Endometriosis
Painful periods and pelvic pain — laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment.
Overview
Endometriosis is a common but often misunderstood health condition where tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus (the endometrium) starts growing in other places, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the lining of your pelvis. In India, millions of women suffer in silence, often dismissing the intense pain as just a normal part of their menstrual cycle. This tissue continues to behave like it would inside the womb—thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with every period. However, because this blood has no way to leave the body, it becomes trapped, leading to inflammation, severe pain, and sometimes the formation of scar tissue or cysts. At Sanjeevi Hospital in Sangareddy, we understand that this condition can deeply impact your quality of life, work, and personal relationships. Recognizing the symptoms early is the first step toward effective management and reclaiming your comfort and well-being through our specialized gynecological expertise.
Symptoms to watch for
- Extremely painful menstrual cramps that may worsen over time
- Chronic lower back pain or pelvic pain that persists outside of periods
- Pain during or after intimate physical contact
- Discomfort or pain during bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between your monthly periods
- Difficulty in conceiving or facing challenges with fertility
- Generalized fatigue, exhaustion, or feeling low on energy
- Digestive issues like bloating, nausea, or constipation during your cycle
- Radiating pain that goes down the legs or into the lower abdomen
Causes & risk factors
- Retrograde menstruation where period blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity
- Transformation of peritoneal cells into endometrial-like cells due to hormonal factors
- Surgical scar implantation where cells attach to incisions after a C-section or hysterectomy
- Lymphatic or blood system transport of endometrial cells to other parts of the body
- Immune system disorders that prevent the body from recognizing and destroying misplaced tissue
- Genetic predisposition or a family history of sisters or mothers having the condition
- Early onset of menstruation (starting before age 11 or 12)
- Short menstrual cycles or heavy periods lasting more than seven days
Diagnosis
- Detailed pelvic examination to manually feel for abnormalities or cysts
- High-resolution Ultrasound (transvaginal) to view the reproductive organs clearly
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for a detailed map of tissue growth locations
- Diagnostic Laparoscopy, a gold-standard minor procedure using a tiny camera
- Comprehensive review of your menstrual history and specific pain patterns
- Biopsy of tissue samples collected during a laparoscopic procedure
- Blood tests to rule out other pelvic infections or inflammatory conditions
Treatment options
Pain Management Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines are recommended to help reduce pelvic cramping and ease daily discomfort during menstrual cycles.
Hormone Therapy
Supplemental hormones, such as birth control pills or progestin therapy, help slow the growth of misplaced tissue and reduce the severity of bleeding.
GnRH Agonists
These medications temporarily block the production of certain hormones to create a temporary 'menopause-like' state, allowing the misplaced tissue to shrink.
Laparoscopic Excision Surgery
A minimally invasive procedure where our skilled surgeons remove the endometrial growths and scar tissue while preserving your healthy organs.
Cystectomy for Endometriomas
Specialized surgery to carefully remove 'chocolate cysts' from the ovaries to alleviate pain and protect your ovarian reserve.
Total Hysterectomy
In severe cases where other treatments fail, removing the uterus (and sometimes ovaries) may be discussed as a final option to stop the cycle of pain.
Fertility Assistance
For those trying to conceive, we offer specialized treatments like IVF or ovulation induction to overcome the barriers caused by endometriosis.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Guided exercises and therapy to relax certain pelvic muscles that may have become tight or painful due to chronic inflammation.
When to see a doctor
Please do not ignore pain that interferes with your daily activities. If you find yourself missing work, school, or social events because of menstrual cramps, or if your pain is not relieved by common household remedies, it is time to seek help. If you experience sudden, sharp pelvic pain, heavy bleeding that requires changing pads every hour, or if you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, please reach out to us. We are here to listen with empathy and provide the support you deserve.
Prevention & self-care
- Maintain a healthy body weight as higher body fat can increase estrogen levels
- Engage in regular physical exercise to improve circulation and reduce estrogen production
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption which can sometimes worsen symptoms
- Consult your gynecologist about hormonal balance if you have very short cycles
- Practice stress-management techniques like yoga or deep breathing to manage chronic pain
- Discuss your family history with your doctor for early screening and diagnosis
- Use heat packs or warm baths to soothe pelvic muscles and improve blood flow
Related conditions
PCOS / PCOD
Hormonal imbalance, irregular cycles, weight gain — lifestyle and medical treatment.
Uterine Fibroids
Heavy periods and pelvic pressure — medication, myomectomy and hysterectomy.
Female Infertility
Evaluation, ovulation induction and fertility-enhancing treatments.
High-Risk Pregnancy
Specialist antenatal care for diabetes, hypertension and twin pregnancies.
Answers about Endometriosis
Common questions about Endometriosis — diagnosis, treatment and recovery at Sanjeevi Hospital, Sangareddy.