Infertility and Endometriosis

Written by Blueheronclinic.com

Endometriosis as a cause of infertility in women affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide regardless of their ethnic and social background. Many women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed and are therefore not treated.

This is is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body. This condition affects nearly 200 million women worldwide regardless of ethnic or social background and many women remain undiagnosed and without treatment. Endometriosis may cause infertility in some women but the reasons for this are not fully understood.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Pelvic pain - usually accompanied by lower back paiin
• Dysmenorrhea - pain during the menstrual cycle affecting the abdomen and lower back
  
• Dyspareunia - painful sexual intercourse
  
• Dysuria - Frequent, urgent and occasionally painful urination
  
• Infertility - Many women unsucessfully trying to get pregnant may have endometriosis or endometriosis-associated infertiltiy

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Causes of Endometriosis

• Estrogens - Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition and therefore is seen primarily during a woman's reproductive years. Medical treatment is often aimed at lowering estrogen levels in an attempt at controlling the disease.
• Retrograde menstruation - During the menstrual flow, some endometrial debris can exit the uterus through the fallopian tubes and attaches itself to the peritoneal surface (the lining of the abdominal cavity) where it can proceed to invade the tissue as endometriosis.
• Genetics - Hereditary factors may play a role in endometriosis. It is recognized that daughters or sisters of patients suffering from endometriosis are at higher risk of developing the condition themselves e.g. low progesterone levels may be genetic, which may contribute to hormonal imbalances.
• Transplantation - In some patients it may be possible for endometriosis to spread directly. For instance, endometriosis has been found in abdominal incisional scars after surgery for endometriosis. It may also invade different tissue layers, i.e., from the cul-de-sac into the vagina.
• Environment - There is increasing acceptance that negative environmental factors may cause endometriosis, especially exposure to plastics such as plastic containers, bags and cooking with microwave ovens. These factors combined with pesticides and hormones in our foods may contribute to hormonal imbalance in women (and men).

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Treatment options for Endometriosis

Surgery

Conservative therapy consists of the excision (called cystectomy) of the endometrium, adhesions, resection of endometriomas, and restoration of normal pelvic anatomy as much as is possible.[5] There are combinations as well, notably one consisting of cystectomy followed by ablative surgery (removal of endometrium) using a CO2 laser to vaporize the remaining 10%–20% of the endometrioma wall close to the hilus.[41] Laparoscopy, besides being used for diagnosis, can also be an option for surgery.

Modern surgical therapy for endometriosis consists of cystectomy of the endometrium and any adhesions which may be present and restoration of normal pelvic anatomy where possible. Laparoscopy which is often used in diagnosis may also be an option for surgery.

Medication

• Progesterone - This fertility drug counteracts estrogen and inhibits the growth of the endometrium.
• Hormone contraception therapy - Oral contraceptives may reduce menstrual pain associated with endometriosis, they function by reducing or eliminating menstrual flow and providing estrogen support.
• Danazol / gestrinone - These are suppressive steroids which inhibit the growth of endometriosis but their use is limited due to side effects such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and changes to the voice.
• Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone - These agents may cause unpleasant menopausal symptoms in women, and over time may lead to osteoporosis. These drugs may only be used for up to six months at a time. Lupron depo shot is a GnRH agonist and is used to lower the hormone levels in the woman's body to prevent or reduce growth of endometriosis. The injection is given in 2 different doses: a 3 month course of monthly injections, each with the dosage of (11.25 mg); or a 6 month course of monthly injections, each with the dosage of (3.75 mg).[38]

Nutrition

Diet and nutrition play an important role in maintaining healt and fighting disease - Endometriosis is no exception. It is important for women diagnosed with Endometroisis to include balanced nutritious foods in their daily meals.

These foods should include

• Organic Vegatables and fruits
• Organic red meats and wild fish (not farmed)
• Fatty Acids such as flax seed oil, evening primrose oil and walnut oil.
• Green whole-food suppliments such as Organic Spirulina.

Foods to avoid:

• Sugar - Sugar can encourage an acidic environment increasing the inflammatory pain associated with endometriosis
• Wheat - Wheat contains phytic acid and gluten which can aggravate symptoms of endometriosis.
• Soy - As above soy also contains phytic acid - but at a much higher level than wheat.
• Dairy - Dairy foods stimulate production of Prostaglandins which may worsen symptoms. For alternative calcium sources try Spirulina (Spirulina supplies as much calcium as milk).
• Caffene - Consuming high amounts of caffene has been shown to increase Estrogen levels which may trigger Endometriosis.
• Alcohol - Excessive consumption of alcohol puts stress on the Liver's detoxification functions which may lead to hormonal imbalance.

The Blue Heron Clinic uses Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine in the treatment of Endometriosis related infertiltiy in women.