Bengaluru: Even as endometriosis is increasingly being diagnosed among school and college students, as well as working women in the city, doctors say stigma around menstrual health and hesitation to take medication continue to delay treatment for many patients.Dr B Ramesh, chief consultant, obstetrician and gynaec laparoscopic surgeon at Altius Hospital, said: “There is definitely improvement in awareness in cities like Bengaluru, but we still see a diagnostic delay of about six to eight years from the onset of symptoms because painful periods are often normalised.”Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation and pain. Globally, it is estimated to affect about 10% of women of reproductive age, but doctors believe the actual prevalence may be higher because many cases remain undiagnosed.Doctors say adolescents and young women often initially manage symptoms with home remedies or over-the-counter painkillers, assuming the pain is a normal part of menstruation. This often delays them from seeking medical help.“Many women are told that their mothers and grandmothers endured period pain, so they should too. Even taking tablets for a few days during severe pain is seen as abnormal. As a result, many continue to suffer, missing college or work instead of seeking treatment,” said Dr Madhuri Vidyashankar P, consultant, hysteroscopic and laparoscopic surgeon and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals.Doctors emphasise that endometriosis affects multiple aspects of women’s health and daily functioning. “Endometriosis affects every aspect of life — from physical health to fertility. Women may experience chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, and fatigue that interfere with daily activities and productivity,” said Dr Nidhi Nandan, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Sakra World Hospital.She added that the condition can also affect mental health, causing anxiety or stress, particularly when symptoms persist for years without diagnosis. In some cases, it may also impact fertility, which can cause emotional distress for couples planning a family, while pain during intercourse can strain intimate relationships.If left untreated, doctors say persistent inflammation can result in chronic pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and pelvic adhesions. “In advanced cases, the disease may even involve the bowel, bladder, ureters, and pelvic nerves, making treatment more complex,” said Dr Ramesh.Doctors said while there is no definitive way to prevent endometriosis, early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention can significantly reduce its long-term impact and help women manage the condition effectively.
