Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Take Action Before The Endometriosis Pain Ruins Your Life

Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects 42 million women in India alone and approximately 250 million women worldwide. Overall, endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of women worldwide.

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the womb (uterus). Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is ‘trapped’ commonly in the pelvic area that is the pelvic cavity (including the ovaries), lower abdomen and, rarely, in other areas in the body.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Endometriosis is found almost exclusively in women of reproductive age, with diagnosis done usually during her 30s. It is uncommon in the under-20s. Endometriosis has a much higher prevalence in infertile women, estimated as between 25% and 40%. Endometriosis is estimated to affect 10-15% of women of reproductive age. However, it is difficult to determine the prevalence because of the diversity of symptoms and their severity and because endometriosis may be sometimes asymptomatic. In India, endometriosis often remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood, leading to significant challenges in managing its symptoms effectively. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Endometriosis is an invisible disease yet painful. The woman suffers and fights within herself. The women who gets endometriosis fights the pain, she fights to explain the unbearable and the unpredictable pain. It’s often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. One reason for this underdiagnosis is the lack of awareness and education about endometriosis among both patients and healthcare providers. Many women may not even be aware that their symptoms are abnormal or indicative of a larger issue. Another factor, contributing to the underdiagnosis of endometriosis in India, is the stigma surrounding menstruation and women’s health issues. Women may feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with healthcare providers or family members, leading them to suffer in silence and delay seeking medical attention. We need to address this issue through community education and creating awareness on endometriosis. The major challenges faced by patients are delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and non-availability of diagnostic and treatment facilities in rural areas”.

Dr Manali Shilotri, Leading Gynaecologist and Consultant, Horizon Prime Hospital said “ Even though endometriosis is as common as diabetes, affecting one in 10 women, it takes years to get a proper diagnosis. Endometriosis involves multiple organs and is now considered a chronic systemic disease. Endometriosis also needs multi-disciplinary approach. The pain ruins life. Endometriosis manifests itself in the form of pelvic pain, painful menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, and infertility. However, the severity of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals, making diagnosis challenging. These symptoms can also be mistaken for other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ovarian cysts, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. In some cases, women may experience debilitating pain that significantly impacts their quality of life, while others may have mild or no symptoms at all.”

Few Myths About Endometriosis

1) Endometriosis is a rare condition : Endometriosis is not rare. It affects an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age.
2) Endometriosis only affects the uterus : Endometriosis can affect various organs in the body, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowel.
3) Endometriosis only affects older women : Endometriosis can affect women of any age who are menstruating.
4) Endometriosis only causes menstrual pain : Endometriosis can cause a variety of symptoms, including pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy periods(that last more than 7 days), and infertility.
5) Endometriosis can be cured : There is no known cure for endometriosis, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms.
6) Pregnancy cures endometriosis : While pregnancy can temporarily alleviate endometriosis symptoms, it does not cure the condition.
7) Hysterectomy cures endometriosis : While a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can alleviate endometriosis symptoms, it is not a cure for the condition.

Causes
The exact causes of endometriosis are still not defined but there are some studies that suggest the possible causes which may differ from patient to patient.

• Early age start of the menstrual period (before 11 yrs.)
• Heavy menstrual periods that last for more than a week
• Hormones– Identically, the female hormone estrogen is observed to promote endometriosis.
• Genetics– Endometriosis goes on with generation to generation in a family. If your mother or sister had endometriosis then you may have the six-time higher chances of getting endometriosis.
• Menstrual Period Issues– Some women face backward period flow, in which some of the tissue shed during a menstrual cycle flows backward via fallopian tubes and into the pelvis.
• Environmental Exposures– Exposure to industrial chemicals and compounds before the birth may lead to an increased risk of endometriosis in the future.\

Symptoms

• Extreme Menstrual cramps
• Long lasting pelvic and lower-back pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding where the pad needs to be changed every 1 to 2 hours
• Constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, bowel and urinary problems including pain
• Stool or urine with blood
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Severe Pain during intercourse

Diagnosis

• Physical Exam
• Pelvic exam
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Laparoscopy : Laparoscopy lets the surgeon check inside your abdomen for signs of endometriosis tissue. A laparoscopy can provide information about the location, extent and size of the endometriosis growths. Your surgeon may take a tissue sample called biopsy for more testing. 

Treatment

Treatment for endometriosis is typically with medications or surgery. The approach depends on the severity of the pain and symptoms and chances of conceiving. While there is no cure for endometriosis, various treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Medication

1. Pain relievers can help manage menstrual cramps.
2. Hormone therapy regulates menstrual cycles and reduces endometriosis tissue growth.
3. Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches, or injections, can control symptoms.

• Conservative Surgery: In cases where the patient is trying to conceive, surgery to remove as much endometriosis as possible while preserving the uterus and ovaries (conservative surgery) may increase the chances of conceiving.
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Assisted reproductive expertise, such as IVF, help in conceiving and doctors often suggest one of these approaches if conventional surgery is futile.
• Hysterectomy: In extreme cases, surgery to remove the uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy) as well as both the ovaries may be the suggested best treatment. Hysterectomy is normally considered as a last resort, especially for women in their reproductive age.

The Final Takeaway

Usually, endometriosis is not a life-threatening condition. However, if left untreated, it might cause some severe complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and depression that affects the lifestyle of the women. Without proper treatment, sometimes it may become dangerous. The early symptoms of endometriosis include painful and irregular periods, excessive bleeding during periods, pain during intercourse, fatigue, diarrhoea, or constipation. However, there is no rule that all these symptoms might occur in every endometriosis patient. It is possible that in some patients it may show up with few symptoms or not at all. Depending on their severity and overall condition of health, the symptoms may vary from person to person. If you find any of these symptoms, please immediately get in touch with your gynaecologist.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life”. Horizon Prime Hospital, Thane is renowned for its expertise in treating endometriosis. With a skilled team of gynaecologists, nurses, and healthcare professionals, Women’s Wing of the hospital offers state-of-the-art treatment methods tailored to each patient’s needs. Our Gynaecology Department is committed to delivering world-class care, meeting global standards. We have a top-tier high-risk pregnancy team, comprising obstetricians and gynaecologists. Equipped with modern medical facilities, including specialized units, the hospital ensures comprehensive care for women’s health.