Endometriosis: More common than you think! Here are some key facts about endometriosis:
● Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, causing “menstruation” outside the uterus.
● The pain is real and can feel like “knife-cutting” at times. It’s not “just bad cramps.”
● We need more awareness. Women suffering from endometriosis deserve to be heard and supported.
Endometriosis is a commonly misunderstood condition that often leads to misdiagnosis. In some cases, patients are even incorrectly told they may have cancer.
It affects approximately 1 in 10 women, primarily those aged 25 to 49. Raising awareness and improving diagnostic accuracy is crucial for timely treatment and support.
What are its symptoms:?
Women experience a wide range of symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life. Some of these include:
● Excruciating menstrual pain: I’ve witnessed a woman in such severe agony during her period that it brought me to tears—it was truly heartbreaking.
● Pain during intercourse: A silent struggle for many.
● Abdominal swelling: Conditions like adenomyosis can cause a noticeable enlargement of the abdomen.
● Painful bowel movements: Often overlooked but deeply distressing.
● Abnormal menstrual bleeding: Heavy, prolonged, or unpredictable bleeding disrupts daily life.
● Nausea and vomiting: A lesser-discussed yet debilitating symptom for some.
● Infertility: A heartbreaking reality for many couples.
● Mental health challenges: Depression and even suicidal thoughts can stem from the physical and emotional toll of these conditions.
These are more than just “symptoms”—they represent the daily battles women face, often in silence. It’s time we listen, empathize, and advocate for better care.
More facts…
● Endometriosis is a complex and challenging condition, even for gynecologists to manage effectively.
● It is classified into grades, depending on how extensively it has spread within the body.
● Treatment options are constantly evolving, with new updates and advancements emerging regularly.
● Always show compassion to women living with endometriosis. The pain they endure can be beyond anything you could imagine—it’s truly unimaginable suffering.
● Empathy and understanding can make a world of difference. Let’s support them every step of the way.
How can we manage Endometriosis?
●Team-based approach: Management often requires a multidisciplinary team, including a gynecologist with expertise in endometriosis, fertility specialists, specialist nurses, imaging experts, counselors, psychologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and more.
● Hormonal therapy: Medications (tablets or injections) aim to suppress menstruation. By delaying or stopping periods, the associated pain can be significantly reduced.
● Pain management: Effective pain relief is a cornerstone of care.
● Surgery: A critical option for some patients. It’s not a minor intervention—I’ve seen cases where patients underwent as many as 16 keyhole surgeries (laparoscopies or robotic surgeries) in their journey to manage this condition.
● Fertility treatments: For those with fertility concerns, options like IVF, egg freezing, or embryo freezing (creating and storing embryos in the lab) are available, especially for patients who may require extensive surgeries.
Managing endometriosis is about personalized care and comprehensive support, ensuring the patient’s physical and emotional needs are met.
More women need to speak up about endometriosis—your voices matter, and awareness is key.
There is help available, and no one should suffer in silence.
By Dr. Ose Etiobhio MBBS, MRCOG @osemagnum
