A Modern Approach to Tackling Women’s Health

This is Post is Sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc. and BlogHer.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending #BlogHer20 Health and some great panels that focused on women empowerment and modern health. I flew out to LA for a long weekend of meditation, relaxation, and lots of learning in my industry. Although I think of myself as a health and wellness blogger, there is always so much for me to learn, and it’s very humbling attending events that are led by such brilliant women in the wellness industry. I have gone through quite a wellness journey over the last ten years, especially with giving birth to my son. Although I was able to have a natural birth without any complications, many women have C-sections during childbirth which can come with lots of pain postpartum. 

Did you know that C-sections are the most common surgery in the United States? Women are key health care decision makers – not only for themselves but also for their families. It’s so important, now more than ever, for women to open a dialogue with their healthcare providers when it comes to pain management. This not only goes for C-sections but also orthopedic procedures, oral surgeries, and women’s health procedures including breast reconstruction. With all of these procedures comes pain, and women especially need to weigh all of their options before deciding on their pain management plan following surgery.

Women are 40% more likely than men to become persistent users of opioids following surgery. Although that number surprised me, it also made sense. We, as women, are pushed by society to wear all of the hats. Women are often CEOs and “Chief Medical Officer” of the household. They not only take care of themselves, but they are typically the primary caregivers for their children, their spouse, and often their parents. Following my last surgery, I felt the need to get back to normal as soon as possible, so I could continue to do all of the things, from taking care of my home to getting back to work. It’s no surprise that these 40% of women continue to take opioids three to six months after their procedures.

Although indeed, opioids were once considered the best pain management following surgery, we are now seeing potential dangers of these powerful medications. The opioid epidemic has created a heightened awareness around the types of medications people are taking to manage pain, as well as the volume of pills being prescribed by doctors following a surgery. It’s always important to talk to your health care providers before delivery or any surgical procedure to discuss all pain management options. Looking for another option to discuss? EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is a medication that helps control your pain after surgery to help with your recovery and could eliminate the need for opioids. 

EXPAREL works in your body exactly where you had surgery, unlike opioids that affect the whole body. This way, you know that you are getting pain management right where you need it. During a procedure, the doctor places EXPAREL into the surgical area. EXPAREL contains specially formulated bupivacaine (a type of local anesthetic) that is designed to release into your body over a long period of time for lasting pain relief. Something that I love most about EXPAREL is that it works over time, so you may need fewer doses of other medications, including opioids. 

We all know that everyone experiences pain differently. It’s time that we, as women, open the dialogue with our doctor before procedures to make pain management plans that meet our needs. Use the Surgeon Selector to find a doctor near you who uses EXPAREL! And check out the important safety information here.

Photos provided by BlogHer. Click HERE to read EXPAREL safety information. Important Safety Information: EXPAREL should not be used in obstetrical paracervical block anesthesia. In studies where EXPAREL was injected into the wound, the most common side effects were nausea, constipation, and vomiting. In studies where EXPAREL was injected near a nerve, the most common side effects were nausea, fever, and constipation. EXPAREL is not recommended to be used in patients younger than 18 years old or in pregnant women. Tell your health care provider if you have liver disease, since this may affect how the active ingredient (bupivacaine) in EXPAREL is eliminated from your body. EXPAREL should not be injected into the spine, joints, or veins. The active ingredient in EXPAREL: Can affect your nervous system and your cardiovascular system, May cause an allergic reaction, May cause damage if injected into your joints, Can cause a rare blood disorder.