Endometriosis: A woman's worst nightmare
Still without any known cure, Endometriosis remains a woman’s worst nightmare, more given the exorbitant fees one has to pay in trying to fight the health condition. It is for this reason that those who have grouped themselves together to fight the disease are thankful for any form of assistance towards dealing with it. In order to help raise awareness about Endometriosis in Botswana, Queves Events over this past weekend donated P10 000 to Botswana Endometriosis Foundation (BEF). On receiving the donation, BEF founders Tshepo Phetwe and Kgomotso Gagosi said that they need such help in order to achieve the goals of the foundation.
She expressed gratitude towards Queves Events saying that the funds will go a long way in helping raise awareness about the disease. “We are really thankful because we believe this gift will help us spread the message about the disease, as well as supporting women suffering from Endometriosis” said Gagosi who also suffers from Endometriosis. Queves Events Director, Stacy Keitumetse who is also a member of BEF said that their wish is to see the disease also categorised as a chronic disease in the country because the medication is too costly. “In order for an Endometriosis patient to get medication, they have to take a loan for medical purposes to survive through the pain,” said Keitumetse who also has Endometriosis.
She explained that so far Endometriosis does not have a cure and that doctors have not figured out what causes it. “The only information that is there about Endometriosis at the moment is that it is hereditary, and the painful thing is that its expensive medication is not available in Botswana but only bought in South Africa,” explained Keitumetse. She said the common symptoms of the disease are cramping and feeling fatigued throughout, whether one is in their menstrual periods or not. She advised women to be cautious and to visit the doctor immediately if they have such symptoms including severe period pains during their monthly periods. “Endometriosis has four stages and I am currently on the first stage.
All the stages differ therefore it is very important for women to get checked up early before they could find themselves at the worst stages of Endometriosis because someone suffering from Endometriosis is likely to become infertile,” she said. She said that in common cases people suffering from Endometriosis would face scourges at the hospital door steps being told that they bleed severely because of induced abortion, when it is in fact not the case. “Sometimes one would be mistaken for sexually transmitted diseases (STI’s) and therefore getting treated for the wrong cause which may even chase one’s partner packing thinking that the other party is not faithful. Endometriosis really needs a very supportive partner,” she said.
An attendant who also suffers from Endometriosis explained that the condition means menstruating both inside and outside which causes severe pain all the time. She applauded Queves for the donation saying that it is a step to getting more support from the community. According to Gynaecologist, Dr Ahmed Mula of Bokamoso Private Hospital, Endometriosis is defined as “existence of tissue of the inner lining of the uterus, outside the uterus”. Dr Mula says that commonly the subject will complain of pelvic pain, painful sex, painful bowel movements, diarrhoea, back pain and even complain of not being able to have babies. He therefore encouraged people to visit a gynaecologist if they have such symptoms.
“A gynaecologist will analyse the complaints, examine and be able to help. They may confirm by doing a surgery or by pinhole (laparoscopy).” Dr Mula says that treatment for Endometriosis is usually painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, oral contraceptives progestens and others. “If one notices the mentioned symptoms, they should visit a gynaecologist who will rule out endometriosis usually by surgery. “The gynaecologist will also help dealing with other associated problems to Endometriosis,” reiterated Dr Mula. He said that the word is defined and not denied adding that Endometriosis is usually experienced in the reproductive years. He confirmed that there are no known ways of preventing Endometriosis; while the outcome or prognosis is usually good once one exceeds the reproductive years. However, he said that one may be helped to conceive even when suffering from Endometriosis.