Nations’s First-of-its-Kind Endometriosis Scientific Workshop Aims to Improve the Quality of Life for Malaysian Women
The event brought together international experts from the University of Oxford's Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Monash University (Malaysia & Australia), and University of Warwick to address the complex management of endometriosis – a condition affecting 1 in 10 Malaysian women.
Themed "Holistic Endometriosis Care – From Bench to Bedside", the workshop was designed to elevate awareness, diagnostics, and multidisciplinary care beginning at the primary healthcare level, while reinforcing the link between endometriosis and infertility.
In her opening remarks, Ms Lakshmi Menon, CEO of Thomson Fertility (also known as TMC Fertility), shared the team's long-term commitment to raising the standard of care in women's health and fertility:
"We are proud to lead conversations that matter. This workshop underscores our role not just as a fertility centre, but as a regional leader in holistic women's healthcare. Empowering primary care providers is key to ensuring women get the right diagnosis early—especially when endometriosis is so closely linked with fertility struggles. Together with our international partners, we aim to transform the future of women's care in Malaysia."
Driving Early Diagnosis, Multidisciplinary Management and Fertility Education
The workshop featured cutting-edge research and practical approaches to improve diagnosis, pain management, and long-term care for women with endometriosis. Among the key topics discussed:
- Proven practices from Oxford's Endometriosis CaRe Centre that have improved patient outcomes in the UK.
- The importance of early diagnosis and the role of primary care in managing chronic pelvic pain.
- Updates on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines on endometriosis treatment.
- Fertility preservation strategies and the impact of untreated endometriosis on reproductive health.
Prof. Dr. Prasanna Supramaniam, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Thomson Fertility (also known as TMC Fertility) and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Oxford, stated:
"This is the first workshop of its kind in Malaysia, and it's time we addressed the reality that many women suffer in silence. Pain is not normal, and primary care doctors are our first line of defence. This initiative is part of our long-standing commitment to endometriosis education, awareness, and fertility support."
Prof. Christian Becker, Lead of the Oxford BSGE Endometriosis Centre and Co-Director of the Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, added:
"Endometriosis remains underdiagnosed globally. I'm honoured to share our research and see Thomson Fertility take a leadership role in improving care pathways in this region."
Globally, endometriosis remains one of the most underdiagnosed chronic conditions, affecting millions of women—often without their knowledge. According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, approximately 1 in 10 Malaysian women are believed to suffer from endometriosis, yet many remain unaware of their condition due to delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness.
The disease characterised by tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus can cause debilitating pain, especially during menstruation, sexual intercourse, urination, or defecation. If left untreated, it can significantly affect fertility and quality of life.
Adding a local perspective, Prof. J. Ravichandran, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist and Maternal Foetal Medicine Consultant at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, shared:
"Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease. Many women live through cycles of pain, ineffective medication, and repeat surgeries due to delayed or inadequate treatment. There is an urgent need for better data and early intervention strategies to optimise care."
Monthly Endometriosis Day Initiative by Thomson Fertility
As part of its ongoing mission to reshape women's healthcare in Malaysia, Thomson Fertility (also known as TMC Fertility) has launched Endo Care @ Thomson—a monthly awareness initiative held on the first Saturday of every month.
Each session offers educational talks and workshops by fertility and gynaecology experts.
This monthly programme is open to the public and aims to break the silence around menstrual health and endometriosis, helping women seek the care they need without hesitation.
REFERENCES
The workshop featured a distinguished panel of medical professionals, each contributing valuable expertise on endometriosis management:
- Prof. Dr. Prasanna Supramaniam – Associate Professor, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, TMC Fertility @Thomson Hospital, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Oxford
- Prof. Krina Zondervan – Head of Department, Professor of Reproductive & Genomic Epidemiology, Co-Director Endometriosis CaRe Centre, University of Oxford
- Prof. Christian Becker – Professor of Reproductive Science, Consultant Gynaecologist Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine, Lead for Oxford BSGE Endometriosis Centre, Co-Director Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, University of Oxford
- Prof. Katy Vincent – Senior Fellow in Pain in Women, Professor in Gynaecological Pain Principal Investigator, Research Group Leader, Honorary Consultant Gynaecologist, University of Oxford
- Dr. Thomas Tapmeier – Head, Uterine Biology & Gynaecological Disease Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University, Visiting Fellow, Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford
- Dr. Kurtis Garbutt – Data Scientist, Endometriosis CaRe Centre, University of Oxford
- Prof. Beverley Vollenhoven Am – Carl Wood Chair, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Director of Gynaecology and Research, Women's and Newborn Program, Monash Health, Monash University
- Prof. J. Ravichandran – Professor of O&G, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Maternal Foetal Medicine Consultant, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru
- Dr. Hannah Nazri – NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Warwick, Early Career Ambassador of World Endometriosis Society, International Relations Research Subcommittee Member of BSGE, President of Boston Congress of Public Health
Hashtag: #ThomsonFertility
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ABOUT THOMSON FERTILITY
Established in 1994, Thomson Fertility (also known as TMC Fertility) is Malaysia's leading fertility centre known for its exceptional care and high success rates. With multiple branches across Peninsular Malaysia, it offers advanced fertility treatments supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and quality medications. With over 30 years of experience and state-of-the-art facilities, Thomson Fertility is committed to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
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