Famous Boollywood actress Katrina Kaif reportedly underwent surgery for endometriosis in 2009, when she was 28 years old. Celina Jaitley also sought treatment for endometriosis and later gave birth to twins. I’m sure there are other Bollywood big-wigs or women of influence who have been through it or have the capacity to spread awareness about endometriosis but unlike their Western counterparts, they haven’t really voiced a concern.
According to the Endometriosis Foundation of America, over 50 million women in India are possibly affected by endometriosis but the disease gets little consideration here. The question that remains to be answered how long will the government take to realize endometriosis as a serious health issue.
Answering to, What is endometriosis? The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the womb (uterus).Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is ‘trapped’ commonly in the pelvic area that is the pelvic cavity (including the ovaries) , lower abdomen and, rarely, in other areas in the body, like bladder, bowels, and other organs.
Worsening of pain at the time of menstruation, or just prior to it, should not be ignored as it suggests endometriosis. An intial sign often overlooked is observed, around the days of menstruation, when this tissue grows and bleeds but because of reverse menstruation, it gets collected in the pelvic region and starts invading the tissues. This thick blood accumulates over the organs causing pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, or pelvic areas. The brutally-painful, often under-diagnosed condition is endometriosis. So if you face similar symptom do not hesitate to visit the doctor.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if:
- Your periods have changed from relatively pain-free to painful.
- Pain interferes with your daily activities.
- You begin to have pain during intercourse.
- You have painful urination, blood in your urine, or an inability to control the flow of urine.
- You have blood in your stool, you develop pain, or you have a significant, unexplained change in your bowel movements.
- You are not able to become pregnant after trying for 12 months.
The condition is not easy to identify and the definite treatment lies in a laparoscopic surgery. It has been observed that women often tend to find the cure with humble drug therapy, before they opt for the surgical option.
Do not ignore that lifestyle changes, including what you eat and how much physical activity you get, affect estrogen-dependent conditions like endometriosis.
Healthy diet and physical activity helps in improved immunity which inturn helps reduce inflammation in endometriosis to some extent.
The following are the lifestyle and dietary changes:
- Following a balanced diet rich in iron, fibre and essential fatty acids (EFAs).
- Increasing physical activity.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Quitting smoking.
- Avoiding drinking alcohol and caffeine.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month on Women Fitness, Visit the following link (https://www.womenfitness.net/endometriosis_month.htm) to learn more about Endometriosis, symptoms, causes & management
