Better check
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The doctor from the Division of Reproductive Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, FKUI-RSCM, dr. Achmad Kemal Harzif, SpOG(K) advised women not to underestimate menstrual pain, especially when it gets worse for a while because it could be a sign of endometriosis.
“Don’t underestimate pain. For those who have experienced menstrual pain, it is often considered normal. They are told to get married and have children. Even though that doesn’t necessarily solve the problem,” he said in a Virtual Media Briefing with the theme “Launching of guidelines for clinical diagnosis and early management of endometriosis for Asia. and the #DontLiveWithPain” Campaign, Tuesday.
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that forms the inner lining of the uterus also grows outside the uterus. The condition can grow in other organs in the pelvis or abdomen and can cause bleeding, infection and pain in the form of pain, cramping and a burning feeling.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 states that the prevalence of endometriosis is a progressive chronic disease with high pain that affects almost 10 percent of women of reproductive age worldwide. In Indonesia, the general prevalence of this health problem ranges from 3-10 percent, especially among women of reproductive age.
Painkillers as a weapon to deal with pain when used consistently do not have many negative effects. However, if it turns out that the patient has endometriosis and is undiagnosed, then the drug only relieves the symptoms but does not address the problem.
Kemal said the importance of evaluating pain and treating it so that patients can carry out their normal activities. In this case an examination of the condition of pain becomes a suggestion. On the other hand, there should also be efforts to assess the risk of pain in patients with endometriosis.
Menstrual pain was associated with an 8-fold increased risk of developing endometriosis. Menstrual blood that has a lot of risk is 4 times the chance of endometriosis, while if there are fertility problems, the chances of endometriosis increase 8 times.
In the case of cysts, the likelihood of developing endometriosis is 7 times. On the other hand, abdominal pain outside of menstruation is 5 times more likely and if there is interference with intercourse, there is almost 7 times the risk of finding endometriosis compared to patients without these complaints.
“If menstrual pain is accompanied by fertility problems, sexual disorders must immediately think about the possibility of endometriosis, so that it can be found in an early condition,” suggested Kemal.
Family history also has an increased risk for a woman’s chances of developing endometriosis that is twice that of a daughter of mothers without endometriosis.
“It’s better to check the risk factors that are our guide. If you have a history of mother being diagnosed with endometriosis, maybe at puberty it should be checked. Then, if there is infertility, the stomach feels like it’s getting bigger or the menstrual pain is getting worse, it could be clue First, the patient can come to the doctor for a check,” suggested Kemal.
So, the effort that can be done in dealing with menstrual pain is not to underestimate the pain, considering the possibility of endometriosis, especially if the patient comes to a very severe complaint. After that, it is recommended to do a complete examination by a doctor.
Also read: Get to know endometriosis, the cause of severe pain during menstruation
Also read: Causes of pain during menstruation
Also read: Five snacks to reduce menstrual pain
Reporter: Lia Wanadriani Santosa
Editor: Alviansyah Pasaribu
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