Bollywood actress Adah Sharma recently opened up about dealing with endometriosis. In an interview, she discussed the challenges she faced while filming for ‘Bastar,’ while simultaneously dealing with endometriosis, a condition that made her experience periods that went on for 48 days.
If this is the first time you are hearing about endometriosis, wrapping your brain around a 48-day-long period must be tough. However, as per the World Health Organisation, roughly 10% or 190 million women and girls of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis globally.
To know more about this life-long or chronic condition, the Onlymyhealth team spoke to Dr Darshan HB, Consultant, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Motherhood Hospital, Electronic City, Bangalore and Dr M Rajini, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
What Is Endometriosis?
Explaining the nature of this condition, Dr Darshan said, "Normally, endometrial tissue grows within the uterus. However, with endometriosis, this tissue grows abnormally in other areas of the abdominal cavity, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic lining tissue."
Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, regardless of your menstrual cycle, according to Dr Darshan. “The pain associated with endometriosis tends to be significant, starting before your period arrives, intensifying during your cycle, and lingering even after it ends,” he elaborated.
He emphasised that endometriosis is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time. “While there isn't a complete cure, it can be managed through surgical procedures and medication,” he added.
Endometriosis Symptoms
Dr Rajini shared a set of symptoms that point towards a possible endometriosis diagnosis:
- Chronic pelvic pain which may worsen during menstruation
- Extremely painful periods
- Painful intercourse
- Infertility
- Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
- Unexplained fatigue
Living with Endometriosis
A key part of living with endometriosis involves managing the physical symptoms and coping with the emotional and psychological impact of endometriosis. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Stress management techniques: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress, which can worsen pain symptoms.
- Support groups: Connecting with other women who understand the challenges of endometriosis can provide emotional support and a sense of community.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise, can improve overall well-being and potentially reduce pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate mild to moderate pain.
- Hormonal medications: Birth control pills, progestin-only pills, and other hormonal therapies can regulate periods and potentially reduce the growth of endometrial tissue, leading to less pain.
- Heat therapy: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen and pelvic area can provide pain relief by relaxing muscles and improving circulation.
When celebrities like Adah Sharma open up about medical conditions, it opens a platform for more awareness to be created about common diseases that plague a huge chunk of our population but are still very much under the radar. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing endometriosis effectively. By talking openly about menstrual health and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms like severe pain or irregular periods, you can take control of your health.