Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue (which is the tissue that lines the uterus internally) outside the uterine cavity.
Its prevalence in patients with infertility can reach 47%.
It is also responsible for a considerable deterioration in the quality of life of women, causing discomfort during menstruation, pelvic pain outside the menstrual cycle, pain during sexual intercourse, intestinal and urinary disorders.
The way in which endometriosis contributes to the difficulty in getting pregnant is due to its influence on several levels: deterioration in the quality of eggs, anatomical distortions of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, presence of an inflammatory process and exaggerated activation of the immune system in the follicular fluid environment and peritoneal, causing poor embryonic quality, reduced implantation, changes in ovulation and sperm motility.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of infertility caused by endometriosis seeks to treat disharmonies found in clinical evaluation with the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
First, emphasis should be placed on strengthening Kidney Yang, as its deficiency is related to malabsorption of blood and endometrial tissue found in the peritoneal cavity after retrograde menstruation and changes in the immune system, present in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Second, blood stagnation should be treated if the patient complains of severe menstrual cramps, especially if described as stabbing, presence of menstrual clots, masses or nodules, and identification of endometrial implants by laparoscopy, MRI, or US with preparation. Promote the circulation of Qi, to be able to move this stagnant blood. Also move Liver Qi in case of emotional complaints (stress, anger, resentment) commonly present.
Strengthen spleen-pancreas Qi, if accumulation of mucus is identified, such as low abdominal heaviness pain, tube lumen obstruction by secretions of endometrial lesions and teeth marks on the sides of the tongue.
Anti-inflammatory diet is recommended to "calm down" the immune system, some foods with this function are: ginger, turmeric, kale, oats, red grapes, celery and avocado. And reduce the consumption of red meat, sausages, fried foods, white flour, alcohol and refined sugar. Avoid plastic packaging to store food, as plastic releases pro-inflammatory substances that harm our reproductive hormone axis.
Important note: the only definitive treatment for endometriosis is laparoscopic surgery to remove the lesions. TCM participates as a complementary treatment for infertility and discomfort caused by endometriosis.
Sources:
- Treaty on Assisted Reproduction – Brazilian Society of Human Reproduction.
- Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine - Jane Lyttleton.
- The Infertility Cure - Randine Lewis, Ph.D.
