Endometriosis is a common problem that affects many women. Acupuncture is very helpful in treating both the pain and the fertility issues caused by this condition. Endometriosis affects millions of women. Endometrial tissue is located in the uterus but when the presence of this tissue is anywhere outside the uterus it called endometriosis. This condition can cause moderate to severe menstrual pain each month as the tissue outside the uterus becomes “stagnate” and hard to shed. Many women with endometriosis will observe dark/brown blood during her period, heavy bleeding as well as clots. This is because the tissue outside the uterus responds just like the endometrial lining in the uterus but because it is not in the uterus it has a difficult time being expelled from the body. Usually this condition is diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 40, but can begin as young as the teenage years. Although many women have symptoms, 40% of women are symptom-free and don’t even realize they have it. Endometriosis can affect fertility and sometimes this is the only way women come to find out they have the condition.

Western medicine does not have a cure for endometriosis but does offer prescription drugs and laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometriosis and help the pain. The only way to diagnosis the condition is through an exploratory laparoscopy. While the surgery may stop the pain, it doesn’t address the inflammation that occurs throughout the body with each cycle.

Acupuncture points help soothe the pain, reduce inflammation and help reduce the heavy bleeding. The diagnosis of endometriosis in TCM is Blood Stagnation (just how it sounds it means the blood inside the body isn’t free flowing and becomes stagnate). Sometimes there are also heat or cold signs going on in the body. The acupoints selected will treat all of these symptoms as well has help move the blood. In addition, regular acupuncture treatments can restore fertility by helping to create a good environment for conception. Dietary changes can also improve endometriosis- especially by cutting out foods that are known to contribute to inflammation.

New studies are concluding that acupuncture does improve clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates for women receiving IVF (in vitro fertilization). In another recent study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, it was concluded that acupuncture helps to prevent egg implantaton failure.

There is plenty of research out there to support acupuncture’s ability to improve fertility but articles fail to mention acupuncture also helps with all the stress and anxiety that forms around trying to conceive. If you are struggling to conceive and are overwhelmed you should consider coming in for a consult. Not only can acupuncture help with any issues your may be experiencing during your cycle but it can help you return to a calm state. Studies show too much anxiety and stress effects the hypothalamus which in turn can prevent pregnancy. In addition, it is really important to have your partner be treated as well. Visit our page on fertility here to find out more on how acupuncture may be able to help with conception.