Bindi Irwin opens up about decade-long battle with endometriosis: ‘They found 37 lesions and a chocolate cyst’

She added that while going for a surgery for endometriosis “was scary, but I knew I couldn’t live like I was.” “Every part of my life was getting torn apart because of the pain. To cut a long story short, they found 37 lesions, some very deep & difficult to remove, & a chocolate cyst. @seckinmd’s first words to me when I was in recovery were, ‘how did you live with this much pain?’ Validation for years of pain is indescribable,” added Irwin, thanking her family and friends for all their support, while mentioning that sometimes, one might not be able to see what battles others are going through.

 

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What is endometriosis?

But Irwin is not alone. Speaking to indianexpress.com, Dr Prabha Agrawal, Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laparoscopic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad said that in India, over 42 million women are affected by endometriosis. “Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium like tissue that lines the uterus, grows outside the uterus on the ovaries, pelvic lining, rectum, urinary bladder and other organs. This is commonly found in women of reproductive age,” she said.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is severe pain during the periods, which is far worse than the common period cramps. “Other symptoms include pain during or after sex, pain during bowel movement or painful urination during periods, excessive bleeding, extreme fatigue and nausea”.

Endometriosis diagnosis

Dr Suruchi Desai, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said that the exact causes of endometriosis are not fully understood. “Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, and it can cause significant pain and discomfort,” she said.

Talking about diagnosis, Dr Desai added, “Young girls may experience repeated abdominal pain during their periods, which parents may initially consider normal. However, it is essential to seek medical attention, and an ultrasound or MRI may be required to confirm the diagnosis of endometriotic cysts. In rare cases, these cysts can rupture and cause acute pain, so it is crucial to take any complaints of sudden onset of painful periods seriously”.

Surgery for endometriosis

For mild endometriosis cases, pain medication is suggested combined with a few hormonal pills. In case medication doesn’t help, the doctor may advise surgical intervention where the endometriotic lining is removed along with the scar tissues.

Ovarian endometriomas commonly known as chocolate cysts are a subgroup of Endometriosis, which are fluid-filled cysts that are formed in the ovaries. (Pic source: Getty)

“In extreme cases or in cases where the patient is unable to become pregnant, the doctor may advise a medical therapy prior to the conceiving attempts. This helps in restoring the normal reproductive anatomy and helps the organs to function normally, thereby increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. Endometriosis treatment is a highly customized treatment for each patient,” shares Dr Agarwal.

What is chocolate cyst?

Ovarian endometriomas, commonly known as chocolate cysts, are a subgroup of endometriosis, which are fluid-filled cysts that are formed in the ovaries. “The fluid is old period blood which is dark brown in colour, tissues that fill the cyst cavity hence it is called ‘Chocolate Cysts’. Having a chocolate cyst is a sign that you have endometriosis,” explained Dr Agarwal.

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