Bromelain is a protease enzyme found in pineapple. Protease refers to an enzyme's ability to break down proteins. Bromelain has several medicinal uses. According to MedLinePlus, bromelain is a treatment for inflammation, hay fever, burn debridement, pulmonary edema and might improve the absorption of antibiotics. The effectiveness of this drug varies, but some indications show that it does help relieve inflammation. It might also help to reduce pain associated with a condition that causes infertility, endometriosis.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can be painful and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, affects up to 10 percent of women in the United States. Of these women, 30 percent to 45 percent will have fertility issues. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial cells move to the outside of the uterus. Normal endometrial cells line the inside of the uterus and can become misplaced when stimulated by hormones. The result is scar tissue and deposits in the pelvic area. The cause is unknown, but UMMC lists some possibilities as immune system malfunction, menstrual irregularity or reflux, obesity and stress.
Infertility
For a woman to become pregnant, an egg must travel from the ovary through a fallopian tube. Women suffering from endometriosis might have obstruction in the tube that prevents travel and fertilization. It's not guaranteed that a woman with endometriosis will have fertility issues. The effect of this condition can be cumulative, so the earlier in life a woman with endometriosis tries to get pregnant, the better the chances of success.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a combination of enzymes that digest protein. The enzymes come from Ananas corosus, or pineapples. Most common uses for this product have nothing to do with fertility. UMMC states that bromelain might help to reduce swelling and improve healing for those who have sports injuries or who undergo surgery. Bromelain might also help to remove dead skin from third-degree burns.
Treatment
The main benefit of bromelain is to reduce inflammation. For women dealing with endometriosis, bromelain might help decrease pain from the condition. No indication suggests that this supplement will increase fertility. By helping reduce inflammation, it is possible that the herb will aid a woman who cannot attempt pregnancy because of the discomfort.
Considerations
Bromelain might upset the stomach. Some individuals might benefit from taking the extract on an empty stomach. Side effects of bromelain include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. You should not take bromelain if pregnant, hypertensive or if you have a liver or kidney disease. Supplements such as bromelain might interfere with prescription medications so do not take the supplement without your doctor's consent. Infertility can have many sources, most of which will not be improved by the use of bromelain. Talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your infertility and what course of action is best for you.
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