Pune: A 29-year-old married woman, Riya (name changed), who had been suffering from severe endometriosis for five years conceived and is mother to a healthy baby boy following successful treatment by a dedicated team of city doctors. A resident of Lullanagar, Riya would struggle with excruciating pain during the initial days of her menstrual cycle. The condition affected her daily life and fertility.
Tests diagnosed her with bilateral ovarian cysts and adhesions, complications associated with endometriosis. The condition is challenging and characterised by growth of tissues like lining of the uterus outside of it. The abnormal tissues can implant on various organs, leading to painful periods, pelvic pain and infertility.
Fortunately, endometriosis is treatable and many women can conceive with appropriate care. In India, 6% to 10% of women suffer from endometriosis and incidence of infertility among them is around six times higher than the general population. Chances of endometriosis in an infertile patient are a whopping 40% to 50%.
Dr Padma Srivastava, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist from Motherhood Hospitals, discovered upon examination that Riya's bilateral ovarian cysts measured 8 cm and she had significant adhesions. "Adhesions are abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can form between organs, causing pain and infertility. The findings were critical to understand Riya's challenges with conceiving.
She was suffering from endometriosis since she was 24 years old..
