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Millions of women worldwide suffer with endometriosis; however, it is still underdiagnosed. Learn about the symptoms and the impact of specialised clinics.
Discover the main signs of endometriosis and how clinics make sure that a diagnosis is made as soon as possible.
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder affecting 10 to 15 percent of women worldwide, yet it is frequently undiagnosed because of a lack of awareness and normalisation of related symptoms. The tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, and this commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic ligaments. Use of abnormal tissue causes inflammation and scarring with adhesion, leading to various symptoms like chronic pain and problems in getting pregnant.
The condition can begin as early as age 25 and continue until around age 50. Unfortunately, most women remain unaware of the disease. Often, they dismiss their pain, resorting to painkillers, and do not seek medical advice unless they face difficulties conceiving. It is during these fertility assessments that many discover endometriosis as an underlying cause.
The most common symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain that worsens with menstruation
- Irregular or painful menstrual cycles with heavy bleeding
- Pain during sex, often dismissed as normal
- Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
- Fatigue, bloating, and nausea that accompany menstruation
- Trouble conceiving due to damage to reproductive organs as a result of endometriosis
These symptoms can vary widely, at times remaining very mild, with some women not presenting until they have difficulty conceiving. Women, therefore, may delay seeking help until such time that they are having trouble conceiving, are perceived as normal, or lack awareness.
It is only when the condition is diagnosed that management for endometriosis can begin. Here, their role as specialists employing advanced diagnostic findings in a particular context cannot be overstated. Transvaginal ultrasonography, MRI, and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques are examples of diagnostic technologies that the best centers employ to complete the accurate diagnosis and staging. Advanced surgical methods like robot-assisted surgery have improved the outcomes of endometriosis surgery. Even surgery often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with a colorectal surgeon and urologist being a part of the team. Apart from this, the diagnostic phase involves taking a thorough medical history with an evaluation of the symptoms.
The clinics that focus on endometriosis should place emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach, where gynaecologists, radiologists, pain specialists, and fertility experts work together. This approach ensures that patients are treated with customised plans according to their symptoms, disease stage, and fertility goals. Treatments generally include medication for pain, hormonal therapies that slow the advancement of the disease, and surgery in severe cases to remove scar tissue and endometrial growths.
The centres in Europe and the UK follow standardised protocols, as put forward by NICE and the European Endometriosis League (EEL), for the same reasons mentioned above. Awareness of endometriosis is growing in India, and some clinics are adopting international standards and research to improve the outcomes of the treatment.
The empowerment of women to identify symptoms and seek specialised care early will be a step toward the effective management of endometriosis. Clinics with advanced diagnostics and a comprehensive care framework ensure timely interventions and reduce the risk of complications. By adapting awareness and improving access to specialised care, the medical community can significantly enhance the quality of life for women living with this condition.
(Inputs by Dr. Anshumala Shukla-Kulkarni, Head, Minimally Invasive Gynaecology, Gynaecology Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)
