Endometriosis is a painful and often misunderstood condition that affects girls and women worldwide. Despite its effects, diagnosing endometriosis takes an average of 7-10 years, leaving many women suffering in silence for years on end. In Kenya, the prevalence is estimated to be around 4.6% to 6.8% (African Journals Online), yet awareness remains low, and access to proper diagnosis and treatment is almost nonexistent.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes infertility. Because this tissue behaves like a normal uterine lining, it thickens, breaks, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle and has no way to exit the body, leading to serious pain and complications (WHO).
Some common areas that are affected include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus, and other pelvic organs. Up to 10% of women are estimated to suffer from endometriosis during their reproductive years.
What are some symptoms of Endometriosis?
- Chronic pelvic pain is often mistaken for normal period cramps.
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
- Pain during and after sex.
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Fatigue and infertility.
- Digestive problems like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
What are some of the treatment options?
There is no cure for Endometriosis, but there are treatment options that help manage the symptoms.
- Over-the-counter painkillers and/or stronger prescription medications as clinically indicated
- Hormonal therapy
- Surgery
- Lifestyle adjustments such as diet, exercise, and stress management activities
Endometriosis is not just “bad period pain”. It is a serious medical condition affecting millions of women around the world and hundreds of thousands in Kenya. Here’s to hoping the women’s health community can come together to raise greater awareness of this condition, contribute to efforts to understand its cause and treatment options, and provide practical solutions to those affected.
