Endometriosis: Growing Cause of Infertility in Women

 Infertility specialists in Bengaluru have been witnessing, of late, an increase in the number of endometriosis cases, a condition that affects a woman's uterus causing infertility among young women. About 15 percent to 30 percent of Bengaluru’s infertility cases are caused by endometriosis, say experts.

More worrying is the fact that health sciences remain in the dark about the causes of endometriosis, although it is one of the principal causes of infertility among women. City-based infertility expert Dr Rupa K.S., Director, Reach Fertility Clinic, sees four or five such patients every day. They constitute around 10-15 percent of the total number of cases visiting the centre.

For women afflicted by the condition, an endometrial-like tissue is seen outside the uterus. The tissue damages tubes and ovaries and causes severe pain before or during periods as well as heavy or abnormal bleeding. In severe cases, it can result in total damage of all the pelvic organs.

Dr Rupa said, "Women, especially those in the reproductive age group of 18-35 are among the worst-affected and their normal life is also affected by this. Women suffering from endometriosis will find it difficult to conceive. As compared to last year, we have seen a definite increase in the number of cases. Apart from medical intervention, women suffering from endometriosis can also opt for the surgical removal of tissue growth through laparoscopy.”

Another city-based infertility expert Dr Kamini Rao, medical director, Bangalore Assisted Conception Centre (BACC), warns that extreme care should be taken while conducting the surgery. The tissue is like a weed growing outside the uterus. Even if a small bit is left out, chances of recurrence are very high, she said.

She added that around “30 percent of the cases that we consult are related to endometriosis. The first surgery should be done by an extremely good expert. Following the surgery, care should be taken in impregnating the woman immediately, otherwise she will not be able to conceive.”