The gynaecology clinic at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital has raised the alarm over a sharp increase in the number of women seeking help for severe pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility, symptoms that are often linked to endometriosis.

According to the hospital, the clinic now sees 20 or more new cases every month, a number that has steadily grown in recent years and continues to place immense pressure on both patients and healthcare staff.

Operational manager Lizzy Seemane expressed deep concern over the rising trend, emphasising that the community needs to be better informed about the condition.

She explained that endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb begins to grow outside the uterus.

“This can cause uterine bleeding, irregular periods, and severe lower abdominal pain,” she said.

While the condition affects millions of women globally, its exact cause remains unknown, and there is currently no way to prevent it.

Seemane added that many women endure symptoms for years without real answers.

This is partly due to the complex nature of the disorder, which often mimics other conditions.

“Endometriosis is a complex disorder that is often difficult to diagnose. The diagnostic process can take between four and 12 years.

“A definite diagnosis can only be made through a laparoscopic procedure, but most patients are treated based on clinical symptoms and ultrasound findings,” she said.

The condition is most common among women of childbearing age, particularly adolescents and young women between 20 and 35 years old.

Seemane said additional symptoms can include pain during or after sexual intercourse, discomfort during bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation, as well as fatigue, bloating, nausea, and digestive irregularities such as diarrhoea or constipation.

One of the most devastating consequences of endometriosis is its impact on fertility.

“It affects fertility by creating scar tissue and adhesions that block the fallopian tubes, causing altered pelvic and reproductive organ anatomy.

“It also creates an inflammatory environment that reduces the quality of ovum produced, causes hormonal imbalance, and can lead to painful intercourse.”

While there is no cure for endometriosis, the clinic emphasised that the condition can be managed.

Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and slowing disease progression.

“Treatment options are mainly medical and surgical. Medical approaches include analgesics, hormonal contraceptives, progestins, GnRH agonists, GnRH antagonists, and aromatase inhibitors.”
GnRH stands for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

“Surgical options range from conservative laparoscopy to remove endometrial tissue to more radical procedures such as hysterectomy,” she said.

Seemane added that supportive management can also help patients cope better.

These include maintaining a healthy diet, using natural anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric, practising relaxation techniques, and seeking psychological support.

She urged women to seek medical attention early if they experience persistent symptoms.

With proper diagnosis and management, Seemane said, many women living with endometriosis can still lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

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