Early detection crucial for effective treatment of endometriosis, finds study

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other organs within the pelvis. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. However, because it has no way to exit the body like menstrual blood, it becomes trapped. This can lead to inflammation, scar tissue formation, and severe pain.

Although there is currently no known way to prevent endometriosis, early diagnosis, and management can help slow down "the natural progression of the disease and reduce the long-term burden of its symptoms, including possibly the risk of central nervous system pain sensitisation", as per the World Health Organization.

"The symptoms of endometriosis can vary from person to person and may not correlate with the severity of endometriosis. Most women with endometriosis tend to have painful periods which may be attributed to the normal menstrual cramps and diagnosis is often delayed," said Gayathri D Kamath, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

“Excessive pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), painful intercourse (dyspareunia), chronic pelvic pain, severe backache, or constant painful urge to defecate during and around periods are some of the red flags. In addition, difficulty getting pregnant (infertility) can also be associated with endometriosis,” said Gayathri.

Therefore, recognizing the significance of early clinical diagnosis is crucial in the evolving paradigm of endometriosis management. Consistently adopting a standardized approach to both diagnosis and treatment is essential to enhance patient care and improve outcomes.

Reference: IANS