Don’t normalise period pain: Endometriosis cases rising in India

Bengaluru: Severe menstrual pain that women often dismiss as “normal” could be a sign of something more serious — endometriosis, a condition that is being increasingly diagnosed across age groups in India. Dr Nisha Buchade, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Vasavi Hospitals said, "I urge women not to normalise period pain and instead consult a specialist for early diagnosis and effective treatment."Ignoring Pain Can Be Dangerous"Women experiencing severe pain before or during their periods should not brush it off as routine. It could be endometriosis, which needs timely evaluation and intervention,” Dr. Buchade emphasized. Sharing a recent case, Dr. Buchade detailed the ordeal of a 39-year-old woman who suffered severe abdominal pain for months. “She had severe unbearable pain When she came to us.. she also had portal vein thrombosis ,hence she was on blood thinners . A CT scan and ultrasound revealed internal bleeding in the abdomen,” she said.Despite being on blood thinners, the patient insisted on immediate relief due to unbearable pain. On further evaluation, she was diagnosed with ruptured large endometriotic cysts — a severe manifestation of endometriosis. “Her ovarian cyst had already ruptured, and the cyst was adherent to the rectum and ureter — classic signs of long-standing disease,” Dr. Buchade explained. “We laparoscopically ( key hole surgery) dissected and removed the tissue. The patient responded well and was discharged on continued medication including blood thinners to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism.”Understanding EndometriosisEndometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, commonly affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. “It behaves like glue — sticking to internal organs and causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes organ damage. The bleeding during periods aggravates this,” Dr. Buchade said.Women in their 20s and 30s are most affected, though cases are now emerging in their 40s as well. While the exact cause is unknown, genetic predisposition plays a role. Regions like Kerala and Bengal report higher incidence, but cases are now being reported widely across India. She said that if this is left untreated, endometriosis can lead to infertility, reduced egg quality, low AMH levels, and blocked fallopian tubes; all of which impact the chances of natural conception.Robotics as a Game-Changer in Treatment“For complex cases, robotic surgery offers a minimally invasive and highly precise solution,” Dr. Buchade said. “With 3D vision and rotating instruments, the robotic system allows us to operate close to vital structures with reduced risk and faster recovery.”She shared another recent success — a 43-year-old patient who noticed abdominal bloating and a change in pant size. “She had bilateral ovarian cysts caused by endometriosis. We performed robotic surgery, and she was discharged the same day with minimal discomfort.”Dr. Buchade advises all women experiencing unexplained or debilitating period pain to seek medical advice. “Early diagnosis can save fertility, prevent complications, and vastly improve quality of life. Don’t normalize pain — address it.”