What is Endometriosis? 

In endometriosis, tissue that resembles the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can be painful. It frequently affects the tissue lining the pelvic, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. In rare cases, endometriosis growths can be discovered outside of the pelvic organ region.

Pelvic pain is the primary sign of endometriosis. It is frequently associated with menstruation. Endometriosis patients frequently report experiencing far worse menstrual pain than usual, despite the fact that many people have cramps throughout their periods. Additionally, the pain might worsen with time. Other typical symptoms could include: Painful periods, pain during bowel motions or urination, stomach & lower back ache.

Endometriosis often causes pain during or after sex. You are most likely to have these symptoms before or throughout your menstrual cycle. Excessive bleeding. You may experience severe menstrual cycles or intermenstrual bleeding, infertility and other symptoms might include lethargy, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea. These symptoms are more prevalent before or during menstruation.

Endometriosis is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally draining, leaving patients eager for relief.

Endometriosis affects millions of women, it can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods, often accompanied by the harmful myth that pregnancy cures it. While some experience temporary relief during pregnancy, the condition frequently returns post-childbirth.

A recent study highlights how being told to ‘just get pregnant’ leaves patients feeling dismissed and unsupported.

A recent study published in PubMed, titled "Patient experiences of being advised by a healthcare professional to get pregnant to manage or treat endometriosis," speaks about this issue. It is a  cross-sectional study exploring how healthcare professionals advise patients on pregnancy as a potential solution and the impact of this guidance on patient’s experiences and decision-making processes.

Some patients, due to hormonal changes like increased progesterone and absence of menstruation, may actually find that their symptoms are relieved during pregnancy; however, such relief is usually temporary.

The study refers to health professionals continuing to offer such guidance without really thinking about its implications.

"Being told to just get pregnant felt dismissive of the real pain I was experiencing. I wasn’t even ready to have kids, and it felt like my concerns were being ignored", said one participant in the study.

This advice is harmful because not all women want children. Most women are not ready to have a child or even want one because the idea of getting pregnant takes up their free will and choices.

Fertility challenge might be another reason. Endometriosis itself is a cause for infertility, making this advice not only futile but perhaps insensitive for those trying to conceive.

Temporary relief: Pregnancy is not a cure; symptoms may return once the postpartum period is over, sometimes worse than they were before.

Medical oversimplification: Putting forward pregnancy as a solution would belittle the complex nature of the condition and willfully ignore other treatment options. 

Breaking the Myths: What Does the Research Say?

Research shows that while hormonal changes during pregnancy can suppress endometriosis symptoms temporarily, the condition often persists or returns after childbirth. Additionally, pregnancy does not stop the disease’s progression or eliminate existing lesions.

Effective management of endometriosis requires a combination of treatments, including: Hormonal Therapies: Administration of Oral contraceptives, GnRH agonists, or progestin therapy to suppress endometrial growth. Surgical Intervention: Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants could be an option. Pain Management: NSAIDs or other medications for chronic pain relief. Good Diet, exercise, and stress management can play supportive roles in the treatment.

Patient-Centered Care

The healthcare professionals need to interact with the patient and explain the disease, signs and symptoms, causes and patient care in order to tackle the disease.

Here are a few steps to initiate patient care. Patient-centered approach is a must, respecting patient preferences, values, and life circumstances when discussing treatment options. Educating and creating Awareness amongst the women in the society. It is highly essential to avoid dismissive or oversimplified advice, and acknowledge the emotional and physical toll of the disease.It is necessary to offer multidisciplinary care, including pain management, mental health support, and fertility counseling when needed.

Endometriosis is a complex condition.The idea that pregnancy is a ‘cure’ is not only a myth but also a harmful statement that fails to address the realities of living with the disease. As society grows more aware of endometriosis, it’s crucial to dispel these misconceptions and focus on empowering women with accurate information, compassionate care, and effective treatments.

"My body, my choices. Endometriosis doesn’t define me, and I deserve more than outdated advice." said one participant in the study.

By listening to patient voices and prioritizing comprehensive care, we can create a future where women with endometriosis feel heard, validated, and supported in their journey toward better health.

References:

1. Diksha Sirohi, Freedman S, Freedman L, Carrigan G, Hey‐Cunningham AJ, M. Louise Hull, et al. Patient experiences of being advised by a healthcare professional to get pregnant to manage or treat endometriosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Women’s Health. 2023 Nov 30;23(1).

2. ‌Mayo Clinic. Endometriosis [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

(VOA/SPB)