Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder that affects numerous women throughout their reproductive years. The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown. The condition itself involves the endometrium (cells along the uterine cavity) that develops outside of the uterus often on the fallopian tubes, bowel, ovaries and pelvic tissue linings. Around half of infertile women have endometriosis. The causes are not yet fully understood. Overall, endometriosis can have a negative effect on the fertility of women in a number of ways.
It is assumed, that in endometriosis the rhythmic movement of the uterine musculature is disturbed, so it´s more difficult for the sperm cell to find its way to the egg. This makes conception more difficult. Due to inflammation either conception is hindered or a fertilized egg is not properly implanted into the uterine lining. Adhesions in the region of the ovaries or fallopian tubes can interfere with the egg maturation, or prevent the egg from migrating into the uterus. An unusually painful period that interrupts your regular lifestyle can be a sign of endometriosis
Here are some of the most common ways to treat endometriosis:
1. Hormone Therapy
Since hormones make endometriosis patches experience a cycle much like a menstrual cycle, hormone therapy can be an effective way to treat endometriosis symptoms. Also, your pain perception may be changed by a number of hormones. Essentially, hormone therapy stops the ovaries from making hormones, such as estrogen, and typically prevents ovulation. Therefore, this could potentially help slow down the activity and growth of both the endometrial and endometrium lesions overall.
If your symptoms are somewhat mild, pain medications may work for you. These types of medications vary from strong prescriptions to OTC (over the counter) pain relievers. Common pain relievers frequently include NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) along with opioids, which are strong pain medications that directly interact with your nervous system.
3. Surgical Treatments
Studies reveal that certain surgical treatments can offer substantial, although short-term, relief from painful endometriosis. Therefore, health care practitioners might recommend surgery in order to effectively treat intense endometriosis pain. During the procedure, your surgeon will find any spots with endometriosis and take a closer look at the degree and size of growth. They may also decide to take out the endometriosis patches during the surgery as well. Prior to having surgery, it’s crucial to completely understand what’s exactly planned during the procedure since some can’t be reversed while others can actually impact the fertility of a woman. For that reason, every woman should have an in-depth discussion with her doctor about every available option prior to making a final decision concerning the treatment.
Natural Fertility Tips
Modifying your lifestyle is one of the best ways to ease endometriosis. This may include changing your daily diet, avoiding key pollutants and balancing your hormones. The primary goal is to support the health and function of the endocrine, endometrium and immune systems overall.
For the sake of your fertility, it’s best to create a healthy foundation by making your body more baby-friendly. Specific changes in your diet relative to endometriosis are very important. There are many kinds of foods you’ll want to ideally avoid since they’re linked to worsening endometriosis. Some foods boost hormonal imbalance or increase the congestive nature of endometriosis, while other foods may promote inflammation or trigger flare-ups.
2. Foods to Avoid or Limit
These foods are known to make the condition of endometriosis worse: wheat or gluten, red meat, dairy products, non-organic foods and soy.
3. Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
These kinds of foods should make up the bulk of your daily diet. One study revealed that consuming more red meat increased the symptoms of endometriosis. It also proved that women who consumed green vegetables at least 13 times per week (about twice a day) were nearly 70 percent less likely to experience endometriosis than women who ate them less than six times a week.
4. Why Fiber is Important
One of the main things you can do to help your endometriosis is to add more fiber to your daily diet. Fiber helps your body eliminate excess estrogens. Good fiber sources include beans, dark leafy greens, Swiss chard, broccoli, chia seeds and quinoa.
5. The Importance of Essential Fatty Acids
Consider eating a diet high in essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, work to reduce inflammation throughout the body in order to help alleviate the pain of endometriosis. Omega-3s also help support normal hormonal function. A balanced diet rich in omega-3s and less in trans fatty acids will protect the integrity of your cells.
Because endometriosis is such a complex issue concerning fertility, there are a number of helpful steps you can take in order to heal or at least diminish the impact it can have in general on fertility. Consider the following fertility tips:
1. Avoid over-exposure to environmental toxins.
2. Use organic herbs and quality supplements to support hormonal balance and to build a healthy endometrium.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Limit any foods that contribute to spreading the pain of endometriosis. Choose foods that reduce inflammation and support the metabolism of estrogen.
While the rates of endometriosis can greatly vary, the general consensus is that nearly five to 10 percent of all females suffer from this painful condition. Overall, endometriosis is more common among women with infertility issues than those who are not.