Chennai: Unable to conceive, Akhila (name changed) visited a fertility consultant who diagnosed a cyst growing in her ovary. Uncertain as to whether the cyst was the main cause for her inability to conceive, the doctor refrained from suggesting surgery.
However, after a year, the size of the cyst grew from 1.5 to 10 centimeters and it was confirmed that the cause for the infertility was due to endometriosis. The cyst was removed. With the doctor's advice for a test tube baby, Akhila gave birth to a normal healthy baby.
A year later, she conceived by natural means and gave birth to her second baby.
Endometriosis, which is on the rise in Chennai, is known to affect over 10 million women every year in the country, claim doctors. "30 to 40 percent of women diagnosed with endometriosis face problems with fertility," said a gynaecologist in the city.
"It is an internal disease and the symptoms are not obvious. However, the most common symptom is pain - before, during and after one's menstrual cycle - menstrual irregularities and also severe pain during intercourse," said Dr Gowri Meena, a gynaecologist.
"Women usually consult a doctor only in the later stages when they are unable to conceive. Infertility occurs due to the decrease in egg count and the severe pain during intercourse," she added. Oral medicines and laparoscopy constitute the treatment available for endometriosis.
Doctors say women are unwilling to accept the problem and appropriate treatment, often seeking options to achieve pregnancy naturally. The delay in diagnosis leads to a situation where the ovarian cysts become too large for medical management and surgery becomes inevitable.
They undergo two to three laparoscopies for the removal of cysts and the surgeries may reduce the capacity of the ovaries. Above all, over the years, the ovaries lose their efficiency.
It is said that research on the cause for the disease is still going on. "Those with regular periods are prone to this disease as the accumulation rate of the blood within is higher among them. About five to ten percent of our infertile patients in Chennai have been diagnosed with endometriosis. Many of them are young and aged between 29 and 35 years," said Dr. Krithika Devi, fertility consultant at Nova IVF Fertility.
Assisted reproductive technology in India soon
With 30 to 40 percent of infertile women in the state being diagnosed with endometriosis, it is a rising concern among doctors who urge for increased awareness on the same. With this in mind, Nova IVI Fertility (NIF) aims to bring advanced Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to India in partnership with IVI of Spain to create awareness of the disease.
This partnership has resulted in a substantial addition to Nova's IVF services and technology, including proprietary software, training and quality management. With IVI's know-how and vast international expertise, NIF brings the same exceptional standard of processes, protocols and policies to India.
"Women should make it a practice to have regular check-ups with a fertility consultant or gynaecologist to ensure their reproductive health. This will reduce the impact of endometriosis and alleviate the chances of becoming infertile. Although there is no known cure for endometriosis, women can work towards avoiding it," Dr Krithika Devi, fertility consultant of Nova IVF Fertility Chennai.
