![]() |
![]() |
Pregnancy Information |
|
![]() |
![]() |
How Endometriosis Affects ConceptionDr. Mike Berkley Endometriosis is a common, yet poorly understood disease. It can strike women of any socioeconomic class, age, or race. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of American women of childbearing age have endometriosis. While some women with endometriosis may have severe pelvic pain, others who have the condition have no symptoms. Nothing about endometriosis is simple, and there are no absolute cures. The disease can affect a womans whole existence--her ability to work, her ability to reproduce, and her relationships with her mate, her child, and everyone around her. What is Endometriosis The name endometriosis comes from the word "endometrium," the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. If a woman is not pregnant, this tissue builds up and is shed each month. It is discharged as menstrual flow at the end of each cycle. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus, usually inside the abdominal cavity. Endometrial tissue residing outside the uterus responds to the menstrual cycle in a way that is similar to the way endometrium usually responds in the uterus. At the end of every cycle, when hormones cause the uterus to shed its endometrial lining, endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus will break apart and bleed. However, unlike menstrual fluid from the uterus, which is discharged from the body during menstruation, blood from the misplaced uterus has no place to go. Tissues surrounding the area of endometriosis may become inflamed or swollen. The inflammation may produce scar tissue around the area of endometriosis. These endometrial tissue sites may develop into what are called "lesions," "implants," "nodules," or "growths." Endometriosis is most often found in the ovaries, on the fallopian tubes, and the ligaments supporting the uterus, in the internal area between the vagina and rectum, on the outer surface of the uterus, and on the lining of the pelvic cavity. Infrequently, endometrial growths are found on the intestines or in the rectum, on the bladder, vagina cervix, and vulva external genitals, or in abdominal surgery scars, Very rarely, endometrial growths have been found outside the abdomen, in the thigh, arm, or lung. Physicians may use stages to describe the severity of endometriosis. Endometrial implants that are small and not widespread are considered minimal or mild endometriosis. Moderate endometriosis means that larger implants or more extensive scar tissue is present. Severe endometriosis is used to describe large implants and extensive scar tissue. What are the Symptoms Most commonly, the symptoms of endometriosis start years after menstrual periods begin. Over the years, the symptoms tend to gradually increase as the endometriosis areas increase in size. After menopause, the abnormal implants shrink away and the symptoms subside. The most common symptom is pain, specially excessive menstrual cramps dysmenorrhea which may be felt in the abdomen or lower back or pain during or after sexual activity dyspareunia. Infertility occurs in about 30-40 percent of women with endometriosis. Rarely, the irritation caused by endometrial implants may progress into infection or abscesses causing pain independent of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial patches may also be tender to touch or pressure, the intestinal pain may also result from endometrial patches on the walls of the colon or intestine. The amount of pain is not always related to the severity of the disease. Some women with severe endometriosis have no pain; while others with just a few small growths have incapacitating pain. Endometrial cancer is very rarely associated with endometriosis, occurring in less than 1 percent of women who have the disease. When it does occur, it is usually found in more advanced patches of endometriosis in older women and the long-term outlook in these unusual cases is reasonably good. How is Endometriosis Related to Fertility Problems Severe endometriosis with extensive scarring and organ damage may affect fertility. It is considered one of the three major causes of female infertility. However, unsuspected or mild endometriosis is a common finding among infertile women. How this type of endometriosis affects fertility is still not clear. While the pregnancy rates for patients with endometriosis remain lower than those of the general population, most patients with endometriosis do not experience fertility problems. We do not have a clear understanding of the cause-effect relationship of endometriosis and infertility What is the Cause of Endometriosis The cause of endometriosis is still unknown. One theory is that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen, where it implants and grows. Another theory suggests that endometriosis may be a genetic process or that certain families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis. In the latter view, endometriosis is seen as the tissue development process gone awry. According to the theory of traditional chinese medicine, endometriosis is a disease which is caused by the stagnation of blood. Blood stagnation may occur due to one or more abortions or lower abdominal or pelvic surgeries. Additionally, engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation may very likely over time cause blood stagnation. Emotional trauma, severe stress, physical or emotional abuse can all lead to the stagnation of blood. Additionally, diet may be a