March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects many women.

The Roodepoort Record sat down with Sister Sinenhlanhla Kunene from Wilrogate Local Choice Pharmacy to shed light on this often misunderstood condition.

According to Kunene, endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain and scarring.

She said it affects women from the onset of their first period through to menopause, regardless of ethnic origin or social status.

“So far, the definite cause of endometriosis is unknown or unclear. Young women and girls often get very sick, bedridden and unable to walk when it is that time of the month. That is usually the first possible indication of endometriosis because menstruation is not supposed to be that painful,” she said.

Common symptoms

Kunene said the most common symptoms include unbearable pelvic pains, prolonged bleeding, heavy or irregular periods, abdominal bloating, painful sex and fatigue, but they can differ from person to person.

“Many suffer in silence, feeling dismissed or being told it’s part of being a woman, but it is not normal to have these symptoms during menstruation or even after.”

Treatment and Diagnosis

For treatment purposes, Kunene advised women with these symptoms to come to the clinic as early as possible for a sexual exam, which includes a pap smear, before being referred to a gynaecologist.

“The gynae will conduct an ultrasound or MRI scan before diagnosing the patient; however, there are no existing treatments that definitively cure the disease. Instead, treatments are based on severity, individual preferences, side effects, long-term safety, costs, availability, and whether pregnancy is desired.

“Additionally, laparoscopic surgery, when the endometrial tissue may be directly visualised, or tissue samples removed during surgery can be examined, can be recommended, but is a procedure which is inaccessible to many women,” she added.

Impact and support

Endometriosis not only affects the mental well-being of women but is also associated with infertility.

“Pregnancy can be impacted in several ways, including infertility due to scarring and adhesions, a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, and increased risk of complications like preterm birth,” she said.

She concluded by encouraging women to seek medical health, speak more about this condition and raise awareness.

Also read: Roodepoort ECD practitioners tackle registration and compliance requirements