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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Emergency services Living with wildlife Armed protesters gather at Medford BLM office over Sugar Pine Mine dispute Expect up to two-hour delays on I-5 near Cottage Grove on Sunday Anonymous local makeup artist dolled up Monica for trial Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Medford robbery suspect arrested after pursuit in Bend Dispose of documents and prescription drugs safely on Saturday Emergency services Teenager struck, killed by pickup Politics and Elections Arthur I. Cyr: Cuba’s enduring challenge to American foreign policy – and American politics Gov. Brown touts need for transportation funding in talk to Medford chamber Kent Bush: Clinton 2.0 is neither new nor improved Arthur I. Cyr: Britain’s earthquake election Former state Senate President Brady Adams dies Education Needs improvement SWAT students track progress of stream restoration efforts Students participate in fuel reduction effort at Ruch School New funding formula awards universities for graduating more students Official hopeful whooping cough case at John Muir contained Environment Armed protesters gather at Medford BLM office over Sugar Pine Mine dispute Jackson County's wildlife services agent seen as both killer and savior Biomass technology: Creating products out of former waste Sugar Pine Mine co-owner: "Please stop calling the BLM and threatening their personnel" Oath Keepers say they'll defend contested mining claim on BLM land State News Oregon House committee OKs more background checks on firearm sales Search for missing plane, pilot in Oregon enters third day Cheetah, dog are fast friends Bill would let motorcyclists drive between cars during jams Oregon legislators go after slow drivers Nation - World There's a $10 million precious stone hidden in plain sight at Grand Central Tsarnaev convicted on all charges in Boston Marathon bombing Obituaries Dennis Von Ting Richard "Dick" John Herbstruth Death Notices Florene LaVonne (Johnson) Stephens Cheryl Ann Orr Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Sports Latest Stories Fredenburg grand slam powers Chieftains Warriors storm back, top Pels SOU's Neal fifth, Reitman seventh in CC multis Giants sweep Dodgers on Maxwell hit Weekley, de Jonge share lead in Zurich Classic Varsity 541 College Sports SOU's Neal fifth, Reitman seventh in CC multis Aspiring Duck quarterback bucks the odds Marshall stays with Ducks to get better Eckert, Beavers take series from Arizona Randall drives SOU into postseason Pro Sports Warriors storm back, top Pels Giants sweep Dodgers on Maxwell hit Weekley, de Jonge share lead in Zurich Classic Griner, fiancee Johnson arrested after fight Title Quest Community Sports Bailey picks up modified win Wilson delivers in return of local boxing Palmer breezes to second straight men’s title Business Latest Stories (No heading) New home in an old house Lithia Motors nets $40.7 million in first quarter Lithia Motors reports second-best quarter ever Jackson County's March unemployment rate returns to pre-recession level Real Estate News New home in an old house Naumes plans custom-crush winery in former packing house GREEN ACRES: Southern Oregon provides escape from the maddening crowd Since You Asked: Metro Medford rebranding proved economical Jackson County median home price hits $215,000 in first quarter People In Business Transportation Lithia Motors nets $40.7 million in first quarter Lithia Motors reports second-best quarter ever Business briefs Medford airport's record run continues Gov. Brown touts need for transportation funding in talk to Medford chamber Agriculture Naumes plans custom-crush winery in former packing house New bosses take charge at Harry & David Dancin Vineyards covers up Opinion Latest Our View: Buildings belong with the Jackson County Library District Letters to the Editor, April 24 Michael Gerson: 'The Road to Character' starts with humility Arthur I. Cyr: Japan-U.S. trade deal advances, with Pacific and global significance Letters to the Editor, April 23 Editorials Our View: Buildings belong with the Jackson County Library District Our View: Public's right to film police should be protected Our View: Raises for Jackson County officials — again Other Views: Delay edible marijuana products for safety Our View: The rule of law vs. armed confrontation Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, April 24 Letters to the Editor, April 23 Letters to the Editor, April 22 Letters to the Editor, April 21 Letters to the Editor, April 20 Columns Michael Gerson: 'The Road to Character' starts with humility Dana Milbank: The right's new claim: same-sex marriage is deadly Kathleen Parker: Mr. Hughes goes to Washington