All you need to know about Endometriosis

The 35th National ISOPARB 2019 Conference (Indian Society of Perinatology and Reproductive Biology); was inaugurated by Sangita Reddy, Jt. Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals at Park Hyatt.

Dr Pushpalatha Damaraju, founder and patron, ISOPARB, Hyderabad, Dr Rooma Sinha, Organising Chairperson; Dr Madhumathi S, and Dr Y K Swapna, Organising Secretaries, ISOPARB 2019 and delegates from across the country.

Speaking on the occasion Sangita Reddy said, changing lifestyle and truly varied atmosphere is leading to on one hand have women who are forced into reproductive life very early, have multiple babies and don't have the option to protect themselves.

On the other hand, with industrialisation and professionalism we have mother conceiving at a very late stage in life; the co-existence of different dynamics is presenting new challenges for the medical profession.

With India having one of the most varied demographics compared to any other country in the world and it is for all of you to weigh the pros and cons before you advise at any point of time.

On one hand we are trying to control the population and on the other hand combat infertility, with a depth we have never seen before.

Later, Swati Lakra, IGP, Law & order, Telangana, joined by Sangita Reddy; Dr Rooma Sinha; flagged off the EndoMarch, at Park Hyatt.

EndoMarch is an initiative to build awareness on endometriosis and is held on the occasion of Worldwide Endometriosis Day, which is observed on the last Saturday of March, every year.

There is urgency for endometriosis awareness and advancement of endometriosis research. Joining hands with this international event, which is happening all over the world is to empower, educate and care for women suffering from endometriosis.

EndoMarch is organised worldwide, every year on last Saturday of March (Worldwide Endometriosis Day®), to bring awareness for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is often a prolonged and progressive problem that women may suffer for many years in their lives.

A potential cause of debilitating pain it can cause organ damage, infertility, and other severe and life-threatening medical consequences if left inadequately treated, said Dr Rooma Sinha.

What is endometriosis?

Tissue that forms the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is sometimes present in other places in some women. These sites can be ovaries, fallopian tubes, cul-de-sac (behind uterus), intestines, rectum, bladder.

Endometrial tissue outside the uterus also responds to changes in hormones each month. It also breaks down and bleeds like the lining of the uterus during the menstrual cycle every month.

The bleeding inside the uterus has a passage to come out as menstrual bleeding. The bleeding at these extra uterine sites collect and forms cysts (chocolate cysts) or adhesions.

This can cause pain, especially before and during period. Endometriosis is found in about one third of infertile women.

Who are at risk?

♦ Young women in their reproductive age

♦ Women with infertility

♦ Women with uterine defects like septum or bicornuate uterus

♦ It can run in the family

Symptoms

Pelvic pain (pain in lower abdomen and back) is most common symptom. Such pain may occur with sex, during bowel movements or urination, or just before or during menstrual cycle.

Menstrual bleeding may occur more than normal or in abnormal pattern. One third women who suffer from infertility have Endometriosis.

Feeling of gaseous distension around the periods is also a non specific presentation. Some women with endometriosis may have no symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS is made by detailed clinical history and Pelvic examination. Imaging modalities like Ultrasonography or MRI helps in diagnosis in later stages of the disease. Laparoscopy-Visual inspection is the standard method in diagnosing endometriosis

Treatment remains often prolonged for women who suffer from endometriosis. But cure is possible so never lose hope. Treatment is available in form of medical and surgical therapy and is offered depending on the problems that she is facing with.

Mild disease is treated with medication, however for severe pain or infertility surgical treatment is a time-tested method and necessary. Newer medications are now being approved for use and may make difference for these women in the coming years.

Today Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard in treatment of endometriosis but needs expertise and experience. Therefore, it is recommended that endometriosis surgery should be done at centers with experience and adequate infrastructure.