Endometriosis in Singapore is a chronic condition that affects millions of women of reproductive age. Read more: https://drmaliclinic.com/endometriosis/.
It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue that lines the pelvis. Though rare, it can spread beyond pelvic organs.
This ectopic tissue behaves like endometrial tissue; it can thicken, break down, and bleed with each menstrual cycle.
However, since it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped, a situation which leads to inflammation, as well as the development of cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions. Women with endometriosis often experience severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other symptoms include fatigue, bloating, nausea, and bowel or urinary disorders, particularly during menstrual periods. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications. The problem is that many women suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis.
This article provides comprehensive information on what endometriosis is, the consequences of not treating it, the costs of surgery in Singapore, insurance coverage, and alternatives for those without insurance. So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking better management options.
This guide will give you a clear picture of the complexities that come with endometriosis in Singapore. Keep reading!
What Happens if you Leave Endometriosis Untreated?
Endometriosis can vary in severity, and not all cases require immediate treatment. Because of this, it is common for many people to wonder; what happens if endometriosis is untreated?
To begin with, in mild cases where symptoms are minimal or absent, doctors may recommend a “watch and wait” approach. Here, they simply monitor the condition without immediate intervention. However, regular check-ups will be needed to ensure the condition does not progress.
However, leaving endometriosis untreated isn’t wise as this can lead to several complications and worsen your quality of life. Treatment is typically recommended when symptoms are severe, impact your daily activities, or affect fertility. For women who experience chronic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, or significant distress, active treatment is often the best way out.
The same applies to women trying to conceive. They might need treatment, as endometriosis can affect fertility. If diagnosed with endometriosis and recommended treatment, you do not want to dismiss the recommendations as untreated endometriosis can lead to several complications, including:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pelvic pain cannot only interfere with your daily life. In extreme cases, it can go on to affect your mental health as well.
- Infertility: Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility. Up to 30-40% of women with endometriosis may experience difficulty conceiving.
- Cysts and Adhesions: Endometriomas (ovarian cysts) and adhesions (scar tissue) can form. These developments do not only cause pain but also come with a huge risk of damaging your reproductive organs.
- Bowel and Bladder Issues: Severe cases can affect bowel and bladder function. This may lead to painful urination, bowel movements, or digestive issues.
How Much Does Endometriosis Surgery Cost?
Surgery for endometriosis in Singapore is a significant commitment but a very big step towards an endometriosis-free life. That said, if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition you may naturally wonder; how much does endometriosis surgery cost?
Now, as you probably already understand, in Singapore, the cost of procedures like endometriosis surgery varies significantly depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the hospital. On average, the cost of laparoscopic surgery, a common procedure for treating endometriosis, ranges from SGD 10,000 to SGD 28,000.
This estimate includes hospital fees, surgeon’s fees, anesthetist’s fees, and postoperative care. More complex surgeries, such as those involving advanced laparoscopic techniques or robotic-assisted surgery, can cost significantly more. Surgery is typically recommended in the following scenarios:
- Severe Symptoms: When pain and other symptoms severely impact the quality of life and do not respond to medication or other treatments.
- Infertility: For women trying to conceive, surgery can improve the chances of pregnancy by removing endometriosis tissue and restoring the normal function of reproductive organs.
- Cysts and Adhesions: Removal of endometriomas and adhesions to prevent further complications and preserve fertility.
Now that you understand how much it costs to treat endometriosis in Singapore with surgery, you may be itching to ask; is endometriosis surgery covered by insurance in Singapore?
The answer is, if you have an insurance plan that covers gynecological services, it should at least provide some level of coverage for endometriosis treatment. Since coverage tends to vary, some policies cover the procedure under hospitalization and surgical benefits, while others may only cover part of the costs.
That said, please spare some time to review your insurance policy details or consult your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage. You may use MediSave to offset some surgical costs.
Not having insurance coverage shouldn’t keep you away from seeking treatment for endometriosis in Singapore. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to explore self-funding options such as using personal savings or taking out a medical loan.
Some hospitals even offer payment plans to help manage costs over time and ease the immediate financial burden. Alternatively, you may want to consider non-surgical treatment options for endometriosis in Singapore. Several non-surgical treatments can help manage endometriosis symptoms and are generally less costly including;
- Medication: Pain relievers and hormonal therapies (such as birth control pills, GnRH agonists, and progestin therapy) can effectively manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Diet modifications, regular exercise, and stress management can help alleviate symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor physical therapy can reduce pain and improve pelvic function.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies can provide symptom relief for some women.
Wrapping Up
Endometriosis is a challenging condition requiring careful management. In Singapore, surgery can be costly, but various insurance and public healthcare options can help manage expenses.
If you do not have insurance, alternative treatments and financial support options could give you some reprieve. As always, early diagnosis and proactive treatment can significantly improve your quality of life if you have endometriosis.
So, seek immediate medical advice to explore your treatment options and find the best approach for your health and financial situation if you suspect you have endometriosis. If you’re ready for an appointment with a caring and friendly female gynae, pass by or drop a line at Dr. Ma Li Clinic. Details below;
Dr Ma Li Clinic for Women & Advanced Pelvic Surgery – Gynaecologist in Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #09-08 Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
+65 6022 0933
+65 8389 9933
