Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue similar to that of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found in locations in the body outside of the uterus. This endometriosis tissue may be found on the ovaries, outside of uterus, the bowel, the bladder or the pertoneium. This tissue begins to grow in these unnatural places in the body but responds to the menstrual cycle in the same manner as the endometrium does. The endometrium sheds during menstruation and that is why blood flows out of the body from the uterus through the cervix and vagina. When endometriosis tissue tries to shed it is trapped and causes inflammation, scar tissues and other issues.
Symptoms of endometriosis are most severe during menstruation. Women with endometriosis often experience painful periods, painful sexual intercourse, gastrointestinal problems, painful urination and bowel movements and fatigue. Endometriosis also can cause infertility. Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown there is evidence suggesting that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. According to the Endometriosis Association (EA) women with endometriosis are more susceptible to many other health problems, such as chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, eczema, food intolerances, fibromyalgia, mononucleosis, mitral valve prolapse and autoimmune disorders and frequent yeast infections. Coincidentally many of these chronic health problems are symptoms of candidiasis, an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the body. I am not proposing that candida is the cause of endometriosis but a definite link can be seen. Maybe it is that getting one condition predisposes women to the other but this is exactly why treatment for endometriosis should include possible candidiasis treatment, especially for those women who are experiencing chronic yeast infections.
Treatment for endometriosis is most commonly pain medication, hormone therapy or surgery to remove the endometriosis tissue. Many women continue to struggle with symptoms despite their doctor’s best effort to treat them. Many patients become frustrated when there is no where to turn for pain relief. Quality of life for women with endometriosis is often very poor.
If a patient does not respond to traditional treatments for endometriosis untreated candidiasis may be an underlying barrier to alleviation of symptoms. Understanding a patient’s entire history paying particular attention for things, such as chronic vaginal infections, fatigue, mood swings and urinary tract infections will provide insight into whether candidiasis is playing a role. If it discovered that untreated candidiasis may be hindering relief from the endometriosis symptoms steps to treat the candidiasis can be taken. These steps often include prescription anti-fungals, herbal supplements and dietary changes. The Candida Diet is often the preferred first step in treating candidiasis. For more information about the Candida Diet visit Yeast Free Living.