Endometriosis, Women's Health and Acupuncture

Endometriosis is a complex and often under diagnosed condition in women. Many women experience painful, heavy periods, infertility and problems with urination and bowel movements, and can go years without a diagnosis. Endometriosis is when the uterine lining grows anywhere outside of the uterus- it can grow onto the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, colon, bladder, and even further throughout the body. Conventional treatment is oral contraceptives (birth control pills), other hormone based medication, surgery and/or hysterectomy. Hysterectomies can cause their own host of problems and may or may not even help with symptoms. Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility. It is a major problem in that women also miss a lot of work every month and 40% of women with endometriosis report that it has impacted their career.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be beneficial at helping symptomatic relief in pain, disability as well as improve fertility for those trying to conceive.