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FOR years, Ms May Soon suffered from excruciating cramps whenever she had her period. It was so bad that she could not get out of bed for days. Only when she sought medical help three years ago did she find out that she suffered from endometriosis. The gynaecological condition causes chronic pain and, in some cases, could even lead to infertility. Ms Soon said she tried numerous types of medication but they all came with side effects, such as hot flushes, headaches and even depression. Said the 30-year-old teacher: “It was so bad that I had to take medical leave. I was often in a bad mood and didn’t feel like doing anything.”
The number of endometriosis sufferers - who tend to be women who have not had children – has increased by about 20 per cent over the last decade. At the KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital (KKH), 1,100 patients were diagnosed last year, as compared to 900 in 2000. And the numbers here are set to rise, said Associate Professor Bernard Chern, KKH’s deputy chairman of the Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. He explained that endometriosis is suppressed during pregnancy and regresses after menopause.
Prof Chern said: “Women are having fewer and later pregnancies, or not giving birth at all. There is thus an increased exposure to certain female hormones, which increases the risk of getting endometriosis.” He warned that many cases go undetected as symptoms, such as menstrual cramps, are often overlooked. Other symptoms include pain during sex and infertility issues.
He was speaking at the launch of a new drug called Visanne, which it is hoped would be able to alleviate pain while causing minimal side effects. The oral medication is made by pharmaceutical company Bayer HealthCare. Said Dr Beh Suan Tiong, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist: “Visanne has been shown to be effective in treating the condition, and is suitable for long-term use as there are no serious side effects.”
KKH will hold a talk to raise awareness of endometriosis on Saturday at the KKH Auditorium. For more information, go to www.kkh.com.sg
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