Women On Birth Control Pills Are More Likely To Develop Crohn's Disease

Researchers have been unable to explain the major increase in diagnosed Crohn's disease patients around the world in the last 50 years -- until now.

A study performed by Dr. Hamed Khalili, a Harvard gastroenterologist, tested 230,000 women and found the uprise in Crohn's disease could actually be from popping oral contraceptives, which have been popular in the United States since they were first approved by the FDA in the 60s.

The Telegraph reports that women who use birth control regularly could increase their likeliness of developing Crohn's disease by as much as three times the normal rate.

Crohn's is an incurable disease that causes an inflammatory bowel condition, leading to some pretty awful things like pain, diarrhea and tiredness.

Some scientists say things like eating a low-fiber diet, getting a balanced level of nutrients and practicing things like yoga or pilates can help alleviate the symptoms.

Researchers also note it's not likely a woman on the Pill will develop the disease without having a predisposition in her genetics.

Basically, if the disease runs in your family, you may want to talk to your OB-GYN before going on the Pill.

Citations: Women on the Pill face increased risk of Crohns disease (The Telegraph)