Can Acupuncture Help Fertility in Those Who Have Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterised by growth of endometrial tissue in sites other than the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic cavity, but also in other parts of the body (RCOG 2006).
This ectopic tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, with subsequent bleeding, inflammation, and pain. Common symptoms include dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, non-cyclical pelvic and abdominal pain, and subfertility (RCOG 2006). The condition may also be asymptomatic. The prevalence is estimated to vary from 2-22% of women and, in women with dysmenorrhea, the incidence of endometriosis is 40-60% (Johnson 2007).
The cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several factors are thought to be involved in its development. These include retrograde menstruation, embryonic cells giving rise to deposits in distant sites around the body, an abnormal quantity or quality of endometrial cells, failure of immunological mechanisms, angiogenesis, and the production of antibodies against endometrial cells (Gazvani 2002, Rock 1992, Seli 2003, Kyama 2003, Oral 1996).
Pain due to endometriosis can be functional, neuropathic, due to inflammation, or it may result from a combination of these, and it is often poorly managed. Endometriosis sufferers can also become hyper-sensitive to pain via a mechanism of central pain amplification. This further compounds the symptoms. Acupuncture treatment helps to reduce pain, manage stress, inflammation, and also plays a role in immune system modulation and hormone regulation.
The British Acupuncture Council cites evidence to support acupuncture as an effective treatment for endometriosis, and its mechanism is thought to be via providing pain relief and reducing inflammation.
Infertility can be a symptom of endometriosis, but that doesn't mean that having a healthy baby is impossible. A little help may be required, possibly via IVF but not always. Acupuncture is worth serious consideration as an adjunct therapy here.
If you would like to discuss how acupuncture could help you with fertility and endometriosis, please get in touch to arrange a complimentary 15-minute discovery call.
References
Gazvani R. Templeton A. Peritoneal environment, cytokines and angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Reproduction 2002; 123(2): 217-26.
Johnson N, Farquhar C, 2007. Endometriosis. Clinical Evidence. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. www.clincalevidence.com
RCOG, 2006. The investigation and management of endometriosis. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. https://www.rcog.org.uk
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