Endometriosis awareness

IN Malaysia, endometriosis affects 350,000 women – manifesting as excruciating pain that casts shadows on some of women’s most routine activities like menstruation, intimacy, or even a simple act of urination or bowel movement.

Endometriosis, a condition where tissue akin to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causes debilitating pain, severe bloating, fatigue, and an array of symptoms. For many, these symptoms lead to a darker path of depression and anxiety.

The stakes are even higher when it comes to fertility and women of reproductive age. With 30% to 50% of infertile women found to be wrestling endometriosis, the dream of motherhood instead becomes a nightmare; a physiological battlefield marred by distorted pelvic anatomy, scarred fallopian tubes, and a myriad of factors affecting egg quality and pregnancy.

With significant statistics and staggering numbers, what is really more alarming is that there remains an overwhelming lack of awareness in Malaysia.

Endometriosis Association of Malaysia founder and president Surita Morgan emphasises that despite the many women who are affected by 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 as a taboo subject. People are simply uncomfortable speaking about menstrual health openly. Breaking this silence is immensely crucial. By fostering open conversations and increasing visibility, we can challenge misconceptions and create a supportive community where women feel seen and heard. We need to change the narrative around menstrual health and endometriosis. We need better research, better resources, and better recognition of this condition. By doing so, we can begin to pave the way for a future where endometriosis is not a burden anymore carried in silence, but a challenge met with understanding and solidarity,” she explains.

TMC Fertility consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist, and fertility specialist Dr Liza Ling Ping says: “Beyond physical symptoms, we have seen how endometriosis deeply affects one’s emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life. By providing education, support, and

advanced treatment options, we aim to uplift and guide women and their families through their journey.”

Endometriosis reveals itself in stages, each a reflection of the complexity and varied impact of the disease.

The first stage, or minimal endometriosis, involves scattered patches of tissue, often without symptoms or with mild pelvic discomfort.

In the second stage, 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.

It has to be understood that while there is no absolute cure for endometriosis, an official diagnosis allows for the classification of the patient’s condition stage, guiding the choice of treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

In this regard, knowledge is certainly power, and early intervention is key. There is a spectrum of treatments available to patients, from laparoscopic surgery to specialised fertility treatments, all aimed at managing symptoms and preventing escalation. Early diagnosis and intervention can open the door to effective treatment options that not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve quality of life, and even protect fertility.