precipitating factor. The constant, long term ingestion of cold foods can congeal blood and thus contribute to the stagnation thereof. Cold foods include raw vegetable, ices, ice cream, ice in drinks, frozen yogurt, etc. Remember, cold congeals. Think about what happens to a normal glass of water when put in the freezer. It turns to ice. The blood is affected similarly. That is to say, it congeals, doesnt flow smoothly and can form endometrial adhesions, chocolate cysts, uterine fibroids. Whatever the cause of endometriosis, its progression is influenced by various stimulating factors such as hormones or growth factors. In this regard, investigators are studying the role of the immune system in activating cells that may secrete factors which, in turn, stimulate endometriosis. In addition to these new hypotheses, investigators are continuing to look into previous theories that endometriosis is a disease influenced by delaying childbearing. Since the hormones made by the placenta during pregnancy prevent ovulation, the progress of endometriosis is slowed or stopped during pregnancy and the total number of lifetime cycles is reduced for a woman who had multiple pregnancies. How is Endometriosis Diagnosed Diagnosis of endometriosis begins with a gynecologist evaluating the patients medical history. A complete physical exam, including a pelvic examination, is also necessary. However, diagnosis of endometriosis is only complete when proven by a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope a tube with a light in it is inserted into a small incision in the abdomen. The laparoscope is moved around the abdomen, which has been distended with carbon dioxide gas to make the organs easier to see. The surgeon can then check the condition of the abdominal organs and see the endometrial implants. The laparoscopy will show the locations, extent, and size of the growths and will help the patient and her doctor make better-informed decisions about treatment. Endometriosis is a long-standing disease that often develops slowly. What is the Treatment While the treatment for endometriosis has varied over the years, doctors now agree that if the symptoms are mild, no further treatment other than medication for pain may be needed. Endometriosis is a progressive disorder. It is my opinion that by not treating endometriosis it will get worse. Treatment should immediately after a positive diagnosis is made. The pain associated with endometriosis can be diminished by using acupuncture and herbal medicine. I have treated many women with endometriosis and have successfully alleviated pain and slowed down growth and recurrence of endometriosis. For those patients with mild or minimal endometriosis who wish to become pregnant, doctors are advising that, depending on the age of the patient and the amount of pain associated with the disease, the best course of action is to have a trial period of unprotected intercourse for 6 months to 1 year. If pregnancy does not occur within that time, then further treatment may be needed. Again, these patients should consider herbal medicine to aid in the process of conception.
| ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | RELATED ARTICLES Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Still Lead A Happy Life “Your cat has feline diabetes.” If this is your vet’s message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it! Factors That Will Affect Sperm Health The Sperm DNA Integrity assay SDIA like the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay Parenting - The Irrational Vocation There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance is involved in feeling that children are more a satisfaction than a nuisance. Why do people bother with parenting It is time consuming, exhausting, strains otherwise pleasurable and tranquil relationships to their limits. Still, humanity keeps at it: breeding. Chinese Pregnancy Traditionally in China, when once people got married, they would immediately get ready for having a baby. That is why symbolic things such as dolls or lotus seeds would be put on the beds of the newly weds on their wedding day so as to bring in the meaning of having a baby as soon as possible. Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can remember feeling so big and unattractive throughout my two pregnancies, and secretly wishing for the pregnancy to be over so that I could have my body back and fit into my normal clothes. It’s sad to say, really, because pregnancy is such a beautiful experience and the fact that you created this little human being that is developing in your body should make you feel wonderful through every step of the way. What is Abuse Violence in the family often follows other forms of more subtle and long-term abuse: verbal, emotional, psychological sexual, or financial. Winning at Post-Natal Weight Loss: Six Simple Strategies for New Moms —Part 3 A healthy pregnancy almost always involves weight gain. But now that baby’s here, you’re probably wishing those extra pounds would hurry up and disappear!While it won’t happen overnight, these six simple tips can help you lose that extra weight in a healthy way.If you’re looking for parts 1 and 2 of this article, you can find them both at http://www.mambomoms.com/articles.html How To Stop Your Cat Spraying The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. You have a problem. But one you can solve. Cheekybrats & Mothers By keeping your baby nearby you and by listening to him and responsively meeting his needs with promptness and love, you will come