Bridging the research gap: India and Sri Lanka collaborate on endometriosis

The two gynaecologicial conditions have remained severely under-researched in low and middle income countries.

4 min readPuneFeb 19, 2025 07:50 PM IST

Women struggle with misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment, highlighting the need for awareness and early detection. (File/Representational)

For years, Swapnali (name changed), a resident of Pune, struggled with irregular periods and debilitating menstrual cramps. Since the age of 17, she was repeatedly prescribed vitamin and iron supplements and advised bed rest, leading to frequent absences from college. Even after marriage at 24, her symptoms worsened, and her inability to conceive for three years added to her distress.

It was only when she sought medical help for infertility—nearly a decade after her symptoms began—that she was diagnosed with severe endometriosis.In India, the average delay in diagnosing endometriosis ranges from 5 to 11 years, with the condition often mistaken for common menstrual disorders.

“Endometriosis and adenomyosis remain among the most misdiagnosed and neglected women’s health conditions, often leading to years of unnecessary suffering. This misdiagnosis leads to inadequate management, allowing the disease to progress unchecked,” said Dr Rahul Gajbhiye, Scientist E at Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health who has been leading endometriosis research in India for two decades. He is among the authors of a new study published in The Lancet Regional Health- Southeast Asia that outlines research priorities for these conditions

“Swapnali’s story reflects the larger struggle faced by countless women, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, early detection and multidisciplinary care to prevent years of unnecessary suffering,” Dr Gajbhiye, who is also the nodal officer at Model Rural Health Research Unit, Kasabe-Vani, Nashik, told The Indian Express
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“Endometriosis has been typically associated with autoimmune disorders, and thorough investigations in every affected woman must be done to rule out such comorbidities. These cases highlight the urgent need for early and accurate diagnosis of endometriosis, as well as multidisciplinary centres equipped to identify and manage associated comorbidities, ensuring that affected women receive timely and appropriate care,” he stressed.

Citing another instance of misdiagnosis, Dr Gajbhiye highlighted the case of a 34-year-old woman in rural West Bengal. “She was experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a local clinic. In search of affordable treatment, her family travelled to a leading cancer hospital in Mumbai, where doctors found that she did not have cancer but endometriosis—a condition that typically goes undiagnosed for years. She was then referred to a specialized gynaecological hospital, where she finally received the correct treatment through laparoscopic surgery,” Dr Gajbhiye added.

The two gynaecologicial conditions have remained severely under-researched in low and middle income countries. Recognizing the urgent need for targeted research, subject experts met at a workshop in Colombo last year and discussions led to the development of a strategic road map for research in both countries India and Sri Lanka. This led to the publication of a health policy in The Lancet Regional Health-South East Asia.

Dr. Hrishikesh Munshi, Scientist C at ICMR-NIRRCH, Mumbai and the study’s lead author, outlined how the research provides a roadmap for the future. “We are laying the groundwork for evidence-based policymaking and improved healthcare services by identifying key priorities and challenges. The collaboration between India and Sri Lanka is a model for regional research partnerships that can be expanded across Asia.”

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“Translation of our recommendations in action can lead to better healthcare policies, early detection programmes, and improved treatment outcomes for affected women. We aim to develop collaborations in India and in the Southeast Asian region. With the given expertise that India has in the subject, we can lead this consortium and benefit millions of women worldwide,” Dr Gajbhiye added.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning three decades, she is one of the most respected voices in Indian journalism regarding healthcare, science and environment and research developments. She also takes a keen interest in covering women's issues . Professional Background Education: A gold medalist in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master’s degree in Literature. Author: She authored the biography At The Wheel Of Research, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the WHO. Key Focus: She combines scientific accuracy with storytelling, translating complex medical research into compelling public and human-interest narratives. Awards and Recognition Anuradha has won several awards including the Press Council of India's national award for excellence in journalism under the gender based reporting category in 2019 and the Laadli Media award (gender sensitivity -2024). A recipient of the Lokmat journalism award (gender category-2022), she was also shortlisted for the RedInk awards for excellence in journalism-2021. Her debut book At The Wheel Of Research, an exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan the inaugural chief scientist of World Health Organisation was also nominated in the Popular Choice Category of JK Paper AUTHER awards. She has also secured competitive fellowships including the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022), the Survivors Against TB – New Research in TB Media Fellowship (2023) and is part of the prestigious 2025 India Cohort of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey.” Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) 1. Cancer & Specialized Medical Care "Tata Memorial finds way to kill drug-resistant cancer cells" (Nov 26, 2025): Reporting on a breakthrough for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Discipline, diet and purpose; How a 97-year-old professor defies ageing'' (Nov 15, 2025) Report about Prof Gururaj Mutalik, the first Head of Department at Pune's B J Government Medical College who at 97 credits his longevity to healthy habits and a strong sense of purpose. 2. Environmental Health (The "Breathless Pune" Series) Long-term exposure even to 'moderate' air leads to chronic heart, lung, kidney issues" (Nov 26, 2025): Part of an investigative series highlighting that even "safe" pollution levels are damaging to vital organs. "For every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level, there was 6-8% jump in medicine sales" (Nov 23, 2025): Using commercial data to prove the direct link between air quality and respiratory illnesses in Pune. 3. Lifestyle & Wellness News "They didn't let cancer, diabetes and heart disease stop them from travelling" (Dec 22, 2025): A collaborative piece featuring survivors who share practical tips for traveling with chronic conditions. At 17, his BP shot up to 200/120 mmHG; Lancet study flags why child and teen hypertension doubled between 2000 and 2020'' (Nov 12,2025)--A report that focusses on 17-year-old-boy's hypertensive crisis and reflects the rising global trend of high blood pressure among children and adolescents. 4. Scientific Recognition & Infrastructure For promoting sci-comm, gender diversity: IUCAA woman prof highlighted in Nature" (Nov 25, 2025): Covering the global recognition of Indian women scientists in gender studies and physics. Pune researchers find a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way from early universe'' (December 3, 2025)- A report on how Indian researchers discovered a massive galaxy that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old , one of the earliest to have been observed so far. Signature Beat: Health, Science & Women in Leadership Anuradha is known for her COVID-19 reportage, where she was one of the first journalists to provide detailed insights into the Covishield and Covaxin trials. She has a dedicated interest in gender diversity in health and science, often profiling women researchers who are breaking the "leaky pipeline" in STEM fields. Her writing style is scrupulous, often featuring interviews with top-tier scientists and health experts from various institutions. ... Read More

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