Enter this into the evidence (not a court thing)
ICYMI, two conflicting decisions on access to mifepristone were handed down by judges in Texas and Washington. The Texas judge ordered a hold on the approval of the drug, essentially banning it nationwide. The Washington judge ordered it remain available in 17 states and DC. This will continue to play out and will likely head to the Supreme Court. We’ve got some resources on our Instagram if you want to learn more.
You may hear your doctor talk about basing decisions on your health on evidence-based approaches (more on what evidence-based means in the Medical Term of the Week). One reason that is important is because continuing research may reveal new information.
For example, for years people were reluctant to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to concerns of breast cancer risk. However, research shows the risks and benefits are more complicated, particularly with the different types of HRT and each person’s risk profile.
In the Latest this week, we share news about recent research about starting HRT later and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s.
We share all this to point out that not only does our learning continue as individuals but so does the research and recommendations of the medical community.
The journey continues!
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
Health Screening Rights Under the Affordable Care Act
5 Facts on Head and Neck Cancers
Infertility in the Male Reproductive System
Health Screening Rights Under the Affordable Care Act
Since March 2010, the Affordable Care Act has helped provide more affordable health insurance to more people.
The law includes several rights and protections, but depending on your plan, the rights and protections you have may differ. Here we’re going to cover the general protections you have as they relate to common health screenings you may need.
Recently, a federal judge in Texas ruled that some preventive care services, including some cancer and heart screenings, cannot be provided free of charge. Specifically, the ruling notes that coverage does not have to be provided for any care recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force since 2010. However, items like vaccines, birth control, mammograms and pap smears are all still covered. It's something we’ll be watching closely and will update you on any changes.
Here’s the rundown of screenings, according to healthcare.gov, that are covered for people are pregnant or can get pregnant:
Gestational diabetes
Gonorrhea, syphilis
Hepatitis B
Maternal depression
Preeclampsia
Rh incompatibility
UTIs (urinary tract infections) and other infections
Outside of pregnancy, the ACA also covers screenings for women+ related to the following:
Bone density screening
Breast cancer genetic test counseling (BRCA) for women at higher risk
Breast cancer mammogram
Breast cancer chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk
Cervical cancer
Pap test
Chlamydia
Diabetes
Domestic and interpersonal violence
HIV screening
Tobacco use
Urinary incontinence
We do recommend double-checking all of this in your health plan. If you have an employer-sponsored plan or a non-marketplace plan, coverages may differ.
5 Facts on Head and Neck Cancers
Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, and salivary glands are collectively known as head and neck cancers. They represent about 4% of cancer diagnoses each year.
While these are not the most common cancers, the link to HPV is the reason we felt covering this was important. Add this to the list of reasons to talk to your doctor about vaccination, if you are 45 or under.
Here are your 5 facts:
You probably are not surprised that smoking and chewing tobacco increase risk. But did you also know that sun exposure, vaping, occupational exposure to materials like wood dust or formaldehyde, and infection with the Epstien-Barr virus can increase risk?
Symptoms to look out for include a change in how your voice sounds, white or red areas on your gums or tongue, or a lump on your neck or face.
Treatment varies depending on location and stage. It may include a combination of radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
There is a risk of these cancers spreading to lymph nodes in between 6 months to 3 years.
Who is on the frontline in detecting oral cancer? Your dentist! Ask yours if they are doing a screening and looking for lumps and bumps as well as caring for your oral health.
Infertility in the Male Reproductive System
Wait, isn’t this a newsletter about women’s health?
Well, yes it is. We also know that we have folks of different genders reading and learning.
And fertility is so often seen as a women’s issue (it isn’t). So we’re here talking about infertility in the male reproductive system.
Research shows somewhere between 30% and 50% of difficulty conceiving is due to the “male factor”. This can be anything from low sperm production or function to problems with sexual function.
The medical causes include:
Hormonal imbalances or pituitary gland issues
Structural or ejaculation problems
Antibodies or immune responses that target sperm
Pathological causes like diabetes, prostatitis, or sarcoidosis
There are other causes as well including:
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use or cannabis use
Environmental factors from exposure to toxins
Age and stress
To confirm and diagnose, the first steps are a physical exam, blood tests, and a semen analysis.
If you take nothing away from this piece, it’s that anyone facing fertility difficulties doesn’t need to feel alone or at fault.
Resources to learn more
The Mayo Clinic page on male infertility
What is Male Infertility? from Verywell Health
Johns Hopkins page on male infertility
We also love the work by Frame Fertility and its coaches if you are looking for individual support.
Medical Term of the Week
The terms evidence-based approach and evidence-based practice come up in both medical and non-medical settings. So what does it mean?
In a medical setting, it means practitioners conscientiously integrate their own clinical expertise with the best evidence from research available. As we researched this term, we found that some sources, such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, also include the integration of patient preferences and values into decision-making.
The Latest
Early menopause and the timing of using HRT is linked to Alzheimer’s risk according to a new study published in JAMA Neurology (From Healthline)
With a shortage of mental health providers, we were interested in this opinion piece about cross-state licensure. Why do we have a patchwork system that doesn’t allow great practitioners work across state lines? (From Stat)
Do you think of Uber for your prescriptions? Well, they have a healthcare division that might be a new solution for you. (From Axios)