Experts Explain Endometriosis and Encourage Women with This Condition to Reach Out for Help

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

5 FACTS ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS

Click on the image for a larger, clearer version.

  1. It is a condition that sees tissue similar to that of the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, such as at the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis.
  2. It can also be found in other areas of the body, but this is very rare.
  3. Endometriosis can cause debilitating pain, severe bloating, and fatigue, especially during one’s period.
  4. It can affect one’s ability to have children, as 30% to 50% of women with infertility also have endometriosis.
  5. Approximately 350,000 women in Malaysia may be silently suffering from this condition.
WOMEN SHOULD REACH OUT FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION IF THEY BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS
FEATURED EXPERT
SURITA MORGAN
Founder and President
Endometriosis Association of Malaysia (MYEndosis)
Website

Surita Morgan tells us: “Malaysians are generally not aware of what endometriosis really is and why some women have this condition. One of the biggest reasons is because it is often considered as a taboo subject. People are simply uncomfortable speaking about menstrual health openly. But it doesn’t have to—rather, it shouldn’t—be that way.”

She adds: “We need to change the narrative around menstrual health and endometriosis. We need better research, better resources, and better recognition of this condition. By doing so, we can begin to pave the way for a future where endometriosis is not a burden anymore carried in silence, but a challenge met with understanding and solidarity.”

UNDERSTANDING ENDOMETRIOSIS
FEATURED EXPERT
DR LIZA LING PING
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Fertility Specialist
TMC Fertility

Dr Liza Ling Ping shares that endometriosis reveals itself in stages.

The First Stage or Minimal Endometriosis

At this stage, there are scattered patches of endometriosis tissue, often without symptoms or with mild pelvic discomfort.

The Second Stage or Mild Endometriosis

The number of tissue patches increases, potentially affecting fertility and causing discomfort during menstruation and intercourse.

The Third Stage or Moderate Endometriosis

There is further spread of endometriosis tissue, along with scar tissue and adhesions that can lead to chronic pelvic pain and digestive issues.

The Fourth Stage or Severe Endometriosis

This stage is characterized by extensive endometriosis tissue patches, large cysts, and significant scarring. There is intense pain as well as potentially impacting bowel and urinary functions.

CAN ENDOMETRIOSIS BE TREATED?

Dr Liza reveals that there is a range of treatments available such as laparoscopic surgery to specialized fertility treatments, all aimed at managing symptoms and preventing escalation.

Early diagnosis and intervention can open the door to effective treatment options that not only alleviate symptoms, but also improve quality of life, and even protect fertility.

Hence, she advises women that are affected by this condition to seek formal help and professional medical attention.

Planning to Have a ‘Dragon Baby’ in 2024? Here’s How to Start on a Right Note!

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR CHONG KUOH REN
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist
TMC Fertility

To the Chinese, 2024 marks the auspicious Year of the Dragon. The dragon symbolizes courage, wisdom, and success—qualities that most couples would like to hope for their child. Hence, many would plan to have a ‘dragon baby’ come the next year!

“Planning for parenthood however, requires a lot more than just jumping into the process of baby-making,” says Dr Chong Kuoh Ren with a laugh.

As it is never too early to plan, he offers some tips for parents to have a healthy pregnancy and baby in 2024.

START WITH A PRE-PREGNANCY HEALTH CHECK

“A preconception checkup is a good idea, even if this isn’t your first pregnancy,” Dr Chong states.

Such a checkup typically involves a health review of the aspiring parents, with the doctor screening them for the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and more.

“According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, these health screenings should be carried out at least 3 months before you’re planning to conceive,” he adds.

Dr Chong further adds that couples can further opt for genetic counselling if they are concerned about potentially passing on genetic disorders to their future offspring.

“Genes that cause genetic medical conditions such as thalassemia can be identified with a simple blood test. Having this knowledge can help you make better decisions about your pregnancy,” he elaborates.

GET YOUR BODY ‘BABY-READY’

Dr Chong mentions that there is no foolproof diet or exercise plan that will help one conceive.

“Nonetheless, a well-rounded diet and ideal body weight can have an impact on your pregnancy,” he says.

Such a diet should be balanced and filled with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in order to provide essential nourishment for both mom and the future baby.

