Earlier this month, Australian researchers announced the development of a non-invasive test that can detect early stages of endometriosis, as per a paper published in the prestigious international medical journal Human Reproduction. So far, tests for diagnosing endometriosis have been invasive. And that, too, just the diagnosis itself, would take years.
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside, too, leading to inflammation, scarring, and adhesions.
It can lead to infertility or reduced fertility and increased chances of developing ovarian cysts and chronic pain, which, over a period of time, can impact one's mental health, relationships, and day-to-day living.
The most common symptoms include cramping, sharp pains in the lower abdomen, back, or pelvis, heavy or irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, painful sex, bloating, constipation, or painful urination during periods.
There are a number of causes or risk factors associated with endometriosis, namely oestrogen levels, genetic predisposition, daily stress, and sometimes, the cells in the abdominal cavity transform into endometrial tissue.
However, the treatment is a problem in this condition because it is often painful, and there is no real cure as such.
One can pop in pain relievers and hormone regulators, but laparoscopic surgery is a must for the removal of the endometrial growth, the scar tissue, or the affected organs.
While lifestyle changes, stress management, and exercise can help alleviate symptoms, one must undergo regular imaging tests and an examination of the pelvis. A biopsy, which takes out a tissue sample, will also help in histological examination.
Currently, scientists are investigating the role of stem cells in endometriosis development; there's also gene therapy that helps in understanding if there are certain genetic factors responsible for endometriosis in certain women, and immunotherapy is also being explored to understand the immune system's response to endometrial tissue.
Dr Rahul Gajbhiye, a scientist with the ICMR NIRRCH (National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health), says, "Endometriosis is a public health disorder affecting 247 million women globally and 42 million women in India." In a research paper he authored in 2022, he writes, "Endometriosis still remains an enigmatic disorder without a permanent cure with unique immunological alterations.
The availability of gynecological laparoscopic surgeons in India is mainly restricted to the major cities leading to difficulty in determining the true burden of disease and increasing the load of undiagnosed cases in rural India." This is also why the recent research by Australian scientists offers hope not just in India but around the world.
