Endometriosis – Myths and Facts
Endometriosis – It’s A Journey To Relieve Pain, You Are Not Alone In This Don’t Let Endometriosis Pain To Ruin Your Daily Life
Most of us have heard of endometriosis at some point. Maybe you know a friend, a relative, or a co-worker who has this diagnosis. However, there are a lot of misconceptions about what endometriosis actually is and how it affects patients. Endometriosis is a painful gynaecological condition affecting over 190 million girls and women globally. India alone represents 25 percent of the burden with an estimated 43 million women enduring the pain. Endometriosis refers to a condition in which endometrial cells which normally line the uterine cavity are found outside of the uterine cavity. This disorder can come with a variety of symptoms or may be completely asymptomatic.
Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition characterised by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It is a public health concern that impacts approximately 200 million women worldwide, with around 43 million affected in India alone. However, in India, this condition often remains
underdiagnosed and misunderstood, leading to significant challenges in managing its symptoms effectively. Many women may dismiss their symptoms as normal menstrual discomfort, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. Spreading awareness, early diagnosis and treatment is the need of the hour.”
Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “The organs in your pelvis all function in a cavity about five inches wide. When one organ is inflamed, the problem doesn’t have to travel to affect other organs. Women with endometriosis pain often discover bladder or bowel aches. They sometimes also find intercourse painful and discover infertility issues along the way. Treating the pain often involves working with doctors other than a gynaecologist. Here, we are talking about pain that’s far beyond normal and that keeps people from living their lives.”
Dr Ria Vaidya further added “We hear stories about pain every day. When the stories involve endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, it ranges from endurable to excruciating ― from no big deal to circumstances where leaving the house or even getting out of bed isn’t really an option. And, in the case of endometriosis, no cure has been found. The condition, which occurs when a variety of tissue found in the uterus grows in ovaries, bowels, the bladder or elsewhere, affects roughly 190 million women around the world. The good news is that health care professionals have become adept at diminishing the agony it causes. These days, if you’re living with endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain, you have a wealth of options to choose from ― including some geared to the very specific kind of pain that’s yours. At our Horizon Group of Hospitals, doctors from various departments are part of a multidisciplinary team to treat the downstream effects that sometimes arise.”
Dr Manali Shilotri, Leading Gynaecologist and Consultant Horizon Group of Hospitals said “With Endometriosis some people have cramping pain. Some people have sharp shooting nerve pain or muscle pain. Some people have something that starts out as bad period pain, and then it moves on to other organs – gastrointestinal pain, bladder pain, abdominal wall pain, back pain – or all of those things. Often the first line of defense is medicine to decrease inflammation, but a disease like endometriosis is so specific to each person, there’s no catch-all pill. Nor is there a simple diagnosis. There’s no blood test. Right now, definitive diagnosis can only be made with a laparoscopic surgery. It can still take patients seven to 10 years to get a diagnosis due to the variety of symptoms and the method of diagnosis. Surgery to remove endometriosis can be helpful but isn’t considered a cure. That doesn’t mean you have to suffer for years before you can do something about it. More options for
treating your discomfort are emerging regularly. People want to treat their pain flare at home. They don’t want to come into an emergency room or urgent care setting. They want to have a list of therapies at home that might help them.”
Dr Manali Shilotri further said “Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to that which lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus, often in the pelvic area. It is a common disease that affects one in nine women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, research shows that it can be more difficult for women with endometriosis to conceive. There are various misconceptions regarding endometriosis and infertility, and it is important to debunk some of these to allow a better understanding of this common condition.” There are many myths about endometriosis that make it hard for people to
know what’s true and what’s a myth about this disease. Dr Manali Shilotri lists down the 7 common myths and facts about Endometriosis.
Myth #1: Endometriosis is just a terrible period
Fact! While painful periods can be a symptom of endometriosis, the condition is far more complex. Endometriosis can cause chronic pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that persist throughout the menstrual cycle. Besides killer cramps, endometriosis can induce many other signs and dangers. In addition, women with endometriosis frequently have menstrual cycles that interfere with attending school, working, performing other daily tasks, or having a regular social life. Dismissing it as merely “bad cramps” undermines the serious nature of this condition and can lead to delayed treatment.