“Multivitamins are also a great way of providing this nourishment, especially folic acid,” he adds.

Folic acid aids in the formation of red blood cells and helps tissues grow. In pregnancy, folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects, which refer to birth defects of the brain, spine, and spinal cord.

Dr Chong also highlights vitamin D, which is important for improving the quality of both egg and sperms. In pregnant women, vitamin D can prevent premature delivery.

Meanwhile, regular exercise will not only strengthen your body, but also help you manage your body weight sustainably. “You don’t have to do anything extreme, just focus on having some physical activity throughout the week. Simply doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or gardening, can go a long way in helping you stay fit,” says Dr Chong.

DITCH UNHEALTHY HABITS

Don’t wait until one is pregnant to quit habits such as smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol.

“Smoking, especially, can adversely impact your chances of conceiving as it is linked to fertility issues in both men and women,” says Dr Chong. “Newer research has shown that secondhand smoke can increase foetal risk factors too.”

Excessive drinking is linked to lowered sperm counts and abnormal eggs.

TRACK THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

This helps to identify the woman’s most fertile period — and in turn, help her to get pregnant faster.

Overview of the menstrual cycle. Click for a larger, clearer version.

“Start recording when your period starts and ends from month to month.” Dr Chong advises.

This will give one an idea of how long her cycles are.

While the average menstrual cycle is around 28 days, many doctors say the healthy range can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days.

“Cycle tracking can be trickier for women who have irregular periods in the first place,” Dr Chong concedes. “Broadly speaking, the general advice is to keep having sex every 2 to 3 days, so you don’t have to do all these calculations. I’d strongly advise consulting a specialist in these cases though, as irregular bleeding might be a symptom of more serious underlying issues.”

CAN’T CONCEIVE NATURALLY? DON’T DESPAIR, SEEK HELP

Dr Chong adds that couples should also not shy away from communicating with health professionals — and each other — if they continue to have problems conceiving.

Advice from a Fertility Specialist on Infertility & Mother’s Day Blues

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT
DR LIZA LING PING
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist
TMC Fertility

“For most, Mother’s Day is the one Sunday a year where mothers from all walks of life are especially honoured for their dedication, love and sacrifice. At the same time, the celebration can be a painful experience for those coping with infertility,” says Dr Liza Ling Ping, a fertility specialist.

She adds that for women facing infertility issues, the constant reminders of the joys of motherhood during that day may affect them mentally, physically, as well as emotionally.

START WITH SELF-COMPASSION

Be kind and shower care to yourself, the same kindness and compassion that you offer others.

“Increasingly, research has shown that self-compassion can help reduce anxiety and increase resilience,” explains Dr Liza.

She asserts that infertility is a medical condition. It does not represent your worth as a woman and a human being.

Hence, Dr Liza calls for more self-empathy. “Avoiding harsh self-criticism,” she says, “and you can make room for coping with infertility as best as you can.”

SEEK SUPPORT

While it can be hard to speak out about infertility, Dr Liza recommends talking to others that are in a similar situation, or even supportive friends and family, as doing so can be helpful in processing your feelings.

“From what I’ve seen, exchanging experiences with others going through the same thing can lessen the loneliness,” she adds.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS 

“Think about how you truly feel about Mother’s Day and how you’d like to spend it,” Dr Liza advises.

She adds: “Don’t feel guilty for saying no to family events or large celebrations of motherhood if you feel that these might be triggering for you. You may instead choose to spend the day with your partner or friends—or even alone—to do something you personally enjoy to take your mind off things.”

GO FOR A DIGITAL DETOX

Just go offline on Mother’s Day.

Alternatively, Dr Liza advises to make use of temporary internet filter and blocking apps to choose which websites or social media platforms you’d like to avoid.

“While completely shutting off the online world may not be feasible for all, even a partial digital detox can help create a safe space for yourself,” she says.

CELEBRATE THE MUMS IN YOUR LIFE

“Some women may find greater comfort in embracing the celebrations and redirecting their energy towards their loved ones,” shares Dr Liza.

She explains that doing so may help you recognize your own pain while simultaneously appreciating others.

“Furthermore, by focusing on other mothers who enriched your life, including your own, you can encourage more positive associations with the day instead of negative feelings alone,” she says.