Studies show Endometriosis severely impacts fertility and affects up to 10-15% of reproductive-aged women worldwide.
Unfortunately, the diagnosis delay is up to 10 years, which only adds to the pain and stress women experience due to this highly sensitive disease.
Explanation Video Link (CLICK LINK TO LOAD)
What is Endometriosis Exactly?
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and discomfort. It causes problems in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis lining because they bleed into these areas where there is no way out of the body. Therefore, the tissue is trapped in the body and causes much pain while severely affecting fertility and pregnancy.
How Does This Condition Affect Fertility?
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on fertility. This disease alters not only the immune system but also the hormonal environment, directly affecting the eggs’ quality. Unfortunately, up to 50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility. Here are some ways it can affect fertility:
- Adhesions: Endometriosis can cause scar tissue and adhesions to form around the reproductive organs, making it difficult for the eggs to move from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes for fertilization.
- Blocked tubes: Endometrial tissue can grow on or around the fallopian tubes, causing blockages that prevent the sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization.
- Hormonal imbalances: Endometriosis can cause hormonal imbalances that can interfere with ovulation, making it difficult for women to conceive.
- Inflammation: Endometriosis can cause inflammation in the pelvic area, which can damage the eggs, sperm, and reproductive organs and make it difficult for women to conceive.
What Are The Most Common Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Women with this condition most often experience pain that increases over time. Here are some of the most common symptoms of Endometriosis:
- Chronic pain in the back and pelvis.
- Excruciating cramps during menstruation.
- Deep pain after sexual intercourse.
- Painful bowels and pain while urinating.
- Infertility
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Endometriosis is also a long-term condition that can lead to more problems. For example, endometriosis growths expand and cause severe swelling in sensitive body areas. These oversized growths can then trap blood in the ovaries to form cysts and create scar tissue that causes problems in the pelvis, bladder, and intestines. When added to the symptoms mentioned earlier, these pains and complications only make it harder to get pregnant.
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests (ultrasound, MRI)
- Laparoscopy (Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without making large incisions in the skin.)
What Is The Cause Of Endometriosis?
There is no conclusive evidence to say what causes Endometriosis, but researchers cite âretrograde menstrual flowâ as the most likely reason. This
implies tissue flows through the fallopian tube and into other body areas during the period. (Retrograde menstruation is when blood from your period flows backward into your abdomen instead of out your vagina). Estrogen also appears to aid endometriosis which suggests the hormone system might be at fault. This disease also runs in families, so genetic factors are believed to play a role in forming the condition. It is also observed that black women are more affected by this disease.
How to Treat Endometriosis?
While there is no cure for this condition, there are several treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Here are some of the treatments for endometriosis:
While there is no cure for endometriosis, some natural treatments may help manage the symptoms and reduce the growth of endometrial tissues. Here are some natural treatments for endometriosis:
- Diet and nutrition: Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of endometriosis. Conversely, a diet high in red meat, dairy, and processed foods may worsen symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Low-impact exercises, such as yoga or swimming, may be particularly helpful.
- Herbal remedies: Some herbs, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce symptoms of endometriosis. However, talking to a healthcare provider before taking any herbal remedies is important, as some herbs may interact with medications or have side effects.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended for women with severe endometriosis who do not respond to other treatments. Surgery can remove the endometrial tissue and reduce pain and discomfort. In some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended by your doctor.
- Alternative therapies: Some women may relieve symptoms with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, or dietary changes.
We hear a lot about the symptoms and medications for endometriosis but not enough about the power of natural supplements. Thereâs a reason why some of the most common drugs originate from plants and nature! Everything needed to heal our body was provided to us by Nature.
In Conclusion, might not know the exact cause of endometriosis just yet, but we do know that this disease negatively affects fertility. Exercise and diet are important, and research supports using natural supplements as a complementary treatment for endometriosis. Natural supplements might not be the only solution for endometriosis, but the benefits of herbal remedies are clear and possibly the difference that will help you overcome this disease.