I don’t normally frequent this forum on LPSG, unless I’m researching and think the subject my have been topical here, but I’ve never become involved in any of the discussions; being unqualified and feeling I’d be intruding. However, the reason I write now regards a topic, ‘The pill,’ which helped influenced a decision I made back in the early 70’s.
On a recent TV program here in the UK there was an article on breast cancer and the growing number of cases. The program’s doctor said that women over 50 were particularly at risk, hence the screening program and went on to say that one of the main contributing factors was lifestyle, including diet and the amount of exercise taken. Another factor was that woman over 50 produce more oestrogen.
Looking back to the early 70’s there was a lot of controversy surrounding the pill with links made to thrombosis and other problems that affected woman, differently. Also, nobody knew of the long term implications for those taking the pill, or for future generations born after women, having taken the pill for some time, came off it to raise their families. Because these and other questions couldn’t be answered, or answered satisfactorily, I opted for a vasectomy. This was also new and revolutionary around that time, but at least I knew the only one being affected would be me and any problems resulting from the op were less severe. There was also ongoing contraception to be considered and it took the responsibility away from my wife, plus having fathered two fine children I felt moral obliged to have no more. In other words I was content, but couldn’t guarantee my wife wouldn't become broody while later holding some other’s new born and consequently, make a rash decision that might later be regretted!
But I digress: The main constituent of the pill was oestrogen, they were loaded with it; one of the very things the good doctor said contributed to breast cancer, especially in the over 50’s who undoubtedly would have had access to the pill in the 70’s?
Am I the only one to make this association, or am I deluding myself in order to justify my fears and subsequent actions all those years previous?
On a recent TV program here in the UK there was an article on breast cancer and the growing number of cases. The program’s doctor said that women over 50 were particularly at risk, hence the screening program and went on to say that one of the main contributing factors was lifestyle, including diet and the amount of exercise taken. Another factor was that woman over 50 produce more oestrogen.
Looking back to the early 70’s there was a lot of controversy surrounding the pill with links made to thrombosis and other problems that affected woman, differently. Also, nobody knew of the long term implications for those taking the pill, or for future generations born after women, having taken the pill for some time, came off it to raise their families. Because these and other questions couldn’t be answered, or answered satisfactorily, I opted for a vasectomy. This was also new and revolutionary around that time, but at least I knew the only one being affected would be me and any problems resulting from the op were less severe. There was also ongoing contraception to be considered and it took the responsibility away from my wife, plus having fathered two fine children I felt moral obliged to have no more. In other words I was content, but couldn’t guarantee my wife wouldn't become broody while later holding some other’s new born and consequently, make a rash decision that might later be regretted!
But I digress: The main constituent of the pill was oestrogen, they were loaded with it; one of the very things the good doctor said contributed to breast cancer, especially in the over 50’s who undoubtedly would have had access to the pill in the 70’s?
Am I the only one to make this association, or am I deluding myself in order to justify my fears and subsequent actions all those years previous?