Do orgasms during menstruation cause endometriosis?
According to results of a 2019 study of 555 women, vaginal intercourse and sexual activity leading to orgasm during menstruation increases the risk of endometriosis!
The finding supports one of the theories of what causes Endometriosis—retrograde menstruation. This theory describes the backflow of menstrual blood into the pelvis as leading to endometrial cell adhesion outside of the uterus—cells from the uterine lining sticking where they are not supposed to.
Good to know! So apart from refraining from orgasms during your bleed, how else can you tackle endometriosis naturally? How can you prevent endometriosis from reoccurring and stop it from progressing if you already have it?
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:
Chinese medicine is used widely to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with endometriosis. While it is not guaranteed to reverse lesions, it may help limit tissue proliferation, that is, slow down its progression. This is crucial for preventing the condition’s development and the recurrence of endometriosis after surgical removal of adhesions.
According a study acupuncture can reduce dysmenorrhea (pain) associated with endometriosis (1). Another study (2) showed Chinese Herbal medicine was able to increase pregnancy rates in endometriosis patients.
In Chinese Medical theory, endometriosis is effectively blood stagnation. A good practitioner will asses what is the underlying cause of this stagnation, as it’s different for different people. They will use acupuncture to move blood, resolve pain and reduce inflammation and herbs to warm the uterus, resolve masses and stop heavy bleeding.
Avoid Inversions :
We saw above in the ‘sex study’ that back flow of blood may not be the primary cause for endometriosis, but it is a contributing factor. I advise my patients that inversions in yoga and pilates should be avoided during menstruation.
Love your liver and get down with Cruciferous vegetables
Endometrial tissue proliferates with the exposure to some types of estrogen. So by adding a cup of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussel sprouts into your diet daily, you can help your liver clear excess hormones.
DUTCH testing
Whether you have been diagnosed with endometriosis or not, a urinary DUTCH test is an amazing assessment of sex and adrenal hormones to identify markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. (4) It is the gold standard to understand how estrogen is being metabolised in the body and you can then work with your practitioner to design a supplement and nutrition plan tailored to how your body is working.
I can organise a DUTCH test for you in clinic or online via https://www.freedomchinesemedicine.com/booking
Written by:
Dr Jessie Fayers
Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Dr. Jessie Fayers is a passionate and knowledgeable practitioner. She has been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine for over a 15 years in Australia and abroad.
Jessie supports her clients to achieve optimal well-being through treatments that include gentle Japanese style Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Medicine. She uses functional pathology testing with in depth case history to provide you with a individualised treatment strategy utilising your diet, supplements and herbal medicine to get sustained changes and guide you to optimal health and vitality. Some of the tests she prescribes regularly are Complete Microbiome Assessments and Hormone panels. Jessie’s special interests include digestion, fertility and women’s health.
Jessie has worked in a variety of healthcare roles in Indonesia, USA, India, Nepal and Uganda and recently in Australia as a volunteer acupuncturist at the Asylum Seekers Resource Center. She lives on a country property with her partner and 2 border collies and is a ceramicist and gardener.
Jessie is available:
Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Call (03) 9486 5966
Book Your Appointment with Jessie TODAY
References
1. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-herbs-endometriosis/chinese-herbs-show-early-promise-for endometriosis-idUSTRE56L5YB20090722/
2. https://cdn.amegroups.cn/journals/amepc/files/journals/8/articles/86291/public/86291-PB17-8819- R2.pdf
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/
endometriosis#:~:text=Key%20facts,age%20women%20and%20girls%20globally. 4. https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Endometriosis_March-2022.pdf