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Outing This Elusive Conception Saboteur
Endometriosis is a stealth root cause of female and couple infertility, often going undetected for up to a decade post-symptom onset in over 60% of those affected.
As a functional fertility specialist, I have had great success unraveling this invisible illness’ subtle clues to help women receive proper endometriosis diagnosis and treatment earlier – before true infertility sets in.
Endometriosis and Infertility
Endometriosis happens when tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This misplaced uterine tissue most often lands on other pelvic organs, like the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Just like the uterine lining, the tissue outside the uterus thickens and breaks down each month during the menstrual cycle. But because it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped. This leads to swelling, inflammation, and scarring with each cycle.
The immune system is activated, toxins and oxidized lipids accumulate, and inflammation blazes. Research shows that 20-25% of women with mild endometriosis experience no symptoms whatsoever. For others, the signs are more subtle or get mistaken for other things.
For example, if you have painful periods, even if you have always had them, endometriosis could be at play. If you have struggled to get pregnant and you experience painful periods, it is worth having a conversation with your medical team or fertility specialist.
How does endometriosis cause infertility?
Endometriosis lesions and internal scar tissue can make getting pregnant difficult by disrupting critical nearby fertility structures.
Two-thirds of reproductive-aged infertile women have endometriosis – it impairs ovulation, fertilization, and implantation stealthily. Adhesions warp anatomy while altering hormonal, nutritional, and immune function.
It’s been estimated that up to 50% of fertility declines in women with endometriosis may be avoided with prompt diagnosis and timely holistic interventions before costly, stressful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments become the only option.
How to Heal Endometriosis Naturally
Standard medical protocols for endometriosis like hormonal medications or surgery have limitations when used alone – I always recommend integrating holistic functional medicine protocols as well for comprehensive healing:
- Diet and Lifestyle – An anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and dairy-free diet lowers immune over-activation and promotes hormone balance. Stress management and proper sleep improve resilience. Following a fertile lifestyle has been shown to increase chances of getting pregnant—as well as to improve overall health goals, such as weight loss, mental clarity, emotional balance, and smooth, glowing skin.
- Nutraceuticals – Curcumin, omega-3s, antioxidants like resveratrol, NAC, and targeted vitamins/minerals address inflammation, immunity, and circulatory health. Always choose pharmaceutical-grade supplements.
- Botanicals – Specific herbs like turmeric, green tea, milk thistle, and Ashwagandha modulate hormonal pathways and support the detoxification of metabolites that accumulate.
- Detoxification – Clearing environmental toxins, supporting liver pathways, and preventing oxidative damage facilitate healing endometrial lesions and adhesions from the inside out. Digestive health is crucial for optimal fertility.
Conclusion
Endometriosis remains an invisible contributor to many couples’ difficulty conceiving naturally. By skillfully tracing root causes and applying evidence-based functional medicine, clinical nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle changes, we can tap into and amplify the power of the healing systems within the body.
Dr. Christina and I have successfully helped hundreds of women suffering from infertility—often with painful conditions including endometriosis. Our techniques are aimed at restoring fertility gently, prompting our clients to exclaim that we’ve achieved ‘impossible’ conceptions and given them the families they’ve always dreamed of… the natural way. There is always hope!
