Question:
I have been through some infertility treatments in the last year,
which ultimately led to surgery to remove endometriosis. During that
time, I asked my endocrinologist about the strange inflammation of
my gums and glands I experience occasionally and she was unfamiliar
with my symptoms. I know there must be a hormonal reason for the inflammation
of my gums and glands because the pain completely disappears as soon
as I begin menstruating. I only have trouble on the left side of my
neck and mouth, and it usually occurs about a few days prior to menstruation.
Any information or suggestions you might have regarding this problem
would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Your query about an association of gingivitis (inflammation of the
gums) and infertility or endometriosis is interesting, as it represents
a rare association for which no cause/effect relationship is known.
The available data are over 20 years old, and aren't convincing to
me. The only clear association is with the poor oral health that results
from bulimia and menstrual irregularities/infertility. Some of the
older observations were that gingivitis was worse during the last
half of the menstrual cycle, unrelated to ovarian disease, or infertility.
New information obtained with DNA probes of oral bacteria indicates
that many, many more types of bacteria, up to 32 individual types,
infest the mouth than were previously recognized from culture methods.
However this recently reported study did not compare the times of
the menstrual cycle. One of the culprits with suspected risk for gingivitis
is chlamydia, which is also known to be associated with infertility.
If you have blood titers for chlamydia, a course of antibiotics for
this organism may be beneficial. That suggestion is speculative, as
I know of no studies of a potential benefit. The premenstrual use
of an anti-inflammatory drug such as Motrin may be helpful, too. Direct
application of liquid Motrin may produce a direct benefit. On a related
topic, the association of chlamydia and increased risk of heart attacks
and with arthritis has been in the medical and lay-news during the
past year.
This response is of educational value only, and may not be construed
as medical advice or opinion useful for making decisions. Consultation
with a qualified physician is advisable before any action is considered
based upon this response. WHPU/WLH
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