Endometriosis Specialists in Maharashtra
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopi…
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What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining, where it continues to thicken, break down, and bleed with each menstrual cycle just as the normal uterine lining does. Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body, it causes inflammation, scar tissue, and adhesions that can lead to significant chronic pelvic pain and, in a substantial number of cases, difficulty conceiving. It typically affects women during their reproductive years and often takes years to be correctly diagnosed due to the variable and overlapping nature of its symptoms.
Moderate
Common — affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide
No
Causes of Endometriosis
The exact cause is not fully understood, but leading theories include retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, as well as immune system dysfunction, hormonal factors, and genetic predisposition. Risk factors include a family history of endometriosis, early onset of menstruation, short menstrual cycles, and never having given birth. Estrogen is known to promote the growth and persistence of the misplaced endometrial-like tissue.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Severe menstrual cramps that worsen over time, chronic pelvic pain, pain during or after intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, pain with bowel movements or urination especially during menstruation, fatigue, infertility or difficulty conceiving, digestive symptoms such as bloating or nausea
Treatment & Types of Endometriosis in Maharashtra
Treatment is tailored to symptom severity and fertility goals, ranging from pain relief with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or GnRH agonists to suppress the menstrual cycle and reduce lesion activity. Laparoscopic surgery to remove or destroy endometriotic tissue and adhesions can relieve pain and improve fertility in appropriate candidates. For women struggling to conceive, assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization may be recommended.
Endometriosis is classified by location and depth into superficial peritoneal disease, the mildest and most common form on the pelvic lining; ovarian endometriomas, cyst-like growths on the ovaries sometimes called chocolate cysts; and deep infiltrating endometriosis, which penetrates deeply into pelvic structures like the bowel or bladder and tends to cause the most severe symptoms. A formal staging system from I to IV is also used based on the extent and location of tissue found during surgery, though stage does not always correlate directly with pain severity.
Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists in Maharashtra (0)
No specialists listed yet in Maharashtra — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is endometriosis hereditary?
Having a mother or sister with endometriosis does raise your risk, suggesting a genetic contribution, though the exact inheritance pattern is not fully understood.
Can endometriosis be cured?
There is no cure, but hormonal treatment, pain management, and surgery can control symptoms effectively for most women, often for many years at a time.
Does endometriosis always cause infertility?
No, many women with endometriosis conceive without difficulty, though it does increase the risk of infertility, particularly with more extensive disease, and fertility specialists can offer several treatment options if conception is delayed.
Why does endometriosis take so long to diagnose?
Its symptoms overlap significantly with other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and painful periods are often normalized, causing diagnostic delay, which is why persistent pelvic pain that disrupts daily life deserves a thorough gynaecological evaluation.
Does pregnancy cure endometriosis?
Pregnancy can temporarily improve symptoms for some women due to hormonal changes, but it does not cure the underlying condition, and symptoms often return after delivery or once menstrual cycles resume.