The month of March marks National Endometriosis Awareness Month and provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about a disorder that affects 1 out of 10 women during their reproductive years (ages 15 to 49) and an estimated 176 million women worldwide. In the United States alone, over 5 million women suffer from endometriosis and is the most common amongst women in their 30s and 40s. Here we take a closer look at this chronic disorder and one of the biggest contributors to infertility today.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. When a woman suffers from endometriosis, it is most commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, the area between the vagina and the rectum, the outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other less common sites for endometrial growth include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, in abdominal scars.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis Include:
- Pain before, during, or after menstrual periods
- Painful bowel movements and urination during periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Lower back, abdominal, or pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Fatigue
- Frequent yeast infections
- Gastrointestinal upsets, i.e. diarrhea, constipation, nausea
Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment
While there is no known cause for endometriosis, there are several factors that may be associated with the disorder such as genetics, starting menstruation at a young age, and exposure to environmental toxins like the chemical dioxin (TCCD). Another theory believed to cause endometriosis is retrograde menstruation in which during menstruation, the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian, implants in the uterus, and grows.
Some women with endometriosis experience frequent and severe pain, an obvious indication that there is a problem. On the other hand, some women have little to no symptoms and learn they have the disorder while trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. Endometriosis is one of the top three conditions associated with female infertility and about 30 to 40 percent of women with the condition cannot get pregnant on their own.
Diagnosis is typically considered uncertain until proven by a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia that shows the size and location of the endometriosis. It is one of the most common treatments to remove endometrial tissue, especially for women trying to conceive. During this procedure, a surgeon will insert a camera through a small incision near the navel. Should any endometriosis be present, the surgeon will attempt to remove all endometrial tissue through another small incision. If the laparoscopy proves to be ineffective, further treatment options may need to be considered such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Daniel R. Christie, M.D., is author of this blog and subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He is based out of the IVF Miami office and highly skilled in the areas of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). To schedule a consultation with Dr. Christie, please request an appointment at one of our IVF Florida locations.
Resources: www.endometriosis.org, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/home/ovc-20236421, http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html
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Dr. Daniel Christie IVF FLORIDA at 27 Mar 2017
Aw, sweet, romantic February, a month where we take time to celebrate matters of the heart with roses, candlelight and heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. So it should come as no surprise that the American Heart Association chose February for matters of the heart, too – albeit literal cardiac matters – designating February "American Heart Month."
And remembering to focus on your own heart health during your fertility journey – and not just February – is also just as important.
With heart disease as the leading cause of death for American men and women, it’s critical to take charge of your health and adopt new, heart-healthy practices that can not only help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, but can also help to ready your body to sustain a healthy pregnancy and family.
So as you focus on your fertility, you should also (re-) commit yourself to a heart-healthy lifestyle and to making the small changes that will help lay the foundation for a lifetime of health. Here are few ways to achieve heart-focused preconception health:
- Diet: Nutrition is vital to your health, and the healthier you are, the healthier your pregnancy could be. Be sure to include lean proteins, low glycemic index carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can also include some prenatal supplements – with the guidance of your health care provider – to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
- Sleep: Adequate amounts of rest revitalize us and help maintain the natural rhythm of menstrual cycles and hormone levels. Moreover, studies have linked poor sleep quality to an increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease.
- Exercise: Start – or continue – exercising. With the help and guidance of your health care provider, determine if you want to lose or gain weight, build muscle, or improve lung capacity. Yoga is an excellent choice as it’s a calming, centering exercise, and because it incorporates posture, breathing and concentration, it can also prove beneficial during labor.
When we’re trying to conceive, we narrow our focus and train all of our attention on our fertility and any subsequent issues. Our minds become highly attuned as we try to make the best possible decisions for ourselves and the life we so long to conceive.
So this month, make the commitment to nurture yourself from the inside out by taking small, actionable heart-healthy steps that will yield big results one day soon!
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IVF FLORIDA at 21 Feb 2017
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to conceive this year, IVF FLORIDA’s Dr. Barrionuevo can help! Below he shares a list of superfoods that could boost your fertility.
While we all know that diet and exercise help keep our bodies healthy, and healthy bodies are essential for achieving pregnancy, did you know that there are some foods that could help boost your fertility? Add some (or all) of these to your diet this year to potentially improve your changes:
- Flax seeds contain Omega 3 and 6, which help balance hormones. Add this to a fruit smoothie, or your morning bowl of cereal or oatmeal.
- Dark leafy greens contain folic acid, which can prevent birth defects and help keep eggs and sperm healthy. Add these to your salads or sandwiches.
- Carrots have beta-carotene, which studies suggest could increase sperm motility.
- Iron-rich foods. Women lose their iron reserves every month during menstruation, but iron is vital for ovulation and keeping eggs healthy. Try adding pumpkin seeds or oysters to your diet for an iron boost.
- Vitamin C not only helps you absorb iron, it can regulate the menstrual cycle for women and increase sperm count for men. Add kiwi and bell peppers to your diet if you don’t want to take a supplement.
On the other hand, there are some foods that you should consider omitting from your diet for optimal fertility.
- Trans fats can raise your LDL cholesterol and lower your HDL cholesterol, which could affect ovulation.
- Caffeine is a debated topic when it comes to its affects on fertility. Some believe that a lot of caffeine can interfere with implantation in the uterus, so it is best to limit your caffeinated beverage intake if possible, just to be on the safe side.
If you have adopted a healthy diet and still have trouble getting pregnant after six months of trying, please schedule a fertility consultation at IVF FLORIDA in Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Margate, Boca Raton, Wellington, Jupiter or Port St. Lucie.
Sources: http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/082708_fert.pdf and http://www.nutritionsecrets.com/fertility-boosting-superfoods/
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Dr. Barrionuevo IVF FLORIDA at 2 Feb 2017
The emotional and complicated journey infertility patients embark on can be one filled with great accomplishments and success but could also be filled with disappointment, tremendous stress and loss of self-image and failure. The IVF FLORIDA medical team that helps guide and encourage patients along their pathway can be very instrumental both in their achievements and support during the more difficult challenges. As a fertility physician for 42 years, I have learned a lot.
1. The necessity of open communication between the patient and their partner (or support team), as well as between the patient and the medical team.
2. Encouragement and love from family and friends are essential to weather the storms that may lie ahead.
3. Fertility is a team sport and all those involved in patient care should be acutely aware of the sensitivities and emotional stresses these patients are dealing with on a daily basis.
4. The medical team has a unique opportunity to "be in the trenches" with their patients and not only help them through the process but also to teach various coping skills.
5. It is important that all staff involved interacts in a positive way with patients, from the front staff to the physicians.
6. The fertility specialists should not only provide good care and current information to patients, but also individualize the experience. At times, I remind myself that this is their journey and we are here to help as much as possible.
7. It is a challenge for patients, their partners, and the medical team to navigate through the infertility work up and diagnosis, the various treatment options, and certainly the successes and failures of this emotional roller coaster.
Although we know not everyone will be successful in achieving their dream, we can help by being there to share in their joy, their disappointment, to encourage and in some cases to help with closure. In other words, the IVF FLORIDA reproductive experts are their support and encouragement while being treated for infertility.
Gene F. Manko, MD
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates
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Dr. Gene Manko at 16 Jan 2017