Ms Sangita
Reddy inaugurates the ’35^th National ISOPARB 2019′!

• Ms Swati Lakra & Ms
  Sangita Reddy flag off EndoMarch

• Doctors, volunteers, join in
  the ‘EndoMarch’ to raise awareness about endometriosis

Hyderabad, March 30^th
2019: The
35^th National ISOPARB 2019
Conference (Indian Society of Perinatology and
Reproductive Biology); was
inaugurated by Ms Sangita Reddy, Jt.
Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals; at Park Hyatt, on Saturday. Also present
were Guest of Honour Dr Pushpalatha Damaraju,
Founder & Patron, ISOPARB, Hyderabad;
Dr Rooma Sinha, Organising
Chairperson; Dr Madhumathi S., &
Dr Y K Swapna,Organising Secretaries, ISOPARB 2019 and delegates from across the
country.

Speaking on the
occasion Ms Sangita Reddy said, changing
lifestyle and truly varied atmosphere is leading to on one hand have women who
are forced into reproductive life very early, have multiple babies and don’t
have the option to protect themselves, on the other hand with industrialization
and professionalism and other things happening we have mother conceiving at a
very late stage in life, the co-existence of different dynamics is presenting
new challenges for the medical profession. With India having one of the most
varied demographics compared to any other country in the world and it is for
all of you to weigh all the pros and cons before you advise at any point of
time. On one hand we are trying to control the population and on the other hand
combat infertility, with a depth we have never seen before.

Later, Ms Swati Lakra, IPS; IGP, Law &
order, Telangana, joined by Ms Sangita
Reddy; Dr Rooma Sinha; flagged off the EndoMarch, at Park Hyatt. EndoMarch is
an initiative to build awareness on endometriosis and is held on the occasion
of Worldwide Endometriosis Day, which is observed on the last Saturday of
March, every year.

Worldwide Endometriosis Day

There is urgency for endometriosis
awareness and advancement of endometriosis research. Joining hands with this
international event, which is happening TODAY all over the world is to empower,
educate and care for women suffering from endometriosis. EndoMarch
is organised worldwide, every year on last Saturday of March (Worldwide
Endometriosis Day®), to bring awareness for endometriosis.

What is
endometriosis

Endometriosis
is often a prolonged and progressive problem that women may suffer for many
years in their lives. A potential cause of debilitating pain it can cause organ
damage, infertility, and other severe and life-threatening medical consequences
if left inadequately treated, said     Dr. Rooma Sinha.

Tissue
that forms the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is sometimes present in other
places in some women. These sites can be ovaries, fallopian tubes, cul-de-sac
(behind uterus), intestines, rectum, bladder.

Endometrial
tissue outside the uterus also responds to changes in hormones each month. It
also breaks down and bleeds like the lining of the uterus during the menstrual
cycle every month. The bleeding inside the uterus has a passage to come out as
menstrual bleeding. The bleeding at these extra uterine sites collect and forms
cysts (chocolate cysts) or adhesions. This can cause pain, especially before
and during period. Endometriosis is found in about one third of infertile
women.

Endometriosis
: Who are at risk

• Young
  women in their reproductive age
• Women
  with infertility
• Women
  with uterine defects like septum or bicornuate uterus
• It
  can run in the family

Endometriosis
Symptoms

Pelvic pain (pain in lower abdomen and back) is most
common symptom. Such pain may occur with sex, during bowel movements or urination,
or just before or during menstrual cycle. Menstrual bleeding may occur more
than normal or in abnormal pattern. One third women who suffer from infertility
have Endometriosis. Feeling of gaseous distension around the periods is also a
non specific presentation. Some women with endometriosis may have no symptoms.

DIAGNOSIS is made by detailed clinical history
and Pelvic examination. Imaging modalities like Ultrasonography or MRI helps in
diagnosis in later stages of the disease. Laparoscopy-Visual inspection is the
standard method in diagnosing endometriosis

Endometriosis
Treatment

Treatment remains often prolonged for women who suffer from endometriosis. But cure is possible so never lose hope. Treatment is available in form of medical and surgical therapy and is offered depending on the problems that she is facing with. Mild disease is treated with medication, however for severe pain or infertility surgical treatment is a time tested method and necessary. Newer medications are now being approved for use and may make difference for these women in the coming years. Today Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard in treatment of endometriosis but needs expertise and experience. Therefore it is recommended that endometriosis surgery should be done at centers with experience and adequate infrastructure. Two new modalities in surgical treatment of endometriosis is Laser and the assistance of Computer assisted Robotic surgery. We at Apollo Hospital at Hyderabad are fortunate to use not just laparoscopic skills but also Laser and Robotic assistance to improve outcomes in women with endometriosis. In cases of infertility these women may require assisted reproductive techniques as well.

Endometriosis
fast facts

1. An estimated 200
   million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis.
2. Endometriosis can also
   affect teenage girls.
3. Incapacitating painful
   menstruation probably due to endometriosis is one of the main cause for women
   to miss school or work.
4. Endometriosis is
   commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
5. Common estimates
   indicate that there is 6-10 years delay before it is correctly diagnosed.
6. Endometriosis is one
   of the top three causes of female infertility.
7. Endometriosis can be a
   source of chronic pelvic pain and disability.
8. Multiple medical
   opinions maybe needed before correct diagnosis of endometriosis is made.
9. There is no blood test
   to confirm the diagnosis of endometriosis.
10. Visual inspection of
    endometriosis lesions is the gold standard method for diagnosis.