyst growing into nerves, blood vessels, or a person’s eye, they may recommend imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan. These tests also help doctors diagnose people with cysts that are deeper in the body, such as the spine or brain. For ovarian cysts, doctors usually perform a pelvic exam or use a transvaginal ultrasound. For this test, doctors insert the ultrasound wand into the person’s vagina to look for any abnormal growths.

Women's Health / Gynecology

What is Oriahnn? Oriahnn is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors on the uterus). Oriahnn is used in adults who haven’t gone through menopause. Oriahnn should not be used for more than 24 months because of the risk of bone loss. (For more information on bone loss, refer to the “Oriahnn side effects” section below.) Drug details Oriahnn contains three active drugs: elagolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate. Elagolix belongs to a group of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. Estradiol is a type of estrogen hormone, and norethindrone acetate is a type of progestin hormone. Oriahnn lightens your periods by lowering the sex hormone levels in your body. Oriahnn comes as two separate capsules that you swallow. Each capsule is taken at a different time each day. The white and yellow capsule contains 300 milligrams (mg) of elagolix, 1 mg of estradiol, and 0.5 mg of norethindrone acetate. You’ll likely take the white and yellow capsule once per day in the morning. The white and blue capsule contains 300 mg of elagolix. You’ll likely take the white and blue capsule once per day in the evening. FDA approval In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Oriahnn to treat heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids. Effectiveness To learn about the effectiveness of Oriahnn, refer to the “Oriahnn uses” section below. Oriahnn side effects Oriahnn can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Oriahnn. These lists don’t include all possible side effects. For more information about the possible side effects of Oriahnn, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Oriahnn, you can do so through MedWatch. Mild side effects Mild side effects of Oriahnn can include:* fatigue headache hot flashes† abnormal uterine bleeding,† such as spotting or bleeding between periods Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. * This is a partial list of mild side effects from Oriahnn. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Oriahnn’s prescribing information. † For more information about this side effect, refer to “Side effect details” below. Serious side effects Serious side effects from Oriahnn aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include: Gallbladder disease. Symptoms can include: dark-colored urine fever jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes) loss of appetite nausea and vomiting sudden abdominal (belly) pain Hypertension (high blood pressure). This condition doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. High blood sugar. Symptoms can include: feeling more thirsty than usual urinating more often than usual High cholesterol. This condition doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. Liver problems. Symptoms can include: dark-colored urine fatigue jaundice nausea and vomiting upper-right abdominal pain Hair thinning or hair loss, which may or may not be reversible Allergic reaction.* Blood clots and blood vessel disorders,*† such as heart attack or stroke. Bone loss.* Mood changes, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.* * For more information about these side effects, refer to “Side effect details” below. † Oriahnn has a boxed warningTrusted Source for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, refer to “Side effect details” below. Side effect details You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause. Allergic reaction As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Oriahnn. Some people may have an allergic reaction to the drug itself. Other people may have a reaction to a certain ingredient in Oriahnn called yellow No. 5. (To learn more, refer to “Can I take Oriahnn if I’m allergic to food coloring, food dyes, or aspirin?” under “Common questions related to Oriahnn” below.) It isn’t known how many people in clinical trials had an allergic reaction to Oriahnn or yellow No. 5. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: skin rash itchiness flushing A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include: swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat trouble breathing Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Oriahnn, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Blood clots and blood vessel disorders In some people, taking Oriahnn can increase the risk of developing blood clots and blood vessel disorders, such as heart attack or stroke. Oriahnn has a boxed warningTrusted Source for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. Certain people may have a higher risk of developing blood clots or blood vessel disorders with Oriahnn. This includes people older than age 35 years who smoke. It also includes people who have obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or unmanaged hypertension (high blood pressure). Blood clots Taking Oriahnn can raise your risk for blood clots. Types of blood clots that could occur with Oriahnn include: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot in the lungs retinal vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the retina (a layer of tissue in the back of your eye) Symptoms of DVTs and PEs may include pain in your arm, chest, or leg, or swelling in your leg or arm. You could also experience trouble breathing or warmth in the affected area. Symptoms of a blood clot in the retina may include bulging eyes, double vision, migraine. Symptoms also include sudden vision changes in one eye, such as loss of vision or blurry vision. In clinical trials, adults were given either Oriahnn or a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) to treat their heavy menstrual bleeding. Of the people taking Oriahnn: 0.2% had a DVT after taking Oriahnn for 30 days 0.2% had a PE after taking Oriahnn for 8 months It isn’t known how many people who took a placebo had a DVT or PE. In addition, it isn’t known how many people had a blood clot in their retina after taking Oriahnn or a placebo. If you’re concerned about your risk for blood clots while taking Oriahnn, talk with your doctor. Heart attack Oriahnn treatment may increase the risk of a heart attack. The percentage of people who may have had a heart attack while taking Oriahnn in clinical trials isn’t known. Symptoms of a heart attack include a tightness, squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest that may spread to your neck, back, or jaw. If you’re concerned about your risk for a heart attack during your Oriahnn treatment, talk with your doctor. Stroke Taking Oriahnn may raise the risk of a stroke. The percentage of people who may have had a stroke while taking Oriahnn in clinical trials isn’t known. Symptoms of a stroke include: severe headache trouble seeing, speaking, or walking weakness in one side of your face, one leg, or one arm If you’re concerned about your risk for a stroke while taking Oriahnn, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy Can Be Anxious Time for Women With Epilepsy

