Tine Mataz
Hello readers!! I hope we all had an amazing week of love this week, and will continue to remind our loved ones that we care for them, even when it’s not Valentine’s Day.
Let’s get into it. Last week I introduced you to Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus like the ovaries, bladder, appendix and more.
I have been asked many times if Endometriosis (endo) is the same as “jeko” also known as “severe period pain”. Many of us know people who have serious period pains, so bad that they miss school, work and cannot do ordinary tasks. Do you perhaps go through this or know someone who does? Many times victims of this are told its normal, the pain is in their head, all women go through this, and some are even told the pain will go if they get pregnant.
The issue with these statements is that they are just myths. Endometriosis is more than period pain and most women with endometriosis describe pain that’s worse than usual.
The pain is real. The other important thing to note is that endometriosis symptoms or pain can occur at any time, not only when a female is menstruating. It is a condition.
Normal period cramps will occur during the menstrual period. They may be a bit uncomfortable but will generally ease after the use of over the counter medication. Endometriosis however, is a condition that has severe period pain as a chief symptom and many other symptoms that accompany it.
There is no known name for this condition in Shona. Although many may say it is like “jeko”. It is not. Period pain with endometriosis is the type of pain that will have you screaming, crying, crawling due to pain, no relief with over the counter medication, clotting and basically making you bedridden.
Pain may begin a few days before the cycle, and continue even after the cycle. You may visit doctors who will do scans and tell you everything looks normal despite you having terrible episodes. You begin to dread your menstrual period and your family and friends will know you are menstruating because of what occurs to you each month.
This pain is real and should be attended to. This type of pain could be a sign of endometriosis and early detection is key.
Early detection can prevent the growth of the disease as well as eliminate confusion and be the answer to many questions.
Next week we will discuss diagnosis and treatments.
If you have endometriosis or think you may have this condition, or even know someone who does, you can contact me on +263778026402 or email me on tmataz1691@gmail.com
Until then, spread love and kindness, ta!