When menstrual blood and uterine tissue pass through the fallopian tubes and into the peritoneal cavity, it is called retrograde menstruation. Dr. John Sampson first suggested a connection between this phenomena and endometriosis in the 1920s, and this theory persisted for many years.
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Why is there blood inside from my period?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that resembles the lining of your uterus grows outside of it and attaches to other organs or structures, frequently causing pain or infertility.
A noncancerous disorder known as endometriosis occurs when tissue that resembles the Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that resembles the lining of your uterus grows outside of it and attaches to other organs or structures, frequently causing pain or infertility. (Uterine lining) extends past the confines of the uterus and clings to many organs and tissues, most frequently those found in the pelvic, including the ovaries, intestines, fallopian tubes, and bladder. Rarely does it implant in other locations, such as the diaphragm, liver, lungs, or surgical sites.
It frequently contributes to infertility and pelvic pain. In the US, it affects roughly 5 million women.
Endometriosis, which was once thought to only affect adult women, is now frequently identified in young people as well.
Menstrual cramps and/or persistent pelvic pain are the most typical symptoms.
Others consist of:
- diarrhea and uncomfortable bowel movements, particularly when menstruating
- painful sex exchange
- abdomen sensitivity
- painful period cramps
- excessive bleeding during periods
- unpleasant urination
- pelvic pain that becomes worse when you workout
- uncomfortable pelvic exams
It is crucial to recognize that any or all of these symptoms might be caused by illnesses other than endometriosis, and other reasons may need to be ruled out. These include, but are not limited to, fibromyalgia, malabsorption syndromes, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic adhesions (scar tissue), ovarian masses, uterine anomalies, and, very infrequently, cancers.
Endometriosis tissue that has spread outside of the uterus still responds to hormones, particularly estrogen, from the ovaries, which instruct it to expand. Your uterine lining thickens each month due to the hormone estrogen. Menstrual flow results from the uterine lining being ejected from the uterus as estrogen levels fall (you get your period). But the tissue associated with endometriosis is effectively stuck, in contrast to the tissue lining your uterus, which exits your body when you menstruate.
Internal bleeding results from the tissue’s lack of a drain. Internal bleeding causes inflammation in your body, which can result in the development of scar tissue, commonly known as adhesions. Pain and other symptoms could be brought on by this inflammation and the scar tissue that results.
The displaced endometrial tissue may also establish its own blood supply to aid in proliferation and a nerve supply to connect with the brain, which is thought to be one cause of the condition’s excruciating pain and the other chronic pain disorders that so many women with endometriosis experience.
The severity and nature of symptoms range from barely perceptible to highly incapacitating. Sometimes, especially in women with so-called “unexplained infertility,” there are no symptoms at all.
You can have trouble getting pregnant if endometriosis causes the reproductive organs to become scarred. In fact, between 30 and 40 percent of endometriosis-afflicted women are infertile. Infertility can come from endometriosis, even if it is minor.
Many possibilities exist, however researchers do not yet know what causes endometriosis. Retrograde menstruation, often known as “reverse menstruation,” has been proposed as the primary reason. In this disorder, menstrual blood pushes backward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity rather than flowing out of the cervix, the opening of the uterus to the vagina.
However, given the majority of women have some degree of retrograde menstruation without developing endometriosis, researchers think something else may be involved.
An immune system issue or a local hormonal imbalance, for instance, could be the cause of endometriosis and allow the endometrial tissue to establish roots and expand after being forced out of the uterus.
Some women’s abdominal cells may inadvertently develop into endometrial cells, according to other experts. The development of a woman’s reproductive organs at the embryonic stage is driven by the same cells. It is thought that these cells are altered by the woman’s genetic makeup or by environmental factors she is exposed to later in life, causing them to develop into endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Some people also believe that endometriosis might result from prior infections damaging the cells that line the pelvic.
According to certain research, environmental factors may contribute to the emergence of endometriosis. Environmental toxins like dioxin appear to alter immunological responses and reproductive hormones, however this notion has not been validated and is debatable in the medical world.
According to other researchers, the endometrium is aberrant in and of itself, which enables the tissue to separate and connect to different parts of the body.
