Endometriosis

 💛 Endometriosis – The Silent Struggle Many Women Face

Endometriosis is not just painful periods. It is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it—causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility.

🔹 It affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.

🔹 Many go undiagnosed for 7–10 years due to normalization of their pain.

🔹 Symptoms often overlap with other conditions, which delays proper treatment.

📌 Guidelines & Key Clinical Notes:

Suspicion is key: Any woman with chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea unresponsive to regular painkillers, or infertility should be evaluated for endometriosis.

Diagnostic approach: 

History & pelvic exam.

Ultrasound can detect ovarian endometriomas.

MRI helps map deep infiltrating disease.

Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

Management: 

Medical options: NSAIDs for pain, hormonal therapy (COCs, progestins, GnRH analogues).

Surgical options: Laparoscopic excision/ablation for severe disease, especially when infertility is a concern.

Multidisciplinary support: Pain specialists, fertility counseling, psychological support.

Follow-up: Chronic disease, requires long-term individualized management.

🌸 Endometriosis & Infertility

Around 30–50% of women with endometriosis may face fertility challenges.

The disease can distort pelvic anatomy, damage ovaries and fallopian tubes, and affect egg quality.

Surgical removal of endometriosis lesions may improve fertility in selected cases.

Assisted reproductive techniques (IVF/ICSI) are sometimes necessary, particularly when conservative measures fail.

Early diagnosis and tailored treatment increase the chance of conception and reduce emotional distress.

🌟 My Personal Reflection as a Gynecologist

What touches me most is how many women normalize their pain. They endure years of suffering in silence, not knowing it could also be the reason behind their infertility struggles. Awareness is the first step toward restoring women’s health, fertility, and dignity.

💡 Takeaway Message

👉 If you or someone you know suffers from severe pelvic pain or unexplained infertility, don’t ignore it. Early referral to a gynecologist can make all the difference.

#DrRababCares 

#Endometriosis #Infertility #WomensHealth #Gynecology #Awareness #DrRababCares #ForestParkHospital #zambiahealthcare

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