It has been estimated that at between 5 to 10% of the female population have endometriosis, a leading cause of infertility not to mention discomfort and pain. But there are some promising breakthroughs that can be good news to women who suffer the condition according to the latest endometriosis clinical trial infertility studies. Perhaps surprisingly, the news speaks of two seemingly unrelated things having positive effects on patients - pine bark and orgasms.

Just recently, results of a study conducted in Japan at the Kanazawa University School of Medicine where released. From the study it was discovered that Pycnogenol, a chemical found in the pine trees that grow along French coastal regions, can significantly reduce the signs of endometriosis by as much as 33%.

Soon to be published in the upcoming edition of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine the clinical trial involved an extensive study of 58 women suffering endometriosis. The women were given either the conventional treatment (using Gn-RHA gonadotropin-releasing hormone agents) or an alternative treatment using Pycnogenol within a trial period of 48 weeks.

The participants of the study were given monthly gynecologic examinations and completed pain self-assessments before and during the trial period. During the initial stage of the study, both groups had not shown improvement of their condition but within four weeks, they experienced some improvement with those taking Pycnogenol experiencing slow but yet steady relief, while those taking Gn-RHa experiencing faster alleviation.

However, after the 24-week mark, the Gn-RHa group exhibited significant relapse of the symptoms while their Pycnogenol-taking counterparts continued to improve.

The results revealed the greater effectiveness of Pycnogenol in the long run. Another great thing about the new treatment is that it also helped reduce discomforts and pains during menstruation without causing adverse side effects resulting from Gn-RHa use.

Among the most serious side effects of the Gn-RHa treatment is infertility due to the drastic hormonal changes generated by the therapy that include sudden decrease of estrogen levels and disruption of the menstrual cycle.

Those who took Pycnogenol did not experience negative effects with their menstrual cycle, nor did they experience dropping of their estrogen levels. Surprisingly, five women who belonged to the Pycnogenol group even became pregnant during the clinical trial - a sharp contrast to the infertility-inducing reputation of Gn-RHa. With this in mind, Pycnogenol, which is also used in treating premenstrual syndrome, might be an option for those who wish to become pregnant while seeking relief for endometriosis symptoms.

Other exciting news might prove contradictory to the usual reputation of endometriosis - that it can cause pains during intercourse. According to the trial published in a recent issue of the Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, sex during menstruation may actually prevent endometriosis.

The study revealed that women who were active sexually when they had their periods were less likely to develop endometriosis than women who shun having sex during that time of the month.

Moreover, women who regularly achieved orgasms during menstruation further decreased their risk of developing the disease. Orgasms seemed to flush out menstrual debris from their uterus. This just shows that sex may actually help reduce endometriosis perhaps before it can cause pain during intercourse.

While more research is required it is a great step to hear good news about endometriosis research knowing that millions of women suffer with this chronic condition. Perhaps future endometriosis clinical trial infertility researches might even reveal more promising results that would help so many patients all over the world.