The devastating impact of silent endometriosis on fertility
We have heard a lot about how endometriosis effects our fertility, yet there are women that suffer from silent endometriosis. These women have no symptoms, and only find out when they are struggling to conceive.
One in ten women have endometriosis yet it can take an average of eight years for a diagnosis. Some women develop silent endometriosis. This is a type of endometriosis where there are no symptoms of endometriosis, yet scarring and adhesions are still damaging the reproductive area. Silent endometriosis can have a devasting impact on fertility.
The different types of endometrial lesions
In endometriosis, tissue from the endometrium is found in the pelvic cavity. This endometrial tissue bleeds with every menstrual cycle. This blood has nowhere to go, remains in the pelvic region, creating a massive amount of pain and inflammation. The pain can be so severe, women can go to hospital. With this type of endometrial lesions, the immune system tries to stop this bleeding by making scar tissue to cover the site of bleeding. This scar tissue can create lesions where organs can be adhered together.
In silent endometriosis, the lesions no longer bleed. They secrete mucus which coats the organs and block the fallopian tubes. This is also inflammatory. This inflammation may cause issues with fertility. Especially because we are not aware the damage is being done.
Use a multi-modality approach for endometriosis!
The best course of action if you have endometriosis is a multi-modality approach, especially if you are trying for pregnancy.
Surgery is the quickest way to clean up the endometrial lesions and remove scar tissue and adhesions. If you are wanting to fall pregnant, the impact of endometriosis on our reproductive organs and their functioning can be massive. Endometriosis can distort the shape of organs, pull them out of place and decrease their functioning. Once you have had surgery, you can use complimentary therapies to help heal and improve your fertility outcomes.
Chinese herbal medicine and fertility acupuncture can also be used to support your fertility journey through stress relief, increasing blood flow to your reproductive organs and reducing pain and inflammation.
Yoga is also a wonderful tool to help relieve stress and reduce period pain. Restful and restorative Classical womens yoga poses can play a role in supporting your fertility journey. For more information about online fertility yoga please send us a message.
Diet and lifestyle also play a role in inflammation and stress. There are many ideas about diet and endometriosis, however we are all individuals and there is not a one diet that fits all.
There is no one approach to endometriosis. It is a complex condition that often needs a team for support and healing. You can book an appointment at Mei Hua Chinese Medicine Clinic for endometriosis and fertility support here.
