Nigeria Marks 10 years of Endometriosis Advocacy

The month of March 2015 is significant to women worldwide as it celebrates Women and marks the the 10th year of Endo Advocacy by the Endometriosis Support group, Nigeria. The event which held at the Eko Hotels and suites Victoria Island was organized by Nordica Fertility Center and co sponsored by Diamond Women; a product of Diamond Bank Nigeria. In his welcome address, the chief convener and Medical Director of Nordica Fertility Center; Dr. Abayomi Ajayi emphasized the fact that Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological problems in Women which is most often misdiagnosed.

He defined Endometriosis as a chronic disease where tissues that are normally found lining the womb is found elsewhere in the body. These tissues form lesions which are often found on the ovaries and other organs within a woman’s pelvis. In very rare cases, they could be found in the lungs and brain. During menstruation, these lesions bleed in their respective locations outside the womb. This can cause inflammation and the formation of scar tissues leading to pain. Endometriosis can cause ovarian cysts which can become large and painful.

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The most common symptoms are chronic pelvic pain, period pain and pain during or after sexual activity. Other symptoms can include fