By Yisau Taiwo
Endometriosis, a common yet debilitating medical condition affecting women worldwide, remains one of the least discussed health issues in Nigeria. The lack of awareness has led many young girls and women to suffer in silence, often misattributing their symptoms to normal menstrual pain until the condition worsens.
Endometriosis is a disorder characterised by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the womb, resulting in severe pain, excessive bleeding and, in some cases, infertility. Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, painful urination, painful sexual intercourse, and digestive issues.
Despite these symptoms, many women endure the pain without seeking medical help, believing it to be a normal part of their menstrual cycle. This underscores the urgent need for widespread education and early diagnosis of the condition.
Olatimbo Debo-Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of the Endometriosis Department at Medison Specialist Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Lekki, Lagos, emphasised the importance of educating young girls about their reproductive health during a recent outreach programme in secondary schools.
“The essence of this awareness is to ensure that our young girls are well-informed about their health, particularly regarding menstruation.
“Endometriosis can manifest as early as a girl’s first menstruation. We’ve been able to educate them that menstrual cramps, especially chronic pain, are not normal,” she stated.
One of the biggest challenges in tackling endometriosis is the widespread misinformation surrounding it. Many women believe that menstrual pain, regardless of its severity, is normal – a misconception that delays diagnosis and treatment. Others only seek medical attention when they struggle with infertility, missing the opportunity for early intervention and management.
Ahmed Fatima, a student who attended the outreach programme, shared her experience: “Initially, I thought heavy bleeding during menstruation or painful urination was normal. However, after this session, I learned that when we experience discomfort, we should seek medical attention and get checked by a doctor.”
The misconceptions surrounding endometriosis can lead to delayed treatment, worsening the condition and reducing a woman’s quality of life if not properly addressed.
Mrs Ogochukwu Okonkwo, a nurse-midwife, fertility expert, and family planning provider, has called on the Nigerian government to take a more active role in raising awareness about endometriosis.
“Our parents, relatives, friends, and even the government can assist in this campaign to curb the disease,” she said. “We need more awareness programmes, initiatives, and NGOs dedicated to educating people about endometriosis.”
With increased awareness and early diagnosis, more Nigerian women can receive the necessary medical attention to manage endometriosis, ultimately improving their health and well-being.
