What is endometriosis? A rare disease that can be a ‘silent threat’ to women’s fertility
Endometriosis can increase your risk of pregnancy and delivery complications. This can be caused by the inflammation, structural damage to the uterus and hormonal influences that endometriosis causes.
Women should be aware of the rare disease endometriosis, which is considered a silent killer of the ovaries and a slow killer of fertility, experts warned on International Women’s Day, as March is also considered Endometriosis Awareness Month. Once a rare disease, it is now commonly diagnosed and the prevalence of endometriosis is increasing in Karnataka, experts point out.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the uterine lining) grows outside the uterus. It can cause organs such as the uterus, bladder or intestines to stick together at certain points, and this condition is called ‘adhesions’.
Dr. Usha BR, consultant, obstetrician and gynecologist, fertility and laparoscopic surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, explained that about 70 percent of women who visit the outpatient clinic with complaints of painful periods and dyspareunia are diagnosed with endometriosis. cases are asymptomatic.
“I see at least 25 cases a month. It also causes painful intercourse, leading to sexual dysfunction, interpersonal conflict and later to infertility. Endometriosis is a silent killer of the ovaries and a slow killer of fertility,” explains Dr. Usha out.
“Endometriosis, which affects 10 to 15 percent of women in their childbearing years and 70 percent of those with chronic pelvic pain, often remains obscured by misdiagnosis, prolonging unnecessary suffering,” says Dr. Ramesh B, obstetrician and gynecologist , chief laparoscopic surgeon. Endometriosis Specialist, Altius Hospital, Bengaluru.
“It usually presents as severe dysmenorrhea, manifesting as intense pain during menstruation, which is often dismissed as normal. These women endure not only physical pain, but also mental anguish, as their severe pain is often attributed to a perceived lower pain tolerance by their peers,” said Dr. Ramesh.
Symptoms and treatment
With an average diagnostic delay of 6.7 years, the journey is marred by persistent pain and compromised well-being. Early detection, especially in adolescence, offers a glimmer of hope, potentially soothing anxiety and preserving fertility, he explained.
In Bengaluru, Karnataka, as in many other regions, barriers to diagnosing and managing endometriosis persist, compounded by obstacles such as cost and complexity of symptoms.
Still, the prospect of early intervention remains a beacon of hope, promising relief from pain, halting disease progression and safeguarding fertility for women across the region, said Dr. Ramesh.
Dr. Sharvari Mundhe, Consultant, Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist, Motherhood Hospital, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, explained: “Endometriosis poses a significant health challenge for women across the world, having a significant impact on their daily lives and reproductive health. With approximately one in ten women worldwide affected by this condition, its prevalence is significant. In India alone, an estimated 25 million women struggle with endometriosis.”
Despite its widespread prevalence, endometriosis remains a confusing puzzle in the medical field, with detection during diagnosis often evaded and women left to suffer its burdensome consequences in silence, she said.
“Urgent attention is needed to develop effective treatment options, given the heavy toll this takes on physical, emotional and reproductive well-being. To enable women to better manage their symptoms and protect their reproductive health, greater investment in research, education and access to specialized treatment options is needed,” she added.
Dr. Usha said endometriosis, which affects 1 in 7 women, often manifests with pelvic pain, heavy periods and infertility. “Yet, many patients may be asymptomatic and unaware of the presence of the condition. Diagnosing endometriosis involves reviewing medical history, performing pelvic examinations and often requires laparoscopic surgery for definitive confirmation and removal of endometrial tissue outside the uterus,” she said.
Lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and stress reduction, can complement medical treatments. Early detection and comprehensive management improve outcomes, provide relief and improve the quality of life for those affected, experts agreed.
(Input: IANS)