A report by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) on National health profile indicated fertility is declining rapidly in India.  And endometriosis is one of the common causes of infertility in women. Currently, ‘Infertility affects 10 to 14 per cent of Indian population’, claimed Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction. In urban parts, one out of six Indian couples is affected by infertility in India. 

What is endometriosis which is leading to infertility? Let’s understand it in layman’s language. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) is found elsewhere, usually in the pelvis around the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes.  

Endometriosis is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 10 women. It usually affects women during their reproductive years. This can be inherited genetically, from mother to daughter.  

Endometriosis may be found on the ovaries, where it can form cysts, in the peritoneum (the lining of the pelvis and abdomen), in or on the fallopian tubes, on, behind or around the womb, in the area between the vagina and the rectum. This damage to internal organs affects the normal reproductive function of women. 

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it is hormone-dependent. Common symptoms include pelvic pain and painful, irregular, or heavy periods. It can cause pain during or after sex and can lead to fertility problems. Women can have pain related to bowels, bladder, lower back or upper region of thighs, and experience long-term fatigue. But there are some women with endometriosis, who do not have any symptoms. Endometriosis can cause pain that occurs in a regular pattern, becoming worse before and during your period. The pain may get better during pregnancy and sometimes it may disappear without any treatment. 

About 40% of patients with Endometriosis will experience some varying degree of infertility. How bad can the situation get and can medical treatment help? To which Dr Sweta Gupta, Clinical Director & Sr Consultant (Reproductive Med. & IVF) at Medicover Fertility said, “It can badly affect not only fertility but also the quality of life. Medical treatment can be used for pain relief and heavy periods, surgical treatment like laparoscopy may be required for exact diagnosis and treatment. In cases of endometriosis with subfertility assisted reproductive techniques (IVF) may be required for conceiving.”  

The prevalence in the general female population is 2% to 10% but reaches up to 20% to 50% in infertile women. It is generally believed, the disease is relatively less common in India, Pakistan, Iran, countries of the Middle East and black Africa. About 15 to 20% of cases have some degree of endometriosis and about 25 million women are suffering in India 

Though it is possible to conceive Dr Gupta suggests, “Women should approach fertility specialist sooner than delaying. It can affect the quality of life; pain can be quite troublesome. The condition can be long-term that can have a significant impact on the general physical health, emotional wellbeing and daily routine.” 

An international healthcare and diagnostics services provider, Medicover Fertility with 16 clinics across 11 cities of India. It offers in-vitro fertilization solutions to couples in need at lower market price globally. Indian doctors and healthcare establishments are considered the best worldwide and the healthcare sector has been witnessing a steady growth of patients from around the world. As compared to western countries it can as low as one-tenth of the treatment here in India.  

“At Medicover Fertility, we not only provided advanced care and treatment but also a personalized one. We have achieved clinical and commercial success in a short span of time,” said Dr Gupta. 

Changing lifestyle is affecting the physiology of men and women. There could be various known or unknown factors which are making around 27.5 million couples suffer from infertility in India. IVF centres like Medicover fertility can be desired answer to their problem.