Acupuncture for Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women worldwide with symptoms that can be debilitating and are often misunderstood. Let's talk about why many are choosing acupuncture for endometriosis treatment.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a complex medical condition where endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus) can be found outside of the uterus. In most cases, the tissue remains within the pelvic cavity, but sometimes it can be found in other areas, like the chest or abdomen. The most common symptom of endometriosis is severe pain.

Endometrial tissue outside of the uterus can wreak havoc on the structures that it becomes attached to. The tissue thickens and bleeds with each menstrual cycle, but because it is outside of the uterus, it is not able to leave the body. This causes inflammation and thick bands of scar tissue to form. This scar tissue can cause pelvic structures to become stuck together and can lead to obstruction of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, bladder disfunction, bowel issues and painful tugging sensations.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis can cause severe pelvic pain or cramping during menstruation, pain during ovulation and pain during sexual intercourse. Some women experience pain more frequently, even on a daily basis. Pain can also occur in other areas, including the low back, abdomen, thighs or chest.

Other symptoms include heavy bleeding during periods, spotting between periods, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, pain with bowel movements, painful or frequent urination, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and even lung collapse when the chest cavity is affected.

Endometriosis can often cause infertility or difficulty becoming pregnant. Endometriomas, often called "chocolate cysts" occur when endometrial tissue becomes attached to the ovaries. These cysts can impair egg development and ovarian function. Inflammation associated with endometriosis can also disrupt implantation and normal placenta development.

Why get acupuncture for endometriosis?

Standard treatments for endometriosis are surgery to remove the lesions, pain medication, physical therapy, hormonal birth control, or medications that suppress ovarian function. Acupuncture is often used as an alternative or complementary therapy. Many women choose to get acupuncture in an effort to avoid surgery or medication, while others choose to get acupuncture to help treat residual pain post surgery or side effects that occur from taking hormone suppressing medications.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis by reducing levels of proinflammatory prostaglandins and triggering the release of neurotransmitters that block pain signals. Acupuncture also improves local blood circulation.

By reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, acupuncture can reduce pain and improve many other symptoms in women with endometriosis. Those who get acupuncture on a weekly basis generally report a reduction in symptoms within the first few months of treatment. Acupuncture is minimally invasive and has little to no side effects making it a popular choice among many who experience this condition.