"The good news is we did not find that pregnant women with epilepsy were any more likely to have episodes of major depression than the other two groups," said study author Dr. Kimford Meador, a professor of neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "However, these results underscore the importance of regularly screening pregnant women with epilepsy for any signs of depression or anxiety and providing effective treatment," he said. The new study included 331 women who were pregnant and had epilepsy, 102 pregnant women without epilepsy, and 102 women who had epilepsy but were not pregnant. Researchers met with the pregnant women during each trimester, near their delivery and every three months until nine months afterward, screening them for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. The researchers met with the women who were not pregnant at comparable time points. They found that pregnant women with epilepsy were more likely to have symptoms of depression during pregnancy than the women with epilepsy who were not pregnant. After giving birth, they were more likely to have depression symptoms than both other groups. During pregnancy, the women with epilepsy had an average score of 7 on a test of depression symptoms, compared to an average score of 6 for pregnant women without epilepsy. Women who were not pregnant but had epilepsy had an average score of 5. A score of 10 or higher shows mild mood disturbance. Compared to both other groups, pregnant women with epilepsy also had more symptoms of anxiety. On a test of anxiety symptoms, they scored a 6, while the other groups scored a 5. A score of 8 or more indicates mild anxiety. The investigators found no evidence of major depression, but they did identify risk factors. They included more than one seizure in the past three months; taking more than one epilepsy drug; having an unplanned pregnancy, and a history of mood disorders. The findings were published Aug. 17 in Neurology. "Depression is often under-recognized in people with epilepsy, yet we know that effective management of depression can improve people’s quality of life and their overall outcomes for epilepsy treatment, so women with epilepsy should be monitored closely during pregnancy and evaluated when they are thinking about planning a pregnancy," Meador said in a journal news release. The researchers noted that the study had several limitations. It did not include enough women to fully evaluate the impact of individual epilepsy medications on symptoms of depression and anxiety. In addition, they said participants may not have recalled symptoms that occurred between study visits.

Pregnancy and Body Image in a Post-Roe World

My friend Heather was recently describing her experiences after the birth of her first child: “Every day was overwhelming. It was like taking a test I hadn’t studied for over and over again. Meanwhile, everyone seemed to think my life should go back to ‘normal’ immediately. I should go back to work, sleep through the night, and my body should return to its pre-baby form. None of that was happening for me, and it was depressing.” Portrait of young pregnant woman standing by the window (GETTY IMAGES) There are times during women’s lives that involve dramatic physical changes, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal changes are implicated in all of these physical transformations, but the experiences of growing a fetus during pregnancy, delivering a baby and nursing a child can take an especially far-reaching toll – emotionally and physically. Body Dissatisfaction After Pregnancy Research suggests that body dissatisfaction often dominates the postpartum experience. On the one hand, this probably seems completely commonsensical, while on the other, our cultural dialogue about “getting your pre-baby body back” seems to dominate discussions of pregnancy and women’s bodies suggesting that postpartum body dissatisfaction is a simple problem to solve. Women report a great deal of concern about stretch marks, changes to their breasts and overall weight gain associated with pregnancy. These concerns are not merely superficial. One recent study even suggests that poor body image is often associated with depression postpartum. My friend may have felt like she was the only one not living up to social expectations postpartum, but the research suggests otherwise. [ READ: What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? ] Breastfeeding and Disordered Eating Further, women who are dissatisfied with their bodies are more likely to stop breastfeeding before six months and report more embarrassment about breastfeeding. In some of my own research, my colleagues and I found that women with more body image concerns were not only likely to stop breastfeeding but also engage in disordered eating. All of this research suggests that the consequences of women’s body dissatisfaction postpartum may affect not just women but also their children. I’ve been thinking about all of this a lot in the last few weeks as the realities of a post-Roe world settle in. There are many physical and mental health challenges and complications associated with pregnancy. Although past research examining links between body image and pregnancy do not tend to ask women if they desired their pregnancies, it's likely that women who agree to participate in such research were glad to be pregnant and have a child. And yet, many of these women struggled with their body image and this had real consequences for their mental and behavioral health. [ READ: Natural Birth Control Methods: Do They Work? ] The Physical Changes of Pregnancy One of my former students, Lily, shared that she was surprised that books about motherhood gloss over all the physical changes associated with pregnancy. She joked that being told to view stretch marks as a badge of honor is not especially helpful. Lily told me that the messaging about, “getting your pre-baby body back” felt so toxic to her that it really contributed to her dislike of being pregnant and her postpartum body dissatisfaction. Of course, the experience of pregnancy doesn’t always leave women dissatisfied with their bodies. I know more than one woman who felt empowered by her pregnancy and valued her body less for what it looked like and more for what it was capable of postpartum – even while in the throes of sleep-deprivation. My friend Katie was trying to get pregnant with her second child when she learned that she had breast cancer. What followed was (successful!) cancer treatment, IVF and eventually a second son. Those years were scary, but the desire to be around to parent her son and have another child were ever-present. Today, she is so grateful for all that her body has been able to withstand and the two boys that she adores. But even she will admit that it’s hard not to wish for her pre-baby body. [ READ: How to Find a Good Fertility Clinic. ] The Consequences of Unintended Pregnancies It’s difficult to imagine how unintended pregnancies – in some cases, the result of incest or rape – that women are forced to carry, will not have devastating consequences for women’s body image and their mental health in general. There’s a lot women can’t control when it comes to their ability to get pregnant, to carry a pregnancy to term, to deliver a healthy child and to physically and psychologically recover from these experiences. Women deserve body autonomy when it comes to deciding to embark on this journey.