Held on November 16, 2024, the event was part of the international Training Endometriosis Academy (i-TEA) initiative, co-organized by the World Endometriosis Society (WES), the Vietnam Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics (VAGO), and Abbott, a global healthcare company.

Understanding endometriosis and its challenges

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms vary widely and may include painful periods, excessive bleeding, fatigue, or nausea, though some women remain asymptomatic.

“Symptoms of endometriosis can closely resemble those of other conditions, complicating diagnosis and management,” explained Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Tien, Chairman of VAGO. “This disease, which can profoundly impact a woman's quality of life, often takes up to seven years to diagnose and treat.”

WHO documents highlight that endometriosis is associated with severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility. Between 30% and 50% of women with endometriosis experience infertility, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Towards a patient-centered approach

Effective management of endometriosis requires a long-term treatment strategy. While medications can alleviate symptoms, not all options are suitable for women seeking to conceive. A personalized, patient-centered approach was a key theme of the masterclass, emphasizing treatments that prioritize pain relief, safety, and fertility preservation for women of reproductive age.

“Healthcare providers must focus on optimizing medication use and reducing the need for repeated surgeries,” stressed Prof. Dr. Tien. Training programs like i-TEA aim to equip professionals with the latest knowledge and clinical practices, enhancing health outcomes for women.

Abbott’s commitment to women’s health

The November 16 masterclass follows Abbott’s Women’s Health Summit held in Ho Chi Minh City in April, where over 1,300 healthcare professionals discussed crucial topics such as endometriosis, fertility support, and menopause. In March, the company hosted the Asia Pacific Women’s Health Summit, bringing together over 1,100 experts from Vietnam and abroad to explore advanced practices in gynecology and obstetrics.

Through these initiatives, Abbott has demonstrated a commitment to addressing women’s healthcare challenges. By collaborating with global and Vietnamese institutions and partners, the diversified healthcare company aims to help remove barriers to care for women and provide women with knowledge and solutions to manage conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and menopause-related changes.

Since its establishment in 1888 and entry into Vietnam in 1995, Abbott has worked closely with local authorities and partners to improve access to quality healthcare, and to empower women to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

PV
Reference:
1 WHO – Endometriosis
2 Massachusetts General Hospital - Endometriosis and Its Impact on Fertility