Associate Professor Alex Polyakov, Medical Director at Genea Fertility, was featured in The House of Wellness providing comprehensive insights into endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in seven Australian women that remains widely misunderstood.
Alex explains that endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it. "This aberrant tissue growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus and on other organs within the pelvis or, in rare cases, anywhere in the abdominal cavity and beyond," he notes.
Unlike endometrial tissue inside the uterus that sheds during menstruation, tissue growing outside cannot exit the body. "This leads to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue," Alex explains. "The cyclical nature of this tissue growth and breakdown outside the uterus, in response to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, can cause significant pain and other symptoms, which may vary in intensity."
The article, published in conjunction with new endometriosis medications being added to the PBS, covers multiple aspects of the condition. Alex discusses risk factors including never giving birth, early onset of periods, late menopause, short menstrual cycles, and higher oestrogen levels. "Evidence suggests it could run in families, implying a possible genetic component," he adds.
Alex outlines the four stages of endometriosis, minimal, mild, moderate, and severe—whilst emphasising that severity doesn't directly correlate with pain levels. He addresses the condition's impact on fertility, noting that "about one-third to one-half of women with the condition have difficulty getting pregnant."
Regarding treatment, Alex explains options range from pain relief medications and hormone therapy to surgical interventions. "The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, whether the woman wishes to become pregnant, and her age," he says. He also provides dietary recommendations, suggesting foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and lean proteins whilst limiting red meat, caffeine, and alcohol.
A/Prof Alex Polyakov
Associate Professor Alex Polyakov is an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Fertility specialist practicing in East Melbourne. A/Prof Polyakov is unique among fertility specialists by offering a holistic approach that encompasses surgical, fertility, and obstetric care. This means Alex is highly trained to perform surgical interventions for gynaecological conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and intrauterine polyps/adhesions.
