A concerning spike in Indian endometriosis cases among women who are in the age group of 25 to 30 years is now raising concerns about reproductive health and fertility in younger women. Earlier considered more common in women in their early 30s, the condition is now being diagnosed increasingly in younger age groups. Modern lifestyle patterns include sedentary routines, a lack of regular physical activity, higher consumption of junk and processed foods, irregular sleep cycles, and hormonal imbalances. These factors can affect ovarian function and menstrual health, potentially increasing the risk of developing endometriosis.
One such case is that of a 25-year-old Mumbai woman, a working professional who has always led a busy life, but started facing difficulties with her health. In 2024, she began experiencing persistent pelvic discomfort and irregular menstrual pain that gradually started affecting her daily routine. She was experiencing this pain for the last six to eight months, thinking it was “just another painful period”. Concerned about the recurring symptoms, she underwent a routine medical evaluation. The tests revealed the presence of an endometriotic ovarian cyst, a condition that can affect reproductive health if left untreated. After careful medical assessment, she was recommended laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the cyst and relieve her symptoms.
The surgery was successfully performed by Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha along with Dr. Ujjwal Mahajan and the team of laparoscopy specialists at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, ensuring effective removal of the cyst while preserving reproductive health. The procedure was successfully performed, helping alleviate her pain and prevent further complications linked to fertility.
Following the surgery, doctors advised regular follow-up monitoring through periodic ultrasound scans to ensure that the cyst does not recur. Although Sheena is currently focused on her career and not planning marriage immediately, her reproductive health is being closely monitored. She has also been advised to adopt healthy lifestyle practices such as regular exercise, yoga, balanced nutrition, and effective stress management, which can help maintain hormonal balance and support long-term reproductive health.
Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, said, “Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic organs. Over time, this abnormal tissue growth can lead to painful periods, pelvic pain, cyst formation, and fertility challenges if left untreated. Endometriosis is increasingly being diagnosed in women in their mid to late 20s. While the exact cause is not always clear, lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, irregular sleep patterns, lack of exercise, and unhealthy dietary habits can influence hormonal balance and ovarian function. These factors may contribute to the development or progression of endometriosis.”
Embracing a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, stress management through yoga, and routine gynaecological check-ups can help women manage their risk and detect problems early. Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical guidance can not only relieve pain but also help protect fertility and improve long-term reproductive health.
