Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause extremely painful periods and can also make it difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Endometriosis is caused by uterine cells (cells that normally line the inside of the womb) that grow outside the womb. In patients with endometriosis, these cells, like the uterine lining itself respond to the monthly hormonal changes. However, when a woman with endometriosis menstruates, the uterine lining is shed but the uterine tissue outside the uterus remains trapped inside leading to chronic inflammation and adhesions that may damage the tubes and effect the shape of the uterus itself.

Endometeriosis and Fertiliy

Endometeriosis-associated infertiliy is due to: uterine abnormalities, scarring, poorly functioning ovaries, and hormonal irregularities. Western medicine treats endometriosis with drugs or surgery. These drug treatments, like the birth control pill, interfere with conception. Surgeries can be effective but don’t prevent endometriosis from recurring. In fact, most surgery patients have to return to surgery on a regular basis to manage their endometriosis.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture and herbal treatments can reduce endometriosis growth and decrease pain and inflammation. Acupuncture regulates endocrine and the immune function so that the endometrial cells are not encouraged to grow outside the womb. By enhancing your immune function, we will help your body break down clots and masses, and eliminate any existing endometrial cells outside of the uterus. If you have already had laser surgery to treat your endometriosis, acupuncture and herbs can help prevent the recurrence of the disease while you heal so that you will be able to conceive naturally.