Endometriosis is a painful gynaecological condition affecting over 190 ( 19 crores) million girls and women globally. India alone represents 25 percent of the burden with an estimated 43 million ( 4.5 crores) women enduring the pain suffering from Endometriosis which is a leading cause of infertility as well says Dr Vimee Bindra, Robotic and Laparosocpic Surgeon, Fertility Enhancing Surgery Specialist; Endometriosis Excision Surgery Specialist; founder of Endometriosis Foundation of India
Approximately one-third of the women suffering from endometriosis can face some difficulty in conceiving. However, there are many others too with mild endometriosis who do not face any issues with fertility. These issues are more likely to develop as a woman moves towards a severe endometriosis case.
For a woman to become pregnant, her ovary must release an egg and that must travel through the fallopian tube. The egg is then fertilised with a sperm and attached itself to the wall of the uterus to begin the development of the foetus. In Endometriosis, the fallopian tubes may be blocked or damaged which prevent the sperm and the egg to come together. In some cases, endometriosis can damage the egg in the ovaries that may lead to lowered ovarian reserve and even low egg quality and quantity.
How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Endometriosis may present as painful periods, pelvic, abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, painful sex and infertility or it may be asymptomatic in some cases. As it involves the pelvic organs and pelvic peritoneum, it causes infertility in 30-50% of women. For some women there may be a formation of an ovarian cyst called as chocolate cyst which can be picked up on ultrasound. A good clinical history and examination are the key to diagnose endometriosis and then comes the role of imaging and laparoscopy.
Common symptoms of endometriosis are
Very painful menstrual cramps
Chronic pelvic pain, backache
Painful sex
Painful defecation/urination
Bleeding or spotting
Infertility
Stomach /digestive problems simulating idiopathic Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diarrhea and constipation
Fatigue
Depression