Painful period is often dismissed as one among women’s many sufferings. Modern medicine offers only a partial explanation for the pain, termed endometriosis. However, it could be a symptom of infertility.
Endometrium is the lining of the uterus wall and the breakdown of this lining, along with the blood, is discharged during periods. Some endometrial cells in the blood might enter the fallopian tube and the pelvic cavity or the ovaries where they continue to grow because of hormonal activity. This tissue’s growth outside the uterus could cause adhesion of intestine, ovaries, and uterus.
Pain could result, but there are hardly any theories on the cause, says Gracy Thomas, president, Cochin Obstetric and Gynaecological Society and chairperson of Adolescent Health, Kerala Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Society. It has been found that endometriosis could be an indication of infertility, she adds.
Women should be aware of their body and consult a doctor if the menstrual pain is severe and affects their daily activities.
Laparoscopy helps identify and remove the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Many a time, this simple procedure helps relieve pain and removes hurdles to infertility.
Many adolescents go through painful periods, says Dr. Thomas. Sometimes pain may affect bowel movement and urination too. While many girls find the pain easing with age, as their periods get regularised, many a time pregnancy becomes a cure for the pain.
The condition may happen to women of any age group. For a section, there could be continuous pain in the pelvis or lower back. An ultrasound scan can identify large cysts but may not reveal other growths that could be causing pain.
Treatment procedures are usually done on adults. Medical management is the first option in which either a pseudo-pregnancy or post-menopausal state is induced. These hormonal therapies are done with caution, says gynaecologist Radha Balakrishnan. Laparoscopic surgery is the next option. Hysterectomy is advised only if the pain is severe and the woman has already raised a family.
(Reporting by Shyama Rajagopal)
