Endometriosis is a rarely known chronic disorder diagnosed in females. One in ten South African women are living with this condition without being aware of it. Women that are living with this condition often suffer from severe period pains on their lower abdomen, back pains, rectum, pelvis and vaginal pains during sexual intercourse.
The causes of this disorder occur when a layer of tissue that covers the inside of the uterus grows outside.
Ms Kaboomo Mgibi, is a young woman living with endometriosis and the founder of #EndoFocus, an initiative aimed at educating women who are living with or without this disorder.
“I’ve always asked myself why I can’t be like other girls, why do I have to miss work because of period pains,“ Kaboomo was talking during one of her #EndoFocus events that was held at Ngata Lodge in Cullinan on the 30th of September. Women invited to the event gathered during this breakfast and lunch event to talk about the condition that affects us as women.
Although endometriosis is a chronic condition, it is very treatable, one of the women that were at the event was Dr Elna Rudolph, a medical doctor and sexologist who said that endometriosis can cause abnormal, heavy or irregular menstruation. “During sexual intercourse, you can experience pain and you need a medical diagnosis to know whether you have this disorder,” said Dr Rudolph.
She said this disorder can be treated by using self-care products such as soothing gels, heating pads and a medical professional by providing effective hormone medication. Diet is also one of the most important in treating endometriosis and if not diagnosed or treated early, endometriosis can lead to infertility.
We need to educate young women and mothers about this condition, if your child had to miss school or you had to skip work because of period pains then you need to consult a doctor.
Endometriosis is not treated as a serious condition in the corporate world and it is not included in our school curriculums. This is the reason that initiatives like #EndoFocus that help make society understand the effects that come with endometriosis.
If you have been experiencing these symptoms or have noticed some of the things mentioned by Dr Rudolph, you can go to the nearest clinic or doctor to get tests done. In the meantime, have a proper diet and use self-care products that will assist in managing the pain. However, the best medicine is an “apple” a day. A healthy diet, a healthy life.