According to studies, there may be a genetic component to endometriosis, with a higher chance if your mother or sibling had the condition. There is no conclusive evidence connecting any one genetic mutation to the illness.
How can I get rid of my retrogrades?
In order to lessen or stop menstrual flow, hormone prescriptions or hormonal IUDs are frequently used to treat retrograde menstruation. Retrograde menstruation can be treated by a hysterectomy, however this procedure is only utilized when the uterus needs to be removed for another cause.
Does endometriosis result from retrograde menstruation?
Although the precise cause of endometriosis is unknown, the following factors may contribute: menstruation in retrograde. Menstrual blood with endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity during retrograde menstruation as opposed to leaving the body.
What results in vaginal obstruction?
When menstrual blood is prevented from leaving the uterus, cervix, or vagina, it results in retained menses (hematocolpos). The blood may consequently darken over the course of its retention. The obstruction may be brought on by anything from a congenital problem with the hymen to a vaginal septum to, in extremely rare instances, the lack of a cervix (cervical agenesis).
Some folks have no symptoms at all. Some people discover that their symptoms cycle and take the place of their regular menstrual period.
You could experience amenorrhea, or a complete lack of menstruation, if the blockage is especially severe. In addition, endometriosis, adhesions, and discomfort might occur.
How can I boost the flow of my period?
A well-known emmenagogue is ginger. Menstrual abnormalities might be delayed by regularly consuming ginger in your diet. To start your period, combine grated ginger with a teaspoon of honey. Make sure you are getting enough ginger if you get irregular periods.
Also read: Ginger and Turmeric Are Medicinal Kitchen Ingredients You Should Consume Daily Because of Their Surprising Health Benefits.
Turmeric
As an emmenagogue, turmeric can increase blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area. The antispasmodic effects of turmeric cause the uterus to enlarge and cause menstruation. Regularly consume haldi doodh or turmeric latte to lessen menstruation irregularity.
Jaggery
Jaggery is one of the items that Monisha lists as causing periods. To chew with a glass of warm water, combine jaggery, ginger, sesame seeds, turmeric, and carom seeds. Regular consumption of this can precede and even cause periods.
Beetroots
In addition to other nutrients, beets are a powerhouse of iron, calcium, and folic acid. Women frequently feel bloating and water retention during their periods; however, this vegetable can lessen these symptoms. They are on Monisha’s list of foods that can cause menstruation.
Do you experience a fallopian tube period?
Period blood travels back up through the body, traveling through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity, as opposed to leaving the body and going into your preferred container (shoutout to my Lily Cup).
How does Mercury go backwards?
You’ve probably heard of Mercury retrograde, the planetary phenomenon we’ve all learned to dread, even if you’re not a big fan of horoscopes and astrology. It is said to have an impact on technology and communication, and things may feel a little off. You might find yourself forgetting appointments, losing your keys, or noticing your computer has suddenly stopped working.
Mercury retrograde, according to science, is merely an optical illusion in which the planet appears to reverse its course and move backward in the sky. What time does it occur? The crucial dates in 2022 are: 13 January to 3 February 3, 10 May to 2 June, and 9 September to 1 October. This occurs often three or four times a year.
The three retrogrades this year are all between earth and air signs, reflecting the fact that we are currently in the Age of Aquarius, a sign that is characterized by “abrupt change, building communities, fighting for causes that you care about, and achieving technological achievements.” It will be an excellent time to assess finances and relationships in a year that urges us to make significant love and financial decisions, spanning Capricorn to Aquarius, Taurus to Gemini, and Virgo to Libra.
How would you recognize a clogged fallopian tube?
A laparoscopy or hysterosalpingogram may be recommended by your doctor to check the condition of your fallopian tubes (HSG). A catheter is used to introduce liquid dye into the uterus during an HSG test through the vagina (cervix). Then, X-rays are used to determine whether there is a blockage or whether the dye enters the abdomen freely. Saline, air, or foam are used in a different HSG technique that uses ultrasonic rather than X-rays. Your doctor can advise surgery to fix the damage or unclog the fallopian tubes if you have issues.
Your doctor may also suggest assisted reproductive methods that completely exclude the fallopian tubes if you are ovulating normally. These can include in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (IVF).