This March the spotlight is on endometriosis
Perhaps you have just found out that you suffer from endometriosis and are wondering if it will affect your chances of becoming pregnant.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when some of the tissue that usually lines the uterus (endometrium) also grows outside the uterus. This tissue builds up and bleeds during the menstrual period. This internal bleeding, unlike a period, has no way of leaving the body. This leads to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue (adhesions). Endometrial tissue can also be found in the ovary, where it can form cysts, called ‘chocolate cysts’because of their appearance. Depending on the location of the endometriosis it can cause swelling and pain with an increased risk of scarring and blockages, which can reduce a woman’s chance of getting pregnant. Scientific studies have suggested that endometriosis may be a neuro-immune-endocrine related disease.
Will it affect my fertility?
According to Endometriosis UK over 1.5 million women across the UK suffer from endometriosis. Indeed it is a very widespread gynaecological problem. It does not necessarily cause infertility or pain. Endometriosis is categorized as mild, moderate and severe. The extent and severity of the endometriosis does not seem to be affected by the severity of symptoms, indeed many women may have, on examination, severe endometriosis but have no obvious symptoms. Symptoms may include painful periods, heavy and or irregular periods, lethargy, nausea, tiredness or depression. However all these may have other causes, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis from your GP.
Minimal to mild endometriosis is common and you may well have no difficulty conceiving naturally. With increasing severity scar tissue (adhesions) become more likely and the chance of natural conception decreases. There seems to be an association between infertility and endometriosis, but the cause has not been fully established. Indeed even with severe endometriosis, natural conception is still possible. It does, however, appear to make conceiving via IVF more difficult.
How can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture seeks to regulate the functioning of the immune system and increase the flow of energy and blood through the meridians or pathways supplying blood to the body. its also seeks to balance oestrogen levels, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system. Please contact me on 07919 930188 to find book an appointment or to find out more.
