For years, a 31-year-old teacher silently endured severe pain during her periods, believing it was simply a normal part of being a woman. The pain was so severe at times that she often relied on painkillers and occasionally struggled to maintain her routine at work.
When she and her husband finally began planning for a baby, the dream of motherhood suddenly seemed distant after doctors diagnosed her with severe endometriosis and low ovarian reserve (AMH), conditions that often make natural conception difficult.
However, in a remarkable turn of events, timely laparoscopic surgery and specialised treatment has helped her conceive naturally and later welcome a healthy baby girl, 3.1kg kgs through a planned C-section, transforming years of pain and uncertainty into a story of hope.
A silent struggle ignored for years
The 31-year-old resident from Kharghar and a teacher by profession, was leading a happy and active life until persistent health issues began affecting her routine. For nearly two years, she had been experiencing severe pelvic pain during her menstrual cycles but assumed it was normal menstrual discomfort, something many women tend to ignore.
After four years of marriage, when she and her husband began planning for a child, she noticed that she was not ovulating regularly. Concerned, she sought medical advice and underwent fertility evaluations.
During her consultation in early 2025, Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals in Navi Mumbai`s Kharghar, advised detailed diagnostic tests, including Transvaginal Sonography (TVS), and a Color Doppler scan. The investigations revealed the underlying cause, which is endometriotic cysts and multiple endometriotic spots, confirming advanced endometriosis.
The scans also showed dense pelvic adhesions, which were a major concern, where several organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder, had become abnormally stuck to surrounding tissues due to the disease.
Diagnosis: Endometriosis and low AMH
Further investigations revealed that the patient had low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Endometriosis can damage ovarian tissue and disrupt ovulation, making natural conception difficult.
Considering the combination of severe adhesions and low AMH, the patient had earlier been advised that she might require IVF treatment to conceive.
Complex laparoscopic surgery restores hope
After carefully evaluating her condition, the medical team led by Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha and Dr. Ujjwal Mahajan decided to perform advanced laparoscopic surgery to remove the endometriotic cysts and release the adhesions affecting the pelvic organs.
Dr. Surabhi said, “During the surgery, we discovered extensive adhesions where the uterus had become attached to the bladder in the front and the intestines behind. Endometriosis often causes organs in the pelvic region to stick together due to scar tissue. Using laparoscopic keyhole techniques, we carefully separated these organs and removed the endometriotic cysts. The surgery requires great precision because there is always a risk of injury to nearby organs such as the bladder or intestines. At one stage, the team must meticulously separate the uterus from the bladder and intestines, which requires extreme precision to avoid injury to these delicate organs. The main goal was to restore the normal anatomy of the pelvic organs so that the chances of natural conception could improve. The surgery lasted for almost two hours.”
She further explained that laparoscopic surgery offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, better visualization during surgery, minimal blood loss, faster recovery, and lower postoperative complications. Following the surgery, the patient was started on three cycles of hormonal injections (Leuprolide) to suppress any remaining endometriotic tissue and improve recovery.
An unexpected but beautiful surprise
To the delight of both the patient and the medical team, during the third to fourth month after surgery, the patient missed her period, and a pregnancy test confirmed that she had conceived naturally.
Dr Surabhi further said, “This was a very special moment for both the patient and the medical team. Considering her low AMH levels and the severity of endometriosis, natural conception was uncertain. However, with timely surgery, hormonal support, and careful monitoring, she was able to conceive. Throughout the pregnancy, she was closely monitored with frequent antenatal visits and additional hormonal support to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.”
A joyful beginning for the family
Considering the dense pelvic adhesions observed during the surgery, a Caesarean section was planned to ensure a safe delivery. The patient successfully delivered a healthy baby girl, 3.1kg, bringing immense joy to the couple who had been trying to conceive for several years.
“It felt like a miracle”
Sharing her emotions after welcoming her baby, Aarti Sharma said, “For years I lived with severe period pain, thinking it was something every woman goes through. When we started planning for a baby after four years of marriage and were told about my condition, I felt scared and uncertain about whether I would ever become a mother. My husband stood by me through every difficult moment. When we were informed about the treatment and surgery, we decided to trust the process and stay hopeful. The day I found out that I was pregnant naturally, I simply could not believe it; it truly felt like a miracle. Today, holding my baby in my arms is the happiest moment of my life. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Surabhi and her team, who helped make our dream of becoming parents come true.”
Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed
“Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Over time, it can lead to cysts, severe pelvic pain, and dense adhesions between the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and intestines. Many women ignore severe menstrual pain, thinking it is normal. However, persistent or intense pelvic pain can be an important warning sign. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve fertility outcomes and prevent complications. Women who experience severe menstrual pain, irregular ovulation, or difficulty conceiving should seek medical evaluation early,” said Dr. Surabhi.
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide and can lead to symptoms such as severe period pain, pelvic discomfort, irregular cycles, painful intercourse, and infertility. However, with early diagnosis, expert treatment, and timely medical care, many women can still achieve successful pregnancies.
Navi Mumbai doctors give Kharghar woman battling endometriosis hope