Esther Cepeda: What happens in Latin America should be reported Kathleen Parker: Presidential election 2016: The woman trap Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: This Earth Day, we celebrate the Northwest Forest Plan The Medford School Board was wrong: 'American Pageant' is a political agenda, not history The Medford School Board was right: 'American Pageant' is a fine book, and the board did its homework Guest Opinion: Removing barriers to walking, biking benefits everyone Guest Opinion: Conversion therapy on LGBT youth is child abuse Lifestyle Latest stories Religion Briefs: Friday, April 24 Fishing Report: Friday, April 24 Get Out: Friday, April 24 View from above Untold stories of the dark-eyed junco Food Community blog: Oregon Breweries to grow or seriously to grow? The joy of true wasabi Season Stepp: Veggie treat hidden deep inside artichokes Tammy Kelly: The South’s favorite side dish — slaw Community blog: Steep, don't smother, chilaquiles in red chili sauce Home and Garden Garden Cameos: Spring is time for azaleas in the garden Dear Monty: Seven costly mistakes of new real estate investors Paul Rogers: Enjoy convenience of container gardening Home Help: 3 quick, easy kitchen and bath upgrades Carol Link: Tea olive shrubs can be propagated from new growth Health Dr. Jeff Hersh: Could severe cramping mean endometriosis? Dr. Murray Feingold: Is pre-op testing for cataract surgery necessary? Community blog: What about Lucy? Brent St. Germain: One year and counting Community blog: The Healing Power of Nature Hiking Biking Faith Religion Briefs: Friday, April 24 Religion Briefs: Friday, April 17 Religion briefs: Friday, April 10 Religion briefs: Friday, April 3 Religion briefs: Friday, March 27 Milestones and Achievements Witham's birthday bash draws hundreds for 1950s prices Charlesworth-Murphy Drizzle doesn't dampen Pear Blossom Parade spirit New Arrivals: Sunday, April 12 Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Rogue Valley Earth Day 2015 Alba's Edge at Headwaters in Ashland Regional brewers, distillers, winemakers at Harry & David Field A Taste of Ashland pairs food and wine at galleries Britt adds Watkins Family Hour concert with Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, Fiona Apple and others Theater 'Secret Love' playwright Stan Lai appears in Ashland REVIEW: 'Secret Love' strikes comical, poignant balance Ashland New Plays Festival chooses new artistic director A tale of two plays at OSF Oregon Cabaret Theatre's "The Musical!" delivers five clever Broadway parodies in Ashland Music Alba's Edge at Headwaters in Ashland Britt adds Watkins Family Hour concert with Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, Fiona Apple and others Alex de Grassi and Andrew York play SOU Live Music in Local Clubs L.A. rockers The Relationship play Howiee's Community Events Rogue Valley Earth Day 2015 Foreign language film festival set at SOU Regional brewers, distillers, winemakers at Harry & David Field A Taste of Ashland pairs food and wine at galleries Third Fridays celebrates poetry, student art Movies Movie review: ‘Ex Machina’ is the droid you’re looking for Movie review: Fairly smooth sailing for ‘The Water Diviner’ Movie review: ‘Age of Adaline’ is sweet but a little sloppy Movie review: Powerful, tense kidnapping story ‘24 Days’ delivers a strong message Movie review: Crowe’s historical drama ‘The Water Diviner’ isn’t divine, but it’s pretty darn good Dining Island Grindz serves up Hawaiian specialties Have you wandered down the Bear Creek Wine Trail yet? Restaurant inspections: April 19, 2015 Siam Cafe offers 'mild' to 'very spicy' Thai cuisine Restaurant inspections, April 12, 2015 Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Our View: Buildings belong with the Jackson County Library District ... Saving money, making money with trout ... Armed protesters gather at Medford BLM office over Sugar Pine Mine dispute ... Our View: Buildings belong with the Jackson County Library District ... Saving money, making money with trout ... Armed protesters gather at Medford BLM office over Sugar Pine Mine dispute ... Dr. Jeff Hersh: Could severe cramping mean endometriosis? By Dr. Jeff Hersh Wicked Local MailTribune.com By Dr. Jeff Hersh Wicked Local Posted Apr. 23, 2015 @ 8:45 am By Dr. Jeff Hersh Wicked Local Posted Apr. 23, 2015 @ 8:45 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Q: My husband and I have been unsuccessful trying to get pregnant for almost two years. Could this be related to my severe menstrual cramps? A: Yes, that is possible; you should see your health-care provider to discuss the possibility that you have endometriosis. Endometrial tissue normally lines a woman’s uterus. Endometriosis is the presence of functional endometrial tissue in