Endometriosis: A hidden scourge of millions of women’s health, fertility

176M women around the world dealing the symptoms of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found elsewhere in the body; most commonly in the abdomen, near the ovaries, rectum, bladder and bowel. In its new, abnormal location, this tissue behaves as the lining of the womb, bleeding every month, and can cause severe chronic pain .

An estimated 10 per cent of all women during their reproductive years are affected by endometriosis, meaning that 176 million women around the world are dealing with the symptoms of endometriosis during the prime years of their lives.

There are different hypotheses as to what causes endometriosis. Unfortunately, these theories have not been entirely proven, nor do they fully explain all the mechanisms associated with the development of the disease.

It is widely agreed however, that endometriosis is exacerbated by oestrogen. Consequently, most of the current treatments for endometriosis attempt to regulate oestrogen production in a woman’s body to relieve symptoms. Some women with endometriosis appear to have immunologic defects or dysfunctions. Whether this is a cause or effect of endometriosis is unknown.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. Pain may be felt before/during/after menstruation, during ovulation or when passing urine.

The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways.

The other symptom associated with endometriosis is infertility. It is estimated that 30-40 per cent of women with endometriosis are subfertile. If you, or someone you care about, has endometriosis, it is important to educate yourself and take the time to find a good doctor .

There is no definite cure for endometriosis. But there are treatments which can relieve symptoms, infertility and improve quality of life. The treatment will be decided by the doctor based on symptoms, how they affect daily life, and discussing whether the patient wants to have children now or in the future. The various options available are pain medications, hormonal treatment and laparoscopic surgery.