ISLAMABAD: About one in four women undergoing laparoscopic procedures is diagnosed with endometriosis.

This was stated by Capital Hospital’s Executive Director Dr Mohammad Naeem Taj at a symposium held at the hospital in connection with International Women’s Day.

The event “Endometriosis: a conversation to accelerate action on helping women who are suffering in silence” was aimed at creating awareness about endometriosis, a condition often overlooked and stigmatised, and to promote early diagnosis and effective management.

Dr Taj, a leading laparoscopic surgeon of Pakistan, underscored the significant yet often overlooked prevalence of endometriosis in Pakistan.

He also pointed out that the disease remained poorly understood and inadequately addressed due to a number of factors including insufficient medical knowledge, limited public awareness, inadequate research funding and societal taboos surrounding women’s reproductive health.

In her keynote address, Prof Dr Syeda Batool Mazhar stressed the importance of early diagnosis and personalised management tailored to individual fertility desires and pain severity. She also stressed the positive impact of lifestyle modifications and advocated for accelerated programmes focused on women’s rights and empowerment, particularly in health-related matters, to ensure informed decision-making in disease management.

Dr Sheeba Noreen, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Capital Hospital, addressed the diagnostic delays caused by societal stigma surrounding menstruation. She said the resilience of endometriosis patients should drive both societal and governmental commitment to providing the necessary rights for citizens to lead safe, healthy and dignified lives.

Dr Hadia Aziz, Associate Gynaecologist, highlighted the societal invisibility of endometriosis sufferers which denied them adequate healthcare and recognition of their pain. She emphasised the state’s moral and political obligation to acknowledge their suffering and provide essential resources.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2025