sites outside the uterus (called ectopic tissue), usually involving the ovaries, the area behind and/or the ligaments that support the uterus, the colon, the abdominal cavity or the bladder, but it can be located almost anywhere in the body (it has been diagnosed in the lungs and even the arms and legs). There are many theories to how this happens. Some researchers think that endometrial tissue that sheds during a woman’s menstrual cycle may migrate up into her abdomen (this is called retrograde menstruation and is very common) and then seed ectopic locations. Other theories include the spread of endometrial tissue via the lymphatic system or the blood, an immune system issue or even a woman being born with some ectopic embryonic cells. This functional ectopic endometrial tissue responds to hormone stimulation just like the normal tissue inside a woman’s uterus. Therefore it thickens as a woman goes through her menstrual cycle and then sloughs off and bleeds (like the normal tissue causing a woman’s periods). This can cause inflammation and irritation to the structures where the ectopic endometrial tissue resides, causing the symptoms of endometriosis and over time possibly leading to scarring. Up to one-third of women with endometriosis have minor or no pain (or they simply attribute their pain to menstrual cramps); the majority experience dull, aching pain which typically cycles with their menstruation and is associated with the area of ectopic tissue, most commonly pelvic pain although pain with intercourse, urination, bowel movements or other painful symptoms may also occur. The intensity of the pain does not seem to correlate with the amount of ectopic tissue as much as it does with the location and depth of the affected areas. Heavy menstrual bleeding and/or infertility from it are also common. About 10 percent of women (maybe more) have endometriosis to some extent. It is most common in the 25- to 44-year-old age group, but can occur in adolescence and even post-menopausally. Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, found in 25 to 50 percent of women evaluated for infertility. It most likely contributes to infertility by causing pelvic adhesions, scarring or blockage that alters the fallopian tubes’ ability to capture an egg. Risk factors for developing endometriosis include early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, longer cycle lengths and years of menstruation uninterrupted by pregnancy. There is a genetic link; first-degree relatives of someone with endometriosis have a 10-fold increased risk. Oral contraceptives appear to reduce the risk. There are no blood or imaging tests that can definitively diagnose endometriosis, although they may be ordered to look for other conditions (ultrasound often is the first imaging test used to diagnose abnormalities in the pelvis). When endometriosis is suspected, treatment may be initiated based on the history and physical exam; if a definitive diagnosis is needed, a laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgical procedure to look directly into the abdomen) may be indicated. Since endometriosis is related to the response of ectopic endometrial tissue to a woman’s menstrual cycle, it is not surprising that the treatment, in addition to pain medication as needed, is usually hormonal therapy to suppress the effect of the cyclical hormonal changes. Women with painful symptoms from endometriosis have a 25 to 50 percent chance of their symptoms progressing, about a 25 percent chance of spontaneously improving and about a 35 percent chance of their symptoms remaining stable. Women with endometriosis not responding adequately to medication may require surgical intervention to remove the ectopic tissue and to correct any anatomic distortions. Women who wish to get pregnant should consult a specialist to discuss what approach may be best for them, as well as other options for becoming pregnant. Even after successful removal, endometriosis recurs at a rate of 10 to 20 percent per year, so close followup is necessary. In severe cases that do not respond to ablation in a woman who does not wish to have more children, a hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries may be considered. So if you are having severe abdominal pain that seems to cycle with your menstruation and/or difficulty getting pregnant, you should see your health care provider for further evaluation. Effective treatment options do exist for endometriosis. Jeff Hersh, Ph.D., M.D., can be reached at [email protected]. By Dr. Jeff Hersh Wicked Local MailTribune.com By Dr. Jeff Hersh Wicked Local Posted Apr. 23, 2015 @ 8:45 am » Comment or view comments /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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