KUCHING: Endometriosis, a silent chronic disease affects an estimated 350,000 women in Malaysia and 190 million reproductive-age women and girls globally.
While there is no cure for this chronic disease, treatment options includes medication, surgery, or a combination of both.
In conjunction with Endometriosis Awareness Month, TMC Fertility and Women Specialist Centre has dedicated itself to raising awareness about endometriosis and its profound impact on infertility.
Its Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Fertility Specialist, Dr. Liza Ling Ping, stresses the need for women to seek help during this awareness month.
“As we navigate Endometriosis Awareness Month, our focus extends to shedding light on the profound impact of this condition on infertility,” she said.
“We hope it can help empower women to seek timely diagnosis and access comprehensive care so that no woman faces the hardships of endometriosis alone.”
Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Symptoms include severe pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination, alongside chronic pelvic pain, abdominal
bloating, nausea, and fatigue, which can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
A significant concern is that 30 to 50 per cent of infertile women are diagnosed with endometriosis, linking infertility to distorted pelvic anatomy, scarred fallopian tubes, inflammation, altered immune system functioning, hormonal changes, impaired pregnancy implantation and altered egg quality.
There are four stages of endometriosis — minimal, mild, moderate, and severe endometriosis, each presenting varying levels of tissue patches and associated symptoms.
During the first phase of the condition, small and scattered patches of endometrial tissue exist outside the uterus, typically located on the pelvic lining or ovaries where symptoms may not be evident in some cases.
However, mild pelvic pain or discomfort during menstruation might be present.
At the second stage, an increased number of tissue patches might be slightly deeper, appearing on the fallopian tubes and the ligaments supporting the uterus.
Besides mild pelvic pain, there could be painful menstruation, discomfort during intercourse, and difficulty getting pregnant in some cases.
At stage three, there will be an increased amount of tissue patches, and may also be scar tissue and adhesions, where digestive issues might be experienced.
In the last stage, deep-seated tissue patches, often accompanied by large cysts and extensive scarring can be seen, and pain might be more severe and particularly heightened during menstruation and sexual intercourse.
Additional symptoms like painful bowel movements and frequent urination may occur.
If endometriosis is suspected and conceiving is an issue, seeking professional help is crucial, especially if endometriosis is suspected and conception becomes challenging,” said Dr Ling.
TMC Fertility and Women’s Specialist Centre located in Selangor, offers a variety of fertility treatment services. For more information, visit www.tmcfertility.com, or contact TMC Fertility’s Careline at 018 211 1088 or 016 211 1357, or via e-mail at ivf.info@tmclife.com.
