Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects reproductive-age females, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects approximately one in ten women in their childbearing years and is a prevalent condition both globally and in Singapore [1].
Symptoms of endometriosis commonly include painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and in some cases, infertility. This condition can significantly reduce quality of life, causing not only pain but also fatigue, anxiety, and depression. For some women, the pain can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to attend work or school. Pain during sex can also disrupt intimacy, affecting both individuals and their partners.
Endometriosis is a systemic condition that can affect not only the uterus but also the ovaries, vagina, rectum, and other pelvic organs. Early treatment is essential to improve both overall health and reproductive outcomes for women living with the condition. With appropriate medical care, including medication, lifestyle adjustments, or surgical treatments, many women experience significant relief from symptoms and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Keep reading to find out more about endometriosis and treatment options in Asia.
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. These growths are often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, and other pelvic organs. When they respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, they often cause inflammation, pain, and scarring over time.
Endometriosis can also damage the fallopian tubes, interfere with embryo implantation, reduce egg quality, and diminish ovarian reserve, ultimately affecting fertility.
The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, but some theories [2] include:
Several risk factors of endometriosis make some women more prone to developing the condition. These include:
Endometriosis symptoms vary among individuals, and the severity of symptoms does not always correlate [3] with the extent of the disease. Some women with severe endometriosis may have mild symptoms, and vice versa. Some people with endometriosis do not experience symptoms. For those that they do, they often include:
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging and often delayed due to normalisation of menstrual pain and lack of awareness. In Asia, common diagnostic methods include:
Many women with endometriosis seek non-surgical treatments to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve fertility. In Asia, a range of non-surgical treatment options are available, including medication, alternative therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. These treatments offer personalised approaches to managing the condition, depending on the severity of symptoms and individual preferences. Here are some common non-surgical treatment options:
Oral contraceptives, including birth control pills and hormonal treatments, are commonly used to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce pain, and suppress the growth of endometrial tissue. These treatments help control symptoms, especially in mild cases.
Non-prescription pain relievers such as NSAIDs are often used to manage pelvic pain and menstrual cramps, offering short-term relief from symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory diets [4], which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables, may help reduce inflammation and pain. Exercise and stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can also aid in symptom management.
These approaches primarily manage symptoms rather than cure the condition, as there are limitations to non-surgical treatments. For example, hormonal treatments may not be suitable for women trying to conceive or those who experience side effects.
If symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatments, or if there are concerns about fertility, surgical options such as laparoscopy and robotic gynaecological surgery may be necessary to remove severe endometrial growths.
For women with severe endometriosis or those unresponsive to non-surgical treatments, surgery is often required to remove endometrial tissue, alleviate pain, and preserve fertility. In Asia, surgical options like laparoscopy and robotic gynaecological surgery offer solutions with varying benefits depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s goals.
Types of Surgery for Endometriosis:
Choosing the right gynaecologic surgeon for endometriosis treatment is essential for achieving the best outcomes. When selecting a surgeon, it's important to consider the severity of your symptoms, fertility goals, and access to high-quality care. If robotic gynaecological surgery is the recommended treatment, it’s ideal to choose a surgeon with experience and expertise in the field.
A skilled surgeon usually takes a holistic approach, tailoring treatment plans to meet your individual needs and goals. Key factors to consider before surgery include whether preserving fertility is a priority and ensuring the surgeon is accessible for ongoing support and follow-up. It's also important to ask your doctor about their success rates, potential risks, recovery times, and long-term outcomes for patients with similar cases.
Dr. Ma Li is an internationally recognised endometriosis specialist and minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon based in Singapore, specialising in robotic gynaecological surgery for endometriosis. With a focus on fertility-preserving treatments, Dr. Ma Li offers comprehensive care to help manage the condition. Learn more about Dr. Ma Li’s approach and book a consultation at Dr. Ma Li Clinic.
In Singapore, the cost of endometriosis treatment depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of treatment, and the chosen clinic. For example, laparoscopic surgery typically costs between SGD 25,000 and SGD 35,000, with variations depending on the complexity and fees. Robotic gynaecological surgery tends to be more expensive due to the specialised technology and expertise involved.
Patients in Singapore may use MediSave to help cover some surgical costs. There may also be private insurance coverage, depending on your insurer and plan. When evaluating the cost of treatment, it’s also important to consider the long-term benefits, such as improved quality of life and the potential for fertility preservation.
After treatment, particularly surgery, many women experience significant relief from pain, reduced menstrual cramps, and less discomfort during intercourse. This leads to less dependence on pain medications and an improved quality of life. Minimally invasive surgeries such as robotic gynaecological surgery offer faster recovery and quick healing, allowing patients to return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
As endometriosis is a long-term condition, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress, manage symptoms, and ensure long-term health and fertility goals are met. Regular check-ups are important to detect recurrence of endometrial tissue and adjust treatment plans as required.
For those with severe symptoms or who wish to conceive, endometriosis treatment is essential for pain relief, preserving fertility, and improving overall quality of life. Those who suffer from this condition should be aware that there are various treatment options available, such as robotic gynaecological surgery. By effectively removing endometrial tissue, these treatment options provide significant pain relief and can help preserve fertility.
If you're experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial. Early intervention can help manage the condition while significantly reducing debilitating symptoms and improving quality of life.
Can endometriosis be permanently treated?
While there's no cure for endometriosis, the symptoms can be significantly reduced through various treatments, including medication and surgery.
Is endometriosis a serious problem?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus. This tissue can form adhesions and cysts, and can also damage organs. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications.
Can endometriosis be cancerous?
Although they may sound similar, endometriosis and endometrial cancer are very different conditions. Endometriosis is not cancer, and having endometriosis does not necessarily lead to endometrial cancer.
Can endometriosis cause weight gain?
Yes, people with endometriosis may gain weight from fluid retention. Hormonal fluctuations and medication side effects may also contribute to weight gain. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as weight gain.
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