Improving fertility with endometriosis

Bee Propolis May Improve Fertility in Women with Endometriosis

Women with endometriosis who have been unable to get pregnant may have a more successful outcome by taking bee propolis, according to a preliminary study in Fertility and Sterility (2003;80:S32). This is encouraging for the millions of women with endometriosis who are suffering from infertility.

Endometriosis is a disease where cells from the uterine lining become implanted within the pelvic cavity, causing adhesions, menstrual irregularities, painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, and infertility. Other conditions associated with endometriosis include migraine headaches and mitral valve prolapse. The diagnosis can be difficult, since surgery is the only way to accurately identify endometriosis. Studies suggest that 7 to 10% of all women in the United States have endometriosis. It is the third leading cause of gynecological hospitalization and the leading cause of hysterectomy. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, although a genetic link is likely. Surgical excision of the lesions and medications that suppress the production of estrogen and progesterone may provide temporary relief, but neither offers a cure.

In the new preliminary study, 40 women with mild endometriosis and primary infertility (i.e., they had never been pregnant) who had unsuccessfully tried to get pregnant for at least two years were assigned to receive 500 mg twice a day of bee propolis or placebo for nine months. The number of pregnancies was recorded during the treatment period.

Women taking bee propolis had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those taking the placebo. The number of women who became pregnant in the treatment and placebo groups was 60 and 20%, respectively. No adverse effects were reported by the women taking bee propolis.

Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from the leaves and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. Bees use propolis along with beeswax to construct their hives. Test tube studies, although preliminary, suggest that propolis may have strong anti-inflammatory effects. The pain associated with endometriosis is often due to the body’s inflammatory response to the endometrial lesions in the pelvic wall. Propolis may help decrease this inflammatory reaction, thereby reducing pain. It is unknown how propolis affects fertility.

Several studies suggest that oral propolis is useful in treating the common cold and intestinal parasites. Other studies have shown that topical propolis helps against genital herpes, cold sores, dental caries, periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

http://www.bastyrcenter.org/content/view/623/

Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy

Can Ovarian Cyst prevents Pregnancy?

By: P.J. Rice

A cyst is an abnormality that can be pictured as an enclosed little pocket inside the body. It could be filled with air, fluids, or even a semi-solid material. (A cyst is different from an abscess, which is filled with puss.) There are many different types of cysts that can be located in various parts of the body.

Ovarian cysts develop on a woman's ovaries, which are the female reproductive organs that produce ovum, or eggs. Ovarian cysts can affect women of all ages. They are typically considered to be harmless because in most circumstances they are benign, or non-cancerous. The cysts often go away on their own without treatment, but in some situations they grow large enough to cause pain, bleeding, or other problems. In that case, the cysts will probably need to be removed with surgery.

A woman might begin experiencing different symptoms that could cause her ob-gyn to suspect ovarian cysts and request further diagnostic tests; these symptoms can include aching or bloating in the abdomen, abnormal spotting or bleeding, painful or irregular periods, or even changes in urination and bowel movements. Symptoms vary from woman to woman, and ovarian cysts need to be officially diagnosed with a CT scan or ultrasound.

Many women with benign cysts are able to conceive and have normal, healthy pregnancies, but of course that's not always the case. Infertility can also be a symptom or side effect of ovarian cysts. The cysts may affect a woman's fertility if they interfere with the normal process of ovulation or if they are acting as an obstacle: the cysts could be located in a spot that gets them in the way of the normal fertilization process. They could be blocking the sperm from successfully reaching the egg, or vice versa.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (often shortened to PCOS) is a medical condition which is a major cause of infertility. A woman suffering from PCOS has unbalanced levels of hormones in her body due to cysts on her ovaries, and she does not ovulate normally. This means that she has fewer periods per year, therefore giving her fewer opportunities to get pregnant.

The symptoms aren't always completely obvious - many women with PCOS aren't even aware that they have the condition until they begin trying to conceive.

However, one good thing can be said about PCOS: it is not the end of the road. Many women suffering from PCOS are able to get pregnant with fertility treatments and have a healthy baby. This does not always mean extremely expensive things like in-vitro fertilization. Some women are able to conceive after losing weight, which may help improve hormone imbalances, and others have success with fertility drugs, such as Clomid. Women with PCOS should never give up hope.

If you have ovarian cysts it does not mean you will never have a baby. In fact, there are some natural and holistic methods that can cure most women of infertility even if they have had ovarian cysts for years.

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