Final answer:
The increased incidence of gallstones in women who are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives is due to hormonal changes that increase cholesterol levels in the bile and reduce gallbladder motility. Gallstones can cause jaundice if they block the bile duct. Additionally, high cholesterol can influence the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increased incidence of cholelithiasis (gallstones) in women who are pregnant or using oral contraceptives can be attributed to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone rise, which relaxes muscles in the body. This relaxation slows down the movement of the gallbladder, meaning that bile sits in the gallbladder longer, potentially leading to the formation of gallstones. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen can increase cholesterol levels in the bile and decrease gallbladder movement, both of which can lead to gallstone formation.
Gallstones are predominantly composed of cholesterol. With high concentrations of cholesterol, gallstones can form and block the bile duct, causing symptoms like jaundice, where bilirubin accumulates and gives a yellow color to the skin and the whites of the eyes. This condition may necessitate surgical intervention, such as a cholecystectomy, to remove the gallstones and alleviate symptoms.