Acupuncture for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it. This tissue can attach itself to other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, lungs etc. This in itself explains why the signs and symptoms can be so far reaching of endometriosis.

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental factors.

Symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis is (unfortunately) a common condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women in the UK. It can cause a range of symptoms, including (but not limited to):

Painful periods
Pain during sex
Pain in the lower back or abdomen
Heavy bleeding
Fatigue
Infertility
Leg pain
Bloating

Treatment for endometriosis

Currently there is no cure for endometriosis, but there are a number of treatments that might help to manage the symptoms. These include:

Pain relief medication
Acupuncture
Hormonal therapy
Surgery

Can endometriosis show up on an ultrasound?

The average diagnosis time is approximately 7 years in the UK (which is abundantly terrible).

If you are concerned that you may have endometriosis, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis as soon as possible. The "gold standard" for diagnosis is a laparoscopy although other tests may be used, including:

A pelvic exam: A pelvic exam is a physical examination of the female reproductive organs. The doctor will feel the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes to check for any abnormalities.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. An ultrasound can be used to look for endometriosis lesions in the pelvis.
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen. A thin, tube-like instrument with a camera is inserted through the incision to look inside the pelvis. Laparoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose endometriosis..

Acupuncture for endometriosis

Acupuncture might be able to support you with your symptoms of endometriosis; both physical and mental.

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that has been shown to be effective in the management of endometriosis pain.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, which helps to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

A study in 2023 of acupuncture for endometriosis associated pain found

"Acupuncture is an effective and safe method of relieving dysmenorrhea, shortening the pain duration, and improving wellbeing and quality of life in women with endometriosis-associated pain"