Although Endometriosis Awareness month has just passed this March, it is still important to talk about this serious condition as it affects millions of women all over the world, causing great discomfort, pain and infertility. An estimated 5-10% of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, making it truly a matter worth paying attention to. However, promising news has been revealed by the latest endometriosis clinical trial infertility studies. There seem to be two things that might come as a surprise for most: pine bark and orgasms.

A recent study conducted at the Kanazawa University School of Medicine in Japan, revealed that Pycnogenol, a substance discovered in pine trees along the shores of France, reduced the symptoms suffered by endometriosis patients by as much as 33%.

The clinical trial, which is to be published in the next issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, involved 58 endometriosis patients; half of whom were given Gn-RHa (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agents), the common treatment for the diseases and the other half were given Pycnogenol in a 48-week trial period.

The patients gave assessments regarding their pain and were given gynecologic examinations prior to the study and then monthly afterwards. Both groups did not show much improvement during the initial treatment; but after four weeks, the Pycnogenol group showed slow yet steady reduction of treatments while the Gn-RHa observed more efficient relief.

However, after 24 weeks those who took Gn-RHa observed relapses of the symptoms, while those who took Pycnogenol continued to show improvement.

What is probably best about Pycnogenol, currently prescribed to help reduce premenstrual syndrome discomforts and pains, is that it does not generate the serious side effects caused by Gn-RHa. Of these side effects, the most notable is infertility, which happens due to the adverse hormonal changes induced by Gn-RHa this also results in the drastic decrease of estrogen levels as well as the suppression of menstruation.

In contrast, the patients who took Pycnogenol did not exhibit disruptions on their menstrual cycles nor on their estrogen levels. Most notably perhaps is that five of the women who took Pycnogenol in the clinical trial got pregnant. This is indeed quite a remarkable report for endometriosis patients who fear infertility from this condition.

Moreover, several studies, particularly one published by the European Bulletin of Drug Research, have shown that Pycnogenol has been effective in reducing menstrual cramps and abdominal pain. 

Perhaps the more exciting news is the one recently published in the Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. A clinical trial has revealed that women who were active sexually during their menstruation were less prone to developing endometriosis than those who avoid having sex when they have their periods.

Furthermore, those who achieved orgasm while menstruating further lowered their risks of developing endometriosis as sexual climax helped in flushing out menstrual debris from the uterus.

Reproductive health problems affect many women today. Although more research is required these endometriosis clinical trial infertility studies offer promising news. The outcome may mean women will be able to look forward to a brighter, more comfortable and perhaps more fertile future.

If you’ve not already done so, sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that shares other proven methods to help women combat endometriosis at Treating Your Endometriosis. You’ll also be given regular updates on endometriosis clinical trial infertility studies.