Breaking the Silence: A Conversation with Dr. Madhu Bagaria on Endometriosis in the Indian Community
For many Indian women in New York, New Jersey, and on Long Island, the journey to a diagnosis for pelvic pain is fraught with unique cultural and social hurdles. The pressure to be strong, the stigma around menstrual health, and the fear of infertility can create a wall of silence.
Dr. Madhu Bagaria, an endometriosis specialist at ESSI, understands this silence intimately. Not just as a physician, but as a fellow Indian woman who has navigated her own path through chronic pain.
We sat down with Dr. Bagaria to discuss the specific challenges faced by Indian women and how her personal experiences shape her compassionate, culturally-sensitive approach to care in the tri-state area.
A Personal Journey to Understanding
Interviewer: Dr. Bagaria, your career is built on a deep commitment to women’s health. What drew you to specialize in endometriosis and pelvic pain?
Dr. Madhu Bagaria: My connection to this work is personal. Like so many of the patients I see, I have my own history with chronic pain. I remember those years—the dismissing comments, the feeling that your pain is invisible, the doubt that creeps in. You start to wonder, “Is this all in my head?”
Going through that experience was profound. It gave me a perspective that no medical textbook could ever provide. When a patient sits across from me and describes that feeling of being gaslit by the medical system, I don’t just understand it intellectually; I feel it. It drives me to be the doctor I needed back then.
Cultural Barriers: The “Superwoman” Syndrome
Interviewer: You see many patients from the large South Asian communities in Edison, Jersey City, Queens, and Nassau County. What unique challenges do Indian women face regarding endometriosis?
Dr. Bagaria: It’s a complex issue. In our culture, there is often a tremendous emphasis on endurance. We are raised to be strong, to be the pillars of our families. Admitting you are in pain—especially menstrual pain—can be seen as a weakness or a complaint that should be handled privately and quietly.
There’s this “Superwoman” complex where we feel we have to do it all—career, family, community—without ever showing a crack in the armor. This leads to a dangerous delay in seeking help. I see women who have been suffering in silence for a decade because they didn’t want to burden anyone.
The Stigma of Infertility
Interviewer: Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility. How does that impact the Indian community specifically?
Dr. Bagaria: This is perhaps the most difficult part. In our culture, marriage and motherhood are deeply cherished milestones. The fear of infertility can be paralyzing.
I see young, single women who are terrified to even mention their pelvic pain. And for married couples struggling to conceive, the social pressure can be immense, leading to anxiety and isolation.
As an endometriosis surgeon, I am uniquely positioned to address this. My goal is to show these women that they don’t have to choose between their health and their future family. We can treat the pain and protect their fertility.
Culturally Competent Care in NY & NJ
Interviewer: How does ESSI’s approach differ for these patients?
Dr. Bagaria: At ESSI, we believe in culturally competent care. This means more than just speaking the language—though I am proud to speak Hindi with my patients who prefer it.
It means understanding the cultural context of their pain. It means creating a safe, judgment-free space where they can speak openly about everything—from painful intercourse to fertility fears—without shame. I want the Indian community in New York and New Jersey to know that we see them, we understand their unique struggles, and we are here to offer world-class, compassionate care that respects their values.
They don’t have to suffer in silence. We are here to break that cycle with them.
Ready to Break Your Silence?
Dr. Madhu Bagaria and the ESSI team are dedicated to providing expert, empathetic endometriosis care to all women in the tri-state area. We understand the unique cultural nuances that can make seeking help difficult, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Dr. Bagaria sees patients at our locations in Manhattan, NY, Hoboken, NJ, and on Long Island, NY.
Don’t wait another day. Take the first step toward healing and Request an Appointment with Dr. Bagaria today.