to know your baby better than any one else ever could. . . you will be the expert on your baby. All the advice in the world wont change what you feel in your heart your baby needs. Go with that feeling. Facts You Should Know About Baby Shower Etiquette Whether you’ve hosted baby showers before or not, chances are you’ve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You want to create a truly special time for the guest of honor without any unintended faux pas. This guide was specially created to help you get there. Biometrics ABSTRACT Low-Carb Dieting During Pregnancy May Benefit Your Baby! As low-carb dieters change there eating habits, it is likely that these habits will stay with them. There is no surprise then that more and more pregnant woman are trying to maintain there low-carb routine during the months of pregnancy. There are new studies being done on low-carb dieting that point to the fat that there may be benefits in the long run for children of low-carb dieting. Help I am Pregnant and an Addict There are a lot of resources on the internet, in books, and from the medical community on the dangers of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.However, there is not very much quality information on what you should do if you have a problem with alcohol or drugs and are pregnant.The simple answer is you need to quit.With all the treatment programs availabele;AA, treatment facilities, therapy, self-control, etc., why wouldnt a women be able to get help.Why would anyone use drugs or alcohol while they are pregnant.Most pregnant moms know or have read that using drugs or alcohol can cause numerous problems for their unborn baby.But there are many reasons women avoid treatment. Triggers of Migraines – Why You Should Know Yours What causes migraines is still somewhat of a mystery. Doctors believe that it has to do with the blood vessels in the head contracting and then expanding. This happens from time to time to most people, but with migraineurs this tends to be more intense and painful. The exact cycle of events taking place in our brains during a migraine attack is still not fully understood. Parenting Starts Before Pregnancy While it may seem farfetched to some people, many of my clients remember what they felt and experienced while still in the womb. Comments such as these are not unusual: Did You POOP Today If you’re like many Americans, constipation is something you’ve experienced.Over 4 million people each year report being constipated. Cases of colon cancer are rising steadily. To understand why you may be suffering, you first need to know exactly what constipation means. When John Wayne died they found 60 pounds of compacted hard fecal matter stuck to the lining of his intestines. Just Diagnosed With a Visually Impaired Child Finding out that your child is blind, partially blind, or has low vision can be a scary experience.Some disorders will be discovered at birth, if the vision impairment has observable characteristics such as cataracts or congenital glaucoma, but many go undetected until the child doesnt meet certain visual milestones.Parents may start to notice that their child does not seem to make eye contact or track bright high contrast items.Children with profound vision loss will often have nystagmus.Nystagmus is an observable condition where the eyes tend to shift back and forth rapidly, giving the appearance of jiggling eyes.There are a few children that are born with normal vision and develop vision loss due to accidents, brain tumors, or severe illnesses.Generally if your child is not meeting typical vision milestones by around three or four months your pediatrician will refer your child to an ophthalmologist.Proper diagnosis cannot be made without a thorough exam from an ophthalmologist. Helping a Friend Through a Miscarriage When you have a friend that has had a miscarriage there is a lot you can do to help her. Many times we are afraid to say anything because we don’t want to say the wrong thing but not saying anything at all can be just as bad. So what should you say and what shouldn’t you say. I have had three miscarriages myself and have heard a lot of things that were just not the right things to say. I have put together a list of things you can say and things you probably shouldn’t. Please be gentle with your friends that are coping with miscarriage. They need your support. Things you should say.Do call her and tell her you are sorry for her loss.Do send her a card or flowers to show you careDo let her talk as much as she needs to or wants to.Do give her a hug to let her know you care.Do offer to help with housework, babysitting or other things that she may not feel up to doing.Do acknowledge her baby.It is okay to say I don’t know what to say or I don’t know how to help. Do call and check up on her. The pain does not go away in a couple days.Give her extra attention. She needs to feel like other people care about what she is going through.Do ask if she wants to talk about it. “Where is America headed to”, New York Millionaire wonders… Hello! Happy new year. May you live a long healthy life and prosper. The Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women When you think of hair loss its natural to assume that its a condition that predominantly affects men. Some experts however suggest that as many as one in four women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives. So why dont we see and hear more about it Perhaps the answer has something to do with one or more of the following: ![]() |
home | site map |
© 2005 |