Endometriosis: Managing that pain in women

It is necessary for women to be aware of this disease as delay in diagnosis and treatment contributes to years of suffering and potential infertility if left untreated.“Pain is a part of everyone’s life both men and women but the pain felt by these women living with endometriosis cannot be described except through their own […]

It is necessary for women to be aware of this disease as delay in diagnosis and treatment contributes to years of suffering and potential infertility if left untreated.
“Pain is a part of everyone’s life both men and women but the pain felt by these women living with endometriosis cannot be described except through their own words.” Says Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Lead Medical Consultant, of Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria and  CEO, Nordica Fertility Centre.
He explains endometriosis as, “a common gynecological disorder in females, it’s unfamiliar and often misdiagnosed. 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.
“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. This occurs in women within the age group of 15yrs-44yrs and it is assumed worldwide that 1:10 women are affected with this disorder ranging from mild to severe.”
Chief Adenike Oshinowo, the brand ambassador for Endometriosis Support Group, Nigeria, an entrepreneur, and Ex Miss Nigeria, who suffers from the disease said she does not see it as a disease for women alone but both men and women.
“For as long as men are worried about their wives, mothers, daughters, female friends who suffer from the disease, they are in trouble and also suffer. We need to make sure women are well before they can even take on the 50% affirmative action being clamoured for,” she said.
 She said there is no prevention for endometriosis as every woman has a chance of giving birth to a daughter who has endometriosis but when women and girls discover they have it, they should take control, learn more about it and employ coping mechanisms.
Endometriosis is often misunderstood by women and even medical experts.  A woman may think she suffers from period pains or dysmenorrheal not knowing that it is because she has endometriosis. However, having menstrual pain does not mean a woman has endometriosis and the best place for determination is with your doctor.
Speaking at the Annual Endometriosis Lecture organized by the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria, last week in Abuja, Dr Ajayi said diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult for a non-specialist because symptoms can vary and the only way to definitely diagnose endometriosis is by undergoing a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.
“Unfortunately many women and girls with endometriosis experience an average of about 6-10 years delay before being accurately diagnosed in developed parts of the world and probably never in many parts of Africa,” He said.
According to Dr.Gerald Harkins, Fellowship Director, minimally invasive gynecology surgery, Penn State Mittons, Harshey medical Centre, Pennsylvania, USA who was the Guest Speaker at the event, “The challenge with endometriosis is that it varies from women to women.
“Some women have it under 18 years and it doesn’t get worse but for some it gets very serious after that age. A drug that could be good treatment for some women could be under treatment or over treatment for others. We are still conducting research on the protein and genetics of the disease. For now every patient is different so we take each of them as their cases are,” he explained.
Dr Ajayi advises that when a woman is having such painful periods that it affects her normal activities, she should go to the hospital and check with the doctor.
Professor J.A.M. Otubu, another heath expert on his part said when a girl is absent from school because of period pains, people should not just call it period pains or pelvic infection as it could be more than that.  He  said aside treatment women and girls suffering from endometriosis need to be given management and support by their families and others.
He harped on the need to get younger doctors and gynecologist informed and involved on endometriosis, adding that there are efforts in place to equip more Nigerian hospitals and institutions with laparoscopy equipment but where not available, doctors should refer patients to where they can be done.
Chairman of the Association of Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), a non for profit organization and a front runner Gynecologist in Nigeria, Professor Ladipo Alabi   said it is very important for women to always go to qualified doctors  and who have a network of doctors .
He said women should go to hospitals where they can get the best services on endometriosis and not just where the offer laparoscopy but operative laparoscopy.
 (a surgical treatment for endometriosis)
He urged the federal government to invest in public education and advocacy to pharmaceutical companies who in turn will come up with drugs to reduce the pain.
Explaining her coping mechanism with the disease, Chief Adenike Oshinowo, said she exercises regularly, stays away from dairy products. She said a nice warm bath and the use of eucalyptus and lemon oil helps her relax and makes it easier for her to exercise.
Oshinowo and medical experts at the event say endometriosis runs in families, and can be inherited even though the genes responsible for it have not been discovered yet.
In the words of Oshinowo, “ We hope the genes transmitting it can be manipulated so that it can no longer be inherited.”