Endometriosis (Endo) is a gynecological disorder in females. The condition is not too common and is often misdiagnosed. The misdiagnosis can have devastating effects, including infertility.
Endo happens when a tissue similar to the lining of a woman’s uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus.
At present, there is no known cure for endometriosis, and treatment is usually aimed at controlling symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation.
In recognition of the pains associated with this condition, the month of March is marked worldwide as the Endometriosis Awareness Month, to focus attention on the condition with a view to reducing the pains of sufferers.
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Throwing light on endometriosis, the Patron of Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, says there is urgent need to raise awareness and policies to help women burdened by the effects of endometriosis.
On prevention, he says there is no known way to prevent endometriosis.
Ajayi, the Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, describes endometriosis as a condition believed to be affecting about two to 10 per cent of women globally.
He says the condition often causes painful menstrual periods, pain during sex, irregular bleeding, digestive problems, infertility and other symptoms.
He notes that it is a major cause of infertility in over 50 per cent of women living with the condition.
“Endometriosis develops when endometrial-like cells similar to those lining the inside of the uterus (endometrium) begin growing in other areas or organs of the body.
“It is a gynecological disorder in females, unfamiliar and often misdiagnosed.
“This condition causes chronic and disabling pelvic pain anytime during the cycle but usually worse during menses, also bringing about subfertility/infertility, amongst other symptoms.
“ Some symptoms associated with endometriosis vary and include a combination of painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during and/or after sexual intercourse, painful bowel movements, painful urination, fatigue, depression or anxiety, abdominal bloating and nausea among other,” he adds.
Ajayi says there is no known cure for it; hence, the need to raise awareness to help women burdened by its effects to get help at the most appropriate time.
According to the doctor, another cause for concern about the condition is that research has shown that it affects women in their reproductive ages.
“It can start in the early years of secondary school when most girls see their monthly menstrual period for the first time.
“ Actually, 60 per cent of women who have endometriosis started seeing the symptoms before the age of 20.
“In a number of countries, where research has been done extensively on the subject, adolescent females have been identified as a critical audience burdened with endometriosis.
“This is because the condition would have started at that tender age, but it may not be diagnosed early until the adolescent sufferer grows into adulthood with concerns relating to infertility.’’
On the experiences of a person living with endometriosis, Ajayi says: “Every month when she sees her period, life literally comes to a stop.
“Pain of unbelievable dimension usually kicks in, stopping the person from functioning optimally. Work, school, social functions are a no-no.
“For those working, they are unable to put in their best in terms of quality and quantum of work, resulting in lower productivity which may lead to job loss or stagnancy at work.
“For students, inability to function in class or hostels is a reality they are faced with. This often affects their overall performances and sometimes leads to some students dropping out of school.
“For many women living with the condition, our traditional myth about the use of alcohol as a pain reliever drives many of them into alcoholism and other vices including drug use.”
Ajayi also regrets that pains associated with endometriosis make sexual activities undesirable.
“ This usually results in failed or fractured relationships.’’
At a virtual media parley to announce 2022 Endometriosis Awareness Activities, Ajayi said that the World Endo March was a way to create awareness about endometriosis in Nigeria.
According to him, the 2022 event will have the theme ‘Speak Out’’.
“It is a clarion call for people living with endometriosis to tell their stories about the condition.
“This is with the hope of getting governments across the globe to take affirmative action to drive policies to enhance the lives of women living with endometriosis.
“This year’s theme is also aimed at helping other women who may be living in silence, denial or ignorance about the condition.’’
According to Ajayi, Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria has an annual secondary schools essay competition borne out of the desire to raise awareness of the condition.
“We have reached out to first ladies of Lagos and Delta states with the view to soliciting their support to champion the cause in the states.
“We believe that these partnerships will help to shape the workplace and school policies that will see better support for women living with endometriosis.
“We are exploring a few physical engagements as we are all navigating the post-COVID landmines.
“We are partnering with the Rotary Club of Asaba Central in Delta State to carry out an advocacy programme among secondary schoolgirls,” he says.
He hopes that the partnership can kickstart a joint initiative between the organisation and Rotary International at local and international levels.
“On March 26, we will be hosting our annual digital hangout – ‘’ Speak Out 2022″.
“This event will have a cross section of women living with endometriosis sharing their stories to a global audience, as we will equally be having distinguished medical practitioners provide medical perspectives to the management of the condition.’’
Ajayi adds that African Endometriosis International Conference under the auspices of the African Endometriosis Foundation, co-founded alongside other groups on the African continent, will hold in June.
Analysts urge that while Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria is making efforts to create awareness on the condition and help women afflicted by it, governments, well-meaning individuals and groups should do more to help sufferers to improve their sexual and reproductive health, quality of life and overall well-being.
They call for policies and other interventions to address endometriosis, urging more research to identify effective models of endometriosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.
(NAN)
