Living with endometriosis isn’t just about being in pain; it’s also an emotional and mental journey that changes how you live your daily life. It can be hard for many women to find endometriosis treatment in Singapore that works and lasts. With a disease that is easily misunderstood or misdiagnosed, it is crucial to have access to transparent, caring, and accurate information.
Girls and women in Singapore are fortunate to have access to more tools and medical professionals who are knowledgeable about dealing with this complex situation. Endometriosis can be treated in various ways for women in Singapore. These include hormone medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery that isn’t too invasive.
However, before exploring the various treatment options, it’s essential to understand what endometriosis is and why finding the right care path is crucial.
What Is Endometriosis?
People with endometriosis have tissue that grows outside the uterus, resembling the tissue that lines the uterus. This can be very painful. This can cause swelling, scars, and sometimes problems with getting pregnant. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer layer of the uterus, and nearby pelvic organs are often affected.
One in ten women of childbearing age is thought to be globally affected by endometriosis, and Singapore is no exception. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis remains underdiagnosed, often because its symptoms mimic other conditions or are dismissed as “just bad period cramps.”
Symptoms may include:
- Painful menstrual cramps that worsen over time
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during or after intercourse
- Pain with bowel movements or urination
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving.
- Fatigue, bloating, or nausea
Some women with endometriosis will not have all of these symptoms. Some may be in a lot of pain, while others may not have any symptoms but still have trouble getting pregnant.
The First Step Toward Treatment
Endometriosis treatment in Singapore typically begins with a detailed consultation and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the condition. Sometimes it’s challenging to determine what’s wrong, which is why it’s essential to see a doctor who knows how to identify the problem accurately.
Standard diagnostic tools include:
- Pelvic exam: To detect cysts or scarring
- Ultrasound: Particularly transvaginal ultrasound to view reproductive organs
- MRI scans: In some instances, for a more detailed view
- Laparoscopy: A minor surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of endometrial lesions. This is the most accurate method for diagnosing something.
Once endometriosis is confirmed, the focus turns to managing the condition, not just alleviating symptoms, but improving quality of life and, where relevant, fertility outcomes.
Medical Management: Hormonal and Pain Therapies
Many women begin their endometriosis treatment in Singapore with medical therapy, especially if symptoms are moderate or if surgery is not immediately necessary.
Hormonal Treatments
Hormonal therapy is commonly used to control the growth of endometrial-like tissue and reduce or eliminate menstruation. These include:
- Combined oral contraceptives
- Progestins (e.g., oral pills, injectables, or intrauterine systems like the Mirena)
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists/antagonists
- Danazol, though less commonly used due to side effects
Hormonal treatments aim to reduce inflammation and suppress the hormonal cycle that fuels the growth of endometriosis. They’re often effective, especially in the early stages of the condition.
Pain Management
NSAIDs and other over-the-counter or prescribed pain killers (e.g., ibuprofen) are often part of the early-stage management. However, relying solely on pain medication is not a long-term solution, especially when symptoms persist or worsen over time. In such cases, exploring comprehensive endometriosis treatment in Singapore becomes essential for lasting relief and better health outcomes.
Surgical Options: When Medication Isn’t Enough
In cases where medical management does not offer sufficient relief or when fertility is a concern, surgery becomes an essential component of endometriosis treatment in Singapore.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is the most common surgical method for endometriosis. Surgeons make small incisions and use a camera to locate and remove or destroy endometrial implants. This method offers:
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery times
- High success rates in symptom relief and fertility restoration
The goal is to excise or ablate lesions while preserving healthy tissue, especially in women who wish to conceive in the future.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, is usually only considered for women who have tried all other treatments and are not planning to have children in the future. Depending on how bad the situation is and how old the woman is, the ovaries may also need to be removed.
While hysterectomy can bring relief from symptoms, it does not guarantee a cure, especially if endometrial implants are present outside the uterus.
Fertility and Endometriosis: A Sensitive Balance
Endometriosis is often found for the first time when a woman is trying to get pregnant. Endometriosis can lead to damage, blockages, and inflammation that can make it hard to ovulate, get fertilized, or implant an egg. Seeking timely endometriosis treatment in Singapore can help address these challenges and improve fertility outcomes.
Women with endometriosis can get improved fertility treatments in Singapore, which is good news. Some of these are:
- Ovulation induction
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Having surgery to remove endometrial growths may also help with fertility, especially in people with mild to severe endometriosis.
It’s essential to work with a fertility team that understands the complexities of endometriosis. A collaborative approach ensures that the whole person is taken care of, including the disease and the desire to become pregnant.
Lifestyle Management: A Holistic Approach
Medical and surgical interventions are critical, but lifestyle factors also play a role in managing endometriosis symptoms. In Singapore, many women seek a complementary approach to endometriosis treatment that includes:
Diet and Nutrition
A diverse array of fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains can help control inflammation and reduce the severity of symptoms. Cutting back on red meat, dairy, and processed foods can help some women feel better.
Exercise
Regular low-impact exercises, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, can help reduce pelvic pain, boost mood, and support hormonal balance.
Stress Management
Having pain all the time can be bad for your mental health. Mindfulness, meditation, and therapy are all practices that can help you feel better and make you stronger.
Choosing the Right Specialist in Singapore
The service you choose for endometriosis treatment in Singapore is one of the most essential choices you’ll have to make. Look for a doctor or nurse who:
- Listens carefully and takes your symptoms seriously
- Has experience diagnosing and treating endometriosis
- Offers a range of treatment options—not just medication or surgery
- Understands the relationship between endometriosis and fertility
- Takes a long-term view of your health and wellness
Early intervention, a tailored treatment plan, and a high level of care continuity can make a significant difference in how you live with and manage endometriosis.
Living Beyond Endometriosis
Even though there is no fix for endometriosis, it is possible to treat it well, and life can be fulfilling again. With the proper guidance, women in Singapore can find relief from pain, reclaim their quality of life, and achieve their fertility goals.
Every woman’s journey with endometriosis is different. What remains constant is the need for understanding, evidence-based care, and a personalized approach to care. Being aware is the first step to being healthy, and for many, the first step is seeking professional help through proper endometriosis treatment in Singapore.
Aster Gynaecology – Dr Ng Kai Lyn
38 Irrawaddy Rd, #06-58
Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
Singapore 329563
+65 6635 2100
