Endometriosis May Go Away During Breastfeeding

Endometriosis is a disease in which the material that forms in a woman's uterine lining is found elsewhere in her body. Since it should only be found in the uterus, this causes significant problems, namely infertility, but also excessive amounts of pain in the pelvic region and elsewhere. Sadly, the precise causes of this disease are unknown at this time, though doctors and scientists believe it has something to do with excess estrogen production.

Another theory posited regards retograde menstural flow, however, since ninety percent of women experience this phenomena and don't get endometriosis, it is likely an inconclusive theory. Breastfeeding and endometriosis don't seem to have any ill effects, in fact the opposite is often true. Breastfeeding and endometriosis can be a good combination because the woman will stop experiencing the side effect common to the disease.

For example, if a woman with endometriosis does manage to get pregnant, she may not feel her customary lower back aches, menstrual pain or urinary pain for the duration of the pregnancy. While she is breastfeeding the effects may go away as well. However, once she is no longer pregnant and no longer breastfeeding, her usual symptoms usually will return full force. This is because the breastfeeding temporarily induces hormonal changes that, for once, are actually helpful to the mother's well being.

Once you are through with your pregnancy and no longer wish to conceive, certain types of birth control pills may alleviate the aches and pains, but it's important to visit your OB GYN doctor with any and all questions you have about this. He or she will be able to best advise you the proper course of action.

Maria Gonzalez is webmaster of Parenting Made Easy, a site dedicted to helping new parents.

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