Treatment Options for Endometriosis - Part Two

continued......

As a background summary, National Institute of Health (NIH) funded researchers are gaining a better understanding of some of the workings of the uterus. Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, hormone levels are continually changing in the uterus. At the start of the cycle, the hormone estrogen gradually increases and encourages the thickening of the endometrium. Once the ovary releases an egg, levels of the hormone progesterone begin to increase. Progesterone counteracts the estrogen in relation to the endometrium, preventing the lining from getting too thick in the case of egg fertilization. If the uterine lining is too thick, a fertilized egg will have difficulty implanting itself.

What researchers have recently discovered is the role of a protein called Hand2 in the whole process of the menstrual cycle. It was previously recognized that Hand2 increases along with the levels of progesterone following the release of an egg. However, based on a study with female mice, it is now understood that Hand2 acts as a sort of switch to turn off the estrogen from stimulating the endometrium. Now plans are underway to continue the study in women to determine the effects on the human uterus.

As mentioned a bit earlier, the effects of this study could be helpful in terms of possibly finding treatment for endometriosis and female infertility treatment as well. Failure to produce Hand2 within the uterus could be a cause for infertility as well as, it is speculated, a cause for endometriosis, because the result of a lack of Hand2 is a thickened uterine lining. The thought is that maybe without the presence of Hand2 in a woman’s uterus, the endometrium continues to grow even to the point of growing outside of the uterus, as is the case, in a sense, with endometriosis. Obviously it is too early to tell what the findings will reveal, but the speculated findings could open up the door to exciting research and possible treatments in regards to female reproductive health.

As you can see, things are still being studied and developed in respect to endometriosis, but there are options available so please don’t continue to suffer with it unnecessarily. Consult your doctor to explore your options or set up an appointment with the specialists at Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, P.C.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis - Part One

Maybe you’ve known that you have endometriosis ever since you started menstruating as a girl and have always dealt with painful periods. Or maybe you didn’t realize that you have endometriosis until you began trying to get pregnant and found that it could be the cause for your struggles with fertility. Whatever your experience, it is never pleasant to deal with, but there are options for endometriosis treatment or infertility treatment.

If you’re reading this and you don’t really know what we’re talking about, endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrial tissue) grows around other organs where it isn’t meant to be. Most often, these include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus and other abdominal organs. The extra growth of this tissue can bleed during menstruation, which is the reason for painful periods. Scar tissue can also develop, causing disruption in the way that that organ functions. This is the most typical reason for cause of infertility with women who have endometriosis.

The most common treatment for endometriosis at this time is through hormone therapy and, more specifically, birth control in many cases. Though, if you are a woman who is wanting to get pregnant in the near future or has already been trying to get pregnant, this type of treatment is obviously not a good choice for you. There is also a laparoscopic surgery that women could opt for if she has hopes for a pregnancy in the near future. Very recently, a study resulted in findings that look promising in terms of working towards steps to a new type of treatment for endometriosis.

Next week, we'll publish the remaining portion of this article.

What to Consider… When Seeking Out an Infertility Counselor

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that, along with fertility treatments, often come emotional issues.  And it makes perfect sense, as this can be a highly-charged issue for most individuals and couples. 

That’s one of the reasons it’s important to seek out therapy during the experience.  But what kind of infertility counselor should you choose?  And how will you know when it’s the right fit?

Below are some considerations to ponder when you’re moving forward with fertility treatments and wish to have an infertility counselor help you along the way.

1.  The term “infertility counselor” doesn’t mean someone with a Ph.D. or intensive schooling.

“Infertility counselors” may not be psychiatrists or having much training.  In fact, they can be counselors, consultants and/or coaches who simply have a passion for this area.  That doesn’t make them better or worse; it’s just something about which you need to be aware.

2.  There are infertility counselors that work via telephone, so geography isn’t necessarily a huge problem.

In our cyber era, it’s not uncommon to have therapists, consultants and coaches working remotely with clientele.  If you’re comfortable with that kind of an Internet-based arrangement, you can broaden your search for the “right” person beyond your geography.

3.  Plenty of fertility clinics have infertility counselors on staff or infertility counselors whom they recommend.

If you’re already working with a fertility specialist, ask him or her for recommendations in terms of infertility counselors.

4.  Even if your partner doesn’t want to undergo infertility counseling, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it for yourself.

If your significant other eschews the idea of infertility counseling, go by yourself.  There’s nothing wrong with protecting your mental health, despite his or her desires that run counter to your needs.

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