Women's Health and Pregnancy

The psychological impact of premature menopause can range from anxiety and insomnia to low self-esteem and conflict in interpersonal relationships. Dr. Madanki Srinivasan, gynecologist/obstetrician and now mental health counsellor, tells us how to make the journey smooth. What are the main reasons for early or premature menopause? The causes for early or premature menopause would be premature ovarian failure, genetic, surgical, or drug-induced as in by chemotherapy and radiation during…

Thousands of Indian women undergo hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, every year, even though most of these cases can be avoided. Dr Shital Raval enumerates some surgical and non-surgical options available that should be considered before opting for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgery that entails partial or complete removal of the uterus in women. In America alone, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. Is it a necessary surgical option? Or are there…

Dr Shruti Mohanka, a fertility specialist and gynaecologist at Global hospital in Mumbai helps us understand how fertility preservation should addressed for all young male and female patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fertility preservation is a critical element of improving quality of life in cancer survivors. Young children and young adults often survive cancer and may wish to have families in the future. They and their families need to be aware that preserving fertility is an option. Too…

What causes endometriosis Even though doctors are not absolutely sure, they suggest some of the following causes: Genetic: A 10-fold increased risk was found in first-degree relatives of women with endometriosis. It has been suggested that endometriosis results from a series of multiple hits within target genes in a mechanism similar to the development of cancer. In this case, the initial mutation may be either somatic or heritable. (Somatic refers to changes in the genetic structure that are…

What is endometriosis Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the uterus wall) is found outside the uterus (often referred to as endometrial implants). This is mostly found in the peritoneum (membrane that lines abdominal cavity and surrounds internal organs), ovaries, fallopian tubes, ureters, bladder, bowel and cul-de-sac (the space behind the uterus). Endometrial tissue in the uterus is under the influence of oestrogen (a female hormone).…

Diagnosis of Endometriosis Endometriosis cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone; it has to be supplemented with a pelvic examination, pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy and MRI. Pelvic examination: The pelvic examination has poor sensitivity in the diagnosis of endometriosis, but some findings of the physician may suspect endometriosis, like a tender nodule behind the cervix during a combined vaginal and rectal exam, or the uterus may be tilted back or retroverted. Occasionally, endometriosis…

Treatment of Endometriosis Treatment of endometriosis depends on the extent of the condition, symptoms and associated infertility. It may be treated with medication, surgery or both. In patients in the reproductive years, endometriosis is merely managed: the goal is to provide pain relief, to restrict progression of the process, and to restore or preserve fertility where needed. Medication When pain is the main problem, medical therapy is tried with some of the following: Pain relievers: Over-…

Staging of endometriosis The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s current classification of endometriosis in stages 1 to 4 is the most widely used and accepted staging system. The classification system uses point scores depending on location, extent, and depth of endometriosis implants; presence and severity of adhesions; and presence and size of ovarian endometriomas. However, the staging of endometriosis does not correlate with the presence of or severity of symptoms.  

Endometriosis symptoms vary and usually reflect the area affected. They may include the following: Recurring pelvic pain that can range from mild to severe cramping or stabbing pain that occurs on both sides of the pelvis, in the lower back and rectal area, and even down the legs Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) Pain during and after sex If endometrial implants are found in the bowel, pain during bowel movements If endometrial implants are found in the bladder, pain may be felt during…

How to Prevent Endometriosis  You can't prevent endometriosis. But you can work towards reducing your chances of developing it by lowering the levels of the hormone estrogen in your body. Estrogen helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle. To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of estrogen. Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a…