NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Endometriosis is a debilitating reproductive health concern for women; still, very few people are talking about it.
According to obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Shamanique Bodie-Williams: “Endometriosis affects persons from all walks of life. There is no discrimination.
“There is a stigma associated with chronic pain symptoms. You are not going to usually walk around and express how painful your menstrual cycles are. Many ladies are not even aware they may have an abnormality with their period. They may think this is just a normal part of being a female. One study shows it takes an average of about 12 years to make this diagnosis.”
March is celebrated as endometriosis month worldwide. The goal is to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects an estimated one in 10 women during their reproductive years — that’s approximately 176 million women across the globe, according to the World Endometriosis Society and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF).
Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the womb grows outside the uterus. Aside from producing severe menstrual cramps, endometriosis may cause pain or discomfort during intercourse or bowel movements. Fertility problems could also develop.
Experts say the severity of pain isn’t necessarily a reliable indicator of the extent of the condition. Women could have mild endometriosis with severe pain or advanced endometriosis with little or no pain.
Experts do not know the cause of endometriosis. However, the earlier it is identified, the quicker a treatment plan can be implemented. This could prevent the condition from progressing and help to bring some degree of normalcy.
Bodie-Williams, a women’s reproductive health expert who works as a consultant physician in Grand Bahama’s public health system and sees private patients at the Medical Pavilion in Freeport and at the Bahamas Women’s Wellness Centre in Nassau, said battling endometriosis is a life-changing experience for many of her patients.
One such patient decided to break her silence in a bold move “to be a part of the fight” to end the stigma surrounding the chronic, progressive condition.
“It has limited what I have been able to do. The pain is always constant. I participate in activities with great apprehension because I’m not sure what’s going to trigger the pain. I know how bad it can get and I don’t want it to get to the furthest extent,” said the 41-year-old professional whose been a patient for nearly a decade.
She said the condition developed in her early to mid-30s.
According to Bodie-Williams, the challenge with this condition is its uncertainty. Sometimes it will improve; other times, it worsens. Above all, it takes a team approach to evaluate and treat the symptoms, she said.
“If you suspect you have this diagnosis, have a good conversation with your gynecologist but be honest about your symptoms. Keeps a symptoms diary to properly inform your physician. Pay attention to what makes it better and what makes it worse. Sometimes you may have to make changes within your own habits to have an overall improvement in your symptoms.”
Bodie-Williams stressed treatment is not a “one-off thing”. It requires consistency.
“You can’t see a physician today and they are able to fix everything permanently. It is a process. It’s an ongoing relationship. You must be prepared to be in it with your healthcare provider for the long haul so they can give you the best care possible.”
Loading ...
