Over 500 healthcare professionals in Vietnam have recently joined a masterclass to get updates on endometriosis in order to offer women better treatments.

The event held on November 16 was a part of the international Training Endometriosis Academy (i-TEA) project developed by the World Endometriosis Society (WES), Vietnam Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics (VAGO), and Abbott, the global healthcare company as the co-organizer.

One in every 10 women is at risk of endometriosis during the reproductive years.

Women having endometriosis may or may not have symptoms including painful periods, excessive bleeding, fatigue or nausea, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

“Endometriosis symptoms could be very similar to those of other health conditions, making it difficult to detect, identify, and accurately diagnose,” said Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Tien, VAGO chairman.

“While the disease seriously affects the [patient’s] quality of life, endometriosis could take up to seven years to be diagnosed and treated.”

Endometriosis can decrease the quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility, as per WHO documents.

Between 30 and 50 percent of women with endometriosis may experience infertility, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Transforming endometriosis care

There are a range of medications that can help manage endometriosis and its symptoms, however, these methods may not be suitable for those wanting to get pregnant, the WHO has said.

Therefore, individual preferences are among the key factors to consider when deciding treatment plans.

This patient-centered approach is an important topic that was shared during the masterclass training.

Accordingly, treatment plans for women of reproductive age should prioritize effective pain relief and safety, while preserving fertility.

Treating endometriosis requires a long-term strategy to optimize the impact of medicines and avoid repeated surgical intervention, experts said.

In order to support healthcare professionals in diagnosis and treatment for the chronic disease, professional updates and training sessions like the i-TEA program are much needed to provide the latest information and guidance in clinical practices, helping improve health outcomes for patients, said Prof. Dr. Tien.

The November 16 masterclass training followed a Women’s Health Summit organized by Abbott in Ho Chi Minh City in late April, at which more than 1,300 healthcare professionals discussed key issues closely related to women's health, including endometriosis, fertility support, and menopause.

Prior to the April summit, Abbott helped organize the Asia Pacific Women’s Health Summit in March, gathering over 1,100 foreign and Vietnamese experts to discuss perspectives in obstetric and gynecological management.

These events held so far in 2024 are part of Abbott’s ongoing efforts to share approaches and solutions in women's healthcare with professionals, aiming to reduce established health disparities.

The company has been partnering with global and Vietnamese institutions to help address the challenges in women’s specific health needs at every stage of their lives, such as dealing with endometriosis pain, fertility problems, or physical and emotional changes relating to menopause.

Established in 1888, Abbott has pledged to help people live more fully at all stages of life.

Since its 1995 arrival in Vietnam, the diversified healthcare company has been working with the authorities, partners, and stakeholders to respond to healthcare challenges and to improve access to women’s healthcare, so that they can take charge of their health and live their healthiest lives.

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