Calmfident Team, April 11, 2024
What is menstrual reflux?
During a normal menstrual period, blood flows from the uterus, through the cervix, and out of the body via the vagina. Menstrual reflux, however, refers to a condition where some of the menstrual blood flows backwards from the uterus through the fallopian tube openings back into the pelvic cavity, where it deposits in the abdomen.
Menstrual reflux does not have distinct specific symptoms, but it may lead to reduced menstrual flow, irregular menstrual periods, and symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.
Can menstrual reflux cause endometriosis?
Menstrual reflux is quite common and usually harmless. The causes of menstrual reflux could be vigorous exercise during menstruation, sexual activity during menstruation, problems with the uterus and fallopian tubes, and even when lying flat.
The assertion that menstrual reflux can lead to endometriosis significantly exaggerates its impact.
Current surveys show that 90% of young women experience menstrual reflux, but only 3% to 10% of women's bodies are unable to absorb the endometrial tissue, leading to endometrial tissue staying in the ovaries and fallopian tubes and forming endometriosis.
Furthermore, menstrual reflux is just one hypothetical cause of endometriosis. It suggests that reflux and normal flow can occur simultaneously, and the reflux can lead to pelvic implantation, forming endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Therefore, under normal circumstances, there is no need to worry particularly about the impact of menstrual reflux. Our own immune system is sufficient to counteract any diseases that may arise from reflux. Endometrial fragments that enter the pelvic cavity can be engulfed by white blood cells and lymphocytes, preventing them from depositing in the abdomen and causing harm.
However, conditions such as transverse vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, and cervical adhesions that lead to menstrual reflux should be noted. Patients may need surgery to remove the accumulated menstrual blood in the uterine cavity, vagina, and pelvic area. Otherwise, the refluxed menstrual blood can cause severe abdominal pain.
