Meet Dr. Shilpa Rao, Dental Surgeon

"Unfortunately, many women with Endometriosis have had to discontinue their jobs and education to tend to their health. But for me, as things got worse, I was determined to keep going & prioritise my career."

November, 2021

“1 in 10 women suffer from Endometriosis. This condition causes tissues, similar to those in the lining of the uterus, to implant themselves in other parts of the body. When a woman with endometriosis menstruates, these tissues cramp, contract, thicken, and shed causing what some patients describe as crippling’ pain, discomfort and bleeding within the body.

I’d always been told that my pain was normal and cramps are something all menstruating women experience. I went from doctor to doctor, receiving either improper guidance or a misdiagnosis. Like countless others, it took me years to get my diagnosis and begin treatment. I finally knew the reason for all those years of excruciating pain.

As a little girl, I wished to be two things: a doctor, and an artist. I fulfilled one of my dreams by choosing to be a dentist. Though I deeply cherish my days at med school, it wasn’t easy. I think any alumni can attest to how strict the curriculum & university standards are. The suffering that came due to my condition added to my rough days.

Unfortunately, many women with Endometriosis have had to discontinue their jobs and education to tend to their health. But for me, as things got worse, I was determined to keep going & prioritize my career.

18 years later, I’m proud of my resilience. In almost 2 decades, I’ve built a client base of over 1.5 lac patients and I am grateful for each day of my professional journey. The most heartwarming moment in my career was when a patient, who I’d treated when she was a young girl, returned to me, with her daughter. I was honored knowing that someone I’d cared for aforetime still trusted me, now with her own child.

Today, 5 surgeries in, my battle with endometriosis continues. There are still days when I cannot get out of bed due to the pain. To all EndoWarriors- Don’t give up! Life doesn’t give us second chances. Despite the challenges, we need to pull ourselves up and take every chance to do what we love doing. I believe every single experience teaches you something, and there exists no bigger teacher than life itself.”