Menstrual Health & Gynaecology • Clinical Guide
Period Pain That Stops Your Life Isn't Normal: Endometriosis
By Dr. Chaitra SR (MBBS, MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine) • Consultant Gynecologist at Aaraike Women's Care, Electronic City, Bengaluru.
Quick Medical Answer: Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, affecting roughly 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide (~190 million women). Common signs include debilitating period pain that stops you from working or studying, deep pain during sex, pain with bowel movements or urination, and difficulty getting pregnant. Under updated European guidelines (ESHRE 2022), surgery is no longer the required first step for diagnosis; specialized pelvic ultrasound or MRI with clinical evaluation is the recommended starting point.
The Line Between Uncomfortable and Not Normal
It usually starts with a small lie. "Stomach upset." "Headache." "Something I ate." Most of us have heard a friend, sister, or colleague use one of these to explain why she's curled up with a hot water bottle, skipping college, or leaving work early — again. Many women have used them ourselves. From a very young age, girls learn that period pain is simply part of the deal, and that complaining about it is making a fuss. But there is a line between uncomfortable and not normal. For millions of women, that line was crossed years ago, and nobody told them.
What Exactly Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, most often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic peritoneum. This tissue responds to monthly hormonal changes, which causes chronic inflammation, severe pain, and scar tissue (adhesions). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that endometriosis affects approximately 190 million women globally.
What's New: Diagnosis Without Surgery First
In 2022, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) updated its landmark guideline. Keyhole surgery (diagnostic laparoscopy) is no longer required as the first step to confirm diagnosis. Today, an experienced gynaecologist starts with a detailed pain history, clinical evaluation, and high-resolution transvaginal ultrasound or MRI, followed by a trial of medical therapy.
Signs It's Time to Talk to a Gynaecologist
- Period pain that makes you miss work, college, or daily activities, or that painkillers don't touch
- Pain that has been getting progressively worse over the years
- Deep pelvic pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain when passing stools or urine during periods
- Pelvic pain on non-menstrual days
- Difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if over 35)
Consultation & Care at Aaraike Women's Care
If your periods regularly disrupt your life, you don't have to simply endure it. Speak with Dr. Chaitra SR at Aaraike Women's Care in Electronic City, Bengaluru.
Address: Ground Floor, Madhava Building, Shree, 4th Cross, Ananth Nagar, Phase 2, Electronic City, Hebbagodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560100
Phone: +91 95917 31655