Shamita Shetty Battles Endometriosis, Raises Awareness Through Social Media.

Actor Shamita Shetty, recently seen on Bigg Boss 15, opened up about her battle with endometriosis by sharing a video from her hospital bed on social media. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and discomfort.

Shetty used her platform to raise awareness about this condition, highlighting that nearly 40% of women suffer from endometriosis, yet many remain unaware.

In the video, Shetty is seen thanking her doctors, gynecologist Dr. Neeta Warty and GP Dr. Sunita Banerjee, for their diligence in identifying the root cause of her pain. She also expressed her optimism for a healthier future, stating, “Now that I’ve had this disease surgically removed, I’m looking forward to good health and more physically pain-free days.”

Shamita Shetty’s story serves as a powerful reminder for women to prioritize their health and seek medical attention for unexplained pain. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness about endometriosis and encouraging open conversations about women’s health issues.

what is endometrosis ?

Endometriosis is a complex and often painful disorder where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue, called endometrial implants, typically grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other organs within the pelvic cavity. Here’s a more detailed explanation:Endometrial Implants: These are growths of endometrial-like tissue found outside the uterus. They respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, just like the lining of the uterus does. However, unlike the normal endometrial tissue that sheds during menstruation, the tissue outside the uterus has no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain.Symptoms: Endometriosis can cause a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Common symptoms include:Pelvic pain: This can range from mild to severe and may occur before or during menstruation, during sex, or during bowel movements or urination.Menstrual irregularities: This may include heavy periods, irregular bleeding, or spotting between periods.Painful intercourse: Pain during or after sex is a common symptom of endometriosis.Infertility: Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing scar tissue and adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes or affect the function of the ovaries.Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some women with endometriosis experience symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or nausea, especially during menstruation.Diagnosis: Diagnosis of endometriosis often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. However, the most definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery, during which a surgeon can visually confirm the presence of endometrial implants and take tissue samples for biopsy.Treatment: Treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity of symptoms, the desire for fertility, and other factors. Options may include:Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help manage pelvic pain and discomfort.Hormonal therapy: Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or GnRH agonists, can help control the hormonal fluctuations that contribute to endometriosis.Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove endometrial implants, scar tissue, and adhesions. In severe cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended, especially for women who do not wish to have children or have completed their family.Lifestyle Management: Some women find relief from symptoms by making lifestyle changes such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and getting regular exercise.Endometriosis is a chronic condition that requires long-term management, and treatment approaches may need to be adjusted over time based on individual needs and response to therapy. Early diagnosis and intervention can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for women with endometriosis.

Do you know what might cause endometriosis?

Is there anything I can do to prevent endometriosis?

Treatment option for managing endometriosis.

Surgery can be an effective treatment option for managing endometriosis, especially in cases where symptoms are severe or when conservative measures such as medication fail to provide adequate relief. Here’s how surgery can help:Laparoscopic Excision: Laparoscopic surgery, also known as laparoscopy, is the most common surgical approach for treating endometriosis. During this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon uses small incisions and a camera (laparoscope) to visualize and remove endometrial implants, scar tissue, and adhesions from pelvic organs.Relief of Symptoms: Surgery can provide relief from symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and menstrual irregularities by removing the endometrial tissue causing these symptoms.Improvement in Fertility: For women struggling with infertility due to endometriosis, surgical removal of endometrial implants and adhesions may improve fertility by restoring normal pelvic anatomy and function. However, it’s important to note that surgery is not a guarantee of pregnancy, and fertility outcomes can vary depending on individual factors.Diagnostic Tool: In addition to treatment, laparoscopic surgery can serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm the presence and extent of endometriosis. Tissue samples (biopsies) taken during surgery can provide valuable information for guiding treatment decisions.Adhesion Prevention: In some cases, surgeons may use techniques to prevent the formation of adhesions (scar tissue) following surgery, which can reduce the risk of recurrent symptoms and complications.While surgery can be effective in treating endometriosis, it’s important to consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and to discuss these with your healthcare provider. Additionally, surgery may not be suitable for all individuals with endometriosis, particularly those with mild symptoms or who wish to preserve fertility.After surgery, a comprehensive treatment plan may include post-operative care, such as hormone therapy or lifestyle modifications, to help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor for any signs of disease progression and to adjust treatment as needed.

Complications.

Endometriosis can lead to several complications, which can vary in severity depending on factors such as the extent of the disease, individual health factors, and the presence of other medical conditions. Some common complications associated with endometriosis include:

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pelvic pain is one of the primary complications of endometriosis. The presence of endometrial implants and scar tissue can cause chronic pelvic pain that may worsen during menstruation, intercourse, or bowel movements.

Infertility: Endometriosis can affect fertility by causing inflammation, scarring, and adhesions that can obstruct the fallopian tubes, impair ovarian function, or interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg. Although not all women with endometriosis experience infertility, it is a common complication of the condition.

Ovarian Cysts: Endometriomas, also known as chocolate cysts or ovarian cysts, are fluid-filled cysts that form on the ovaries as a result of endometrial tissue growth. These cysts can cause pelvic pain and discomfort and may affect ovarian function.

Adhesions and Scar Tissue: Endometriosis can lead to the formation of adhesions, or bands of scar tissue, within the pelvic cavity. Adhesions can cause organs and tissues to stick together, leading to pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and infertility.

Impaired Quality of Life: Chronic pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, leading to emotional distress, fatigue, and limitations in daily activities.

Complications of Treatment: Some treatments for endometriosis, such as hormonal therapy or surgical intervention, can carry risks and potential side effects. For example, hormone therapy may cause menopausal symptoms or mood changes, while surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding organs.

Rare Complications: In rare cases, endometriosis can lead to more serious complications, such as bowel or bladder obstruction, rupture of an ovarian cyst, or the development of a condition called endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma, although this is extremely rare.It’s important for individuals with endometriosis to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage symptoms, monitor for complications, and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. Early diagnosis and intervention can help minimize the risk of complications and improve long-term outcomes for women with endometriosis.