30 March 2011, Singapore: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has started a one-stop service to provide holistic, multidisciplinary care to patients with Endometriosis – a gynaecological condition that affects up to 1 in every 10 women.

Managed by an experienced team of specialists in gynaecology, pain management and colorectal surgery, KK Endometriosis Centre will adopt a comprehensive and patient-centred approach aimed at improving quality of life for patients suffering from Endometriosis. The centre will also provide counselling to facilitate the overall wellness of its patients.
Endometriosis is a condition characterised by the presence of cells from the womb lining, or the endometrium, in areas outside the womb cavity, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the pelvis, or the lower abdominal cavity. It is usually a chronic problem, capable of causing inflammation, damage and adhesions of tissues, leading to debilitating pain and also infertility in women.

Associate Professor Bernard Chern, Deputy Chairman, Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, KKH said: “As many as 30% of women complaining of severe menstrual pain are found to be suffering from Endometriosis, but the condition is often under-diagnosed as it may also be present in women with symptoms unrelated to periods or those who experience minimal discomfort. For many women, the pain experienced is very severe and likely to impact their daily lives.”

“At KKH, we treat approximately 1,200 women with Endometriosis-related problems every year. We are equipped with the latest medical technology and know-how to diagnose and treat the condition. In view of the impact that Endometriosis can have, not only on a woman’s physical health, but also on her social and emotional wellbeing, we believe that the Centre’s holistic services will bring greater support and benefits for our patients,” added A/Prof Chern.

Common symptoms of Endometriosis include severe menstrual pains, chronic pains in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, painful sexual intercourse and infertility, among others. Women suffering from these symptoms, who wish to seek more information on Endometriosis may call the Endometriosis Centre Coordinator Hotline at +65 9834 8034.