Experts at the two-day congress, on Friday, focused on the incurable disease which could cause infertility, severe pains and “lots discomfort” in women.

The congress, among other objectives, was aimed at providing fertility specialists, nurses, and other health professionals and the general public with information on how to manage the disease.

Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It commonly affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis and may spread beyond pelvic organs.

Symptoms, according to experts, may include pelvic pain that may worsen during menstruation, painful intercourse, painful bowel movements or urination, among others.

Dr  Edem Hiadzi, President of FSOG, speaking on the sideline of the congress, explained that the disease affects about six to 10 per cent of women in the country.

He said, about 50 per cent of women who were infertile may also have the disorder which could only be controlled by specialists.

The lack of awareness about endometriosis, he added, was because the disease manifests itself during menstrual periods, hence lots of women mistook the condition for menstrual pains.

He further noted that some medical doctors were unable to detect the disease easily, hence tend to administer painkillers to patients.

“When you give painkillers the pain will go. But it will not treat endometriosis and eventually the problem worsens because the underlying problem has not been taken care off. When that happens the woman eventually may become infertile,” he said.

According to Dr Hiadzi, the disease could be detected through a medical procedure known as Laparoscopy. The procedure, however, he observed, was not available in all hospitals in the country.

Considering the complicated nature of the disease, the fertility specialist said, it was necessary to educate the public and help women to seek the right medical care.

“If you’re getting pains repeatedly with every menses and the pain is getting worse month after month, you better go and find out about this (endometriosis),” Dr  Hiadzi advised.

“If you see a doctor and he gives you medication and the condition is not getting any better, move from the general doctor and find a gynecologist and ask if they can confirm the disease for you by Laparoscopy,” he added.

Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister for Local Government and Rural Department, applauded FSOG for leading awareness on women’s health and fertility issues, stressing that efforts aimed at promoting the well-being of women would be supported by government.