Endometriosis affects millions of people every year but is a highly misunderstood disease which goes undiagnosed. This illness not only affects mental but also physical and reproductive health which causes many issues in the daily lives of these people. Raising awareness and getting a diagnosis at an early stage become imperative for enhancing the quality of life.
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. Each month, this tissue behaves like the uterine lining, thickening and breaking down, leading to internal bleeding, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.
Impact on sexual and reproductive health
The symptoms of Endometriosis are quite painful which hinders the reproductive and sexual health of the person. Pain during sex or dyspareunia disrupts the intimate relationship significantly. This leads to fear of indulging into sexual activity as it causes pain more than any enjoyment, which results in emotional and physical strain. Further, endometriosis causes infertility in most cases. The infertility complication is due to the blockages or scar tissues in the reproductive system which makes it difficult for couples to engage in any intimate act.
Even when the couple is able to conceive, the pregnancy can be a high risk one with high chances of miscarriages or preterm birth. Appropriate medical care and attention is imperative for a healthy pregnancy result.
Delayed diagnosis and silent symptoms
One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is the delay in diagnosis. On average, it takes about 8 years for women to be correctly diagnosed, largely because its symptoms overlap with other conditions. Unfortunately, even some gynecologists and radiologists may not be fully equipped to identify endometriosis, further delaying treatment. This delay means many women endure unnecessary pain and complications for years.
Even more concerning is asymptomatic endometriosis, where the disease silently progresses without noticeable symptoms. By the time it's detected, the condition can be in a more advanced and painful stage. Women should consider early MRI screenings if there's even the slightest suspicion of endometriosis. Read More
This article is referenced from
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
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