Endometriosis: Recognising the Signs and Treatment Options in Delhi
Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% of women of reproductive age but is often diagnosed years after symptoms begin. Severe period pain is not normal. Here is what every woman should know about endometriosis and modern treatment options.
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, or in some cases on the bowel or bladder. This misplaced tissue responds to monthly hormonal changes, causing inflammation, scarring, and progressive pain. Endometriosis is estimated to affect 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide — yet it remains underdiagnosed in India, with the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis being 7-10 years. Dr Sadhna sees several patients each month in her practice in West Delhi who have lived with significant endometriosis symptoms for years without proper evaluation. The hallmark symptom is severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) that interferes with daily life — pain so severe it requires bed rest, time off from work or school, and strong painkillers. Other symptoms include pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia), chronic pelvic pain even outside menstruation, heavy or prolonged periods, painful bowel movements or urination during periods, infertility (endometriosis is found in 30-50% of women evaluated for infertility), and chronic fatigue. Diagnosis involves detailed clinical history, pelvic examination, and pelvic ultrasound (which can identify ovarian endometriotic cysts called endometriomas). MRI may be used for complex cases or to plan surgery. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis — and offers the advantage of treating endometriosis during the same procedure. Treatment is individualised based on age, symptom severity, fertility plans, and disease extent. For women not actively trying to conceive: hormonal therapy (continuous oral contraceptive pills, progestin-only therapy, or GnRH agonists in severe cases) suppresses menstrual cycles and prevents endometriotic tissue growth. For women trying to conceive: laparoscopic excision of endometriotic tissue can improve fertility outcomes. For severe pain with established disease: laparoscopic excision provides both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic benefit. Dr Sadhna's Fellowship training in Minimal Invasive Surgery enables her to perform complex laparoscopic excision of endometriosis at Cloudnine Hospital Punjabi Bagh — with high recurrence-free rates when complete excision is achieved. The key message for women in Delhi: severe period pain is not normal. If your menstrual pain interferes with your daily life, requires strong painkillers, or has been increasing over time, please seek evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis can preserve fertility and significantly improve quality of life.
