Patanjali Civil Services Academy

Endometriosis [Prelims Bits]

Tags: Prelims Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Indian Express

Context: An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-led genome-wide study suggests Indian women may have a genetic predisposition to endometriosis, highlighting the need for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Endometriosis: A chronic condition in which endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly causing severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue and infertility.
Burden: Affects about 10% of women of reproductive age globally; India is estimated to account for around 25% of the global burden.
Cause & cure: Exact cause remains unclear and there is no definitive cure; treatment focuses on symptom control and management.
Diagnosis: Often substantially delayed—4–12 years on average, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)—allowing progression, scarring and possible organ damage.
Associated conditions: Research indicates possible associations with immune-mediated conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus that undergoes cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle and is shed during menstruation when pregnancy does not occur.

Q1. With reference to endometriosis, consider the following statements:

The tissue involved in endometriosis is anatomically identical to the normal endometrium and is confined to the uterine cavity.
Endometriosis may affect fertility even though its primary manifestations are often associated with menstruation and pelvic pain.
The absence of a definitive cure makes early diagnosis and long-term management particularly important.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Endometriosis involves endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus; it is not confined to the uterine cavity.
Statement 2 is correct: Endometriosis is associated with infertility, in addition to pain and other symptoms.
Statement 3 is correct: Since there is no definitive cure, timely diagnosis and appropriate management can help limit symptoms and complications.