Myth #2: Endometriosis only affects older women
Fact! This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Endometriosis can affect women of all ages, including older women and even teenagers too. While the symptoms may be less severe, they can still impact the quality of life and require treatment. Many women report experiencing symptoms from their very first period. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, so it’s essential to be aware that age is not a determining factor.
Myth #3: Pregnancy cures endometriosis
Fact! Pregnancy does not cure endometriosis, but symptoms may improve because you don’t have periods during pregnancy. While some women may experience temporary relief during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, it’s not a cure. Some women continue to experience pain through their pregnancy. This can lead to feelings of worry and concern. Symptoms often return after childbirth or
breastfeeding. Working with a doctor to manage endometriosis before, during, and after pregnancy is crucial.
Myth #4: Endometriosis causes infertility
Fact! Up to half of women with Endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant. While endometriosis can impact fertility, many women with the condition can and do become pregnant. Endometriosis-related infertility may occur because of endometrial tissue and scarring on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Approximately 30-50% of women who have endometriosis may experience issues, but with proper treatment and management, conception is possible. If you have endometriosis and are trying to conceive, consult with a fertility specialist to explore your options.
Myth #5: Endometriosis affects fertility if it’s blocking your fallopian tubes
Fact! Endometriosis is a very complex condition that can affect fertility in many ways. Whilst severe forms of endometriosis can cause scarring in the pelvis and affect the tubes and reproductive organs, this is not the only way that fertility can be affected. Endometriosis can cause pelvic inflammation, even when the endometriosis is classified as mild. It can also impact the quality of the eggs in the ovaries and lower the rate of fertilisation. Women with endometriosis can also have ovarian cysts, called endometriomas, which can reduce a woman’s ovarian reserve or egg numbers. The endometrial lining of the womb, which plays a vital role in implantation, is also thought to be different in people with endometriosis than in those without.
Myth #6. Endometriosis can affect lots of different organs
Fact! Your reproductive system contains several different parts: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Endometrial tissue is supposed to grow in your uterus, which is the organ responsible for housing and growing a baby if you’re pregnant. But if you have endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus. Nearby reproductive organs are often affected. Endometrial tissue can grow on or around your ovaries and your fallopian tubes. Tissue growth can spread to other organs in your pelvis, even if they’re not related to reproduction. Some women have endometrial tissue growth around their bowels, rectum, and bladder. Some of the other areas where endometriosis lesions can spread include the ureter, bladder, kidneys, bowel, diaphragm, appendix, pancreas, and even lungs. Most of the time, abnormal endometrial tissue growth stays in your pelvic area. In rare cases, tissue may spread as far as your chest cavity.
Myth #7: Endometriosis can be cured by hysterectomy
Facts: Firstly, there is currently no definitive cure for endometriosis, however there are treatments available that aim to address the symptoms and can make life worth living again. Some women experience severe symptoms even after taking medicine or undergoing typical surgical procedures. Expansive surgery such as hysterectomy and ovarian removal may be included for these women. In some cases, hysterectomy may offer a significant control of the problem and removes pain, but this depends on the location of the endometriosis. Taking out the uterus and ovaries is the last choice in treatment.
The Final Takeaway
Although endometriosis affects around 10% of women of reproductive age, many doctors still do not fully understand the disease. This means that a lot of women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. There is no cure for Endometriosis but the problem can be managed. No one deserves to be in pain. It’s important to listen to women’s concerns and work out why they might have pain, what might make them more comfortable, and how we can help them best manage their pain. If you’re experiencing severe pain or heavy bleeding during your periods, or if you are having severe pain during intercourse, talk to your physician about getting evaluated for endometriosis. Diagnosis typically includes a pelvic exam and sometimes diagnostic imaging. If you are diagnosed with endometriosis, your physician may prescribe hormonal birth control or other hormonal treatments to lessen your symptoms. Surgery may also be an option to remove endometriosis growths or blockages.
Don’t give up on finding a treatment plan that works for you if you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis. Instead, speak with your doctor and continue to look for answers to any questions you may have. There are more therapy options for endometriosis today, with highly promising results. For any further queries regarding endometriosis, get in touch with our Horizon Group of Hospitals team of experts now!. At our Horizon Group of Hospitals, doctors from various departments are part of a multidisciplinary team to treat the downstream effects that sometimes arise.
