Dr Naresh Purohit, Consultant, National Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme, said on Saturday that the symptoms of endometriosis disease usually include extreme pelvic pain and heavy bleeding, infertility, long menstrual cycles, nausea or vomiting. He said that there is pain before, during and after menstruation. Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and the age of the patient. If a patient comes to an early stage, then hormonal medication will suffice. He said that 10 percent of women of reproductive age group are affected by endometriosis. After addressing a webinar on ‘Enometriosis Awareness in Women’ organized by Gyan Sagar Medical College, Rajpura, renowned epidemiologist Dr Purohit told UNI here on Saturday that in the last 15 years the cases of endometriosis (a multi-system disorder) have increased. has increased rapidly. Many women in Punjab complain of menstrual pain, cramps, painful sex, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, back pain, leg pain, pain when urinating, pain when passing bowel movements and bleeding from the rectum. However, there are many women who are also without symptoms.
According to the WHO, it affects 10 percent of women of reproductive age and about 200 million women worldwide. Cases of endometriosis are increasing and affecting younger girls as they get their first menarche.
Dr Purohit, visiting professor at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Faridkot, said that every month the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, is shed when a woman menstruates. In some cases, the body does not clear the lining properly. Pieces of the lining inside the stomach, bladder and nearby organs leak out. This happens in endometriosis. It causes tubal block, pain and infertility. This causes repeated bleeding and leads to ulcers. He said endometriosis affects girls and women of reproductive age and is associated with any organ involved in reproduction. It can be described as an abnormal growth of tissue resembling the lining of the uterus outside the uterus. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, although there are several theories. “Since endometriosis interferes with quality of life due to persistent pain, lack of concentration and self-esteem, early diagnosis and follow-up with a doctor is indicated,” he said.
Dr Purohit said, ‘Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (chia, flax seeds, walnuts, salmon), fresh fruits and vegetables, avoidance of trans-fats, avoidance of alcohol and caffeine intake, and regular exercise regimen can help with endometriosis. May help relieve and resolve symptoms. According to Purohit, stage A of endometriosis is minimal, in which there may be small adhesions and small amounts of endometriosis tissue on the patient’s ovaries. It may also include swelling in or around the pelvic area. The stage is mild and there are more adhesions on or around the ovary. These adhesions are defined as ‘very insignificant’ at this stage and are usually too small to be picked up on ultrasound unless the doctor looks for tenderness in the area when examining the ovaries. The stage is mild where adhesions will be readily apparent and may be cysts, usually on the ovaries. The fourth stage is the last stage associated with a large number of ulcers and severe adhesions. Most cysts will appear on the ovaries while adhesions will appear on the pelvic lining and can affect the fallopian tubes and intestines. This can make bowel movements very uncomfortable and can make menstrual pain at its worst.