Coping with endometriosis
ENDOMETRIOSIS is a term many may have heard of but few truly comprehend. It’s a condition where tissue akin to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing debilitating pain, severe bloating, fatigue and other symptoms.
For many women it leads to depression and anxiety. The stakes are even higher when it comes to fertility.
According to the Health Ministry, it is a common gynaecological disorder, affecting nearly one in seven women aged 30-45.
In 2022, data indicated that about 350,000 Malaysian women were affected by this condition.
Endometriosis Association of Malaysia founder and president Surita Morgan says despite many women suffering from endometriosis in the country, there remains limited documentation and mindfulness of their plight.
Malaysians are generally not aware of what endometriosis really is and why some women have this condition.
“One of the biggest reasons is because it is often considered a taboo subject. People are simply uncomfortable speaking about menstrual health openly,” she says.
TMC Fertility obstetrician and gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Liza Ling Ping says beyond physical symptoms, endometriosis deeply affects a woman’s emotional wellbeing, relationships and quality of life.
Endometriosis reveals itself in stages, she explains. From minimal to severe, each stage paints a picture of the disease’s progression.
The first stage, or minimal endometriosis, involves scattered patches of tissue, often without symptoms or with mild pelvic discomfort.
In the second stage, or mild endometriosis, the number of tissue patches increases, potentially affecting fertility and causing discomfort during menstruation and intercourse.
Stage three, or moderate endometriosis, sees further spread with scar tissue and adhesions, leading to chronic pelvic pain and digestive issues. Stage four, or severe endometriosis, is characterised by extensive tissue patches, large cysts and significant scarring, resulting in intense pain and potentially impacting bowel and urinary functions.
“While there is no absolute cure for endometriosis, an official diagnosis allows for the classification of the patient’s condition or stage, guiding the choice of treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life,” says Dr Ling.
In this regard, knowledge is power, and early intervention is key, she adds.
There is a spectrum of treatments available, from laparoscopic surgery to specialised fertility treatments, all aimed at managing symptoms and preventing escalation of this condition.
Early diagnosis and intervention can open the door to effective treatment options that not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve quality of life and protect fertility.