Supportive Treatment for Endometriosis
Endometriosis has become a topic of discussion in recent months, however, it is hardly a new disorder in the world of gynecology. It is a condition that is characterized by unusual and severe pain typically noticed during menstruation or sexual intercourse. Infertility is often a part of the condition as well.
The cause has to do with the misplacement of endometrial cells outside of the uterus. The cells thicken, break down and bleed as they would within the uterus; only in cases of endometriosis, they have no way to exit the body due to their being misplaced.
It is a common disorder, averaging more than 200,000 cases per year and most often occurs between the 25 and 35 years of age. Treatments often include hormonal therapy, although laparoscopic surgery is necessary in some instances. Of course, a primary aim of treatment is not only to better control the hormones that are responsible for the buildup of endometrial cells, but also to manage the severity of pain until a proper balance of these hormones can be established within the body.
With regards to pain, a study published in the Journal of Pain Research concluded that can often aid as a supplemental therapy in minimizing the severity of pain associated with endometriosis. An analysis found that acupuncture appeared to reduce disabling pain and also helped to mediate stress and analgesic intake. This ultimately resulted in an improved quality of life for participants and enabled them to return to normalcy having had their sense of well-being restored.
It is important to discuss any supplemental therapies with your primary care physician, a specialist in treating your condition, and a license practitioner of acupuncture prior to adding it to your treatment regimen. Every case is specific to the individual and therefore a careful approach to formulating a treatment plan for your unique needs is of utmost importance in achieving the best outcomes possible.
If you feel acupuncture might be right for you, contact us for a free consultation.