“I have always been afraid of needles but Olivia put me at ease and not only did the acupuncture help me mentally, I also found myself pregnant within weeks of beginning acupuncture treatment without having to undergo IUI.” (Berna)
Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of endometrial tissue (i.e. the lining of the womb) outside of the uterus, for example around the bowel, bladder and ovaries. The symptoms of endometriosis vary and include pelvic pain, painful periods, pre-menstrual spotting, painful sexual intercourse, infertility, diarrhoea, constipation and fatigue.
It is thought that 20-40% of women suffering from infertility have endometriosis and 25% of those undergoing IVF. It is not known exactly how endometriosis causes infertility, but in some cases the endometrial tissue distorts the position of the fallopian tubes or ovaries and endometriosis may also be associated with low progesterone levels and abnormalities in the endometrium that prevent implantation.
The conventional medical treatment options for endometriosis include surgery and hormonal treatments that induce a temporary menopause (along with menopausal symptoms) in the hope that the endometrial tissue will not re-grow in the absence of periods. However, many sufferers of endometriosis find the treatments unpleasant and symptoms are often only temporarily relieved.
Chinese medicine can be used to provide symptomatic relief for endometriosis, making life more bearable, and may improve the chances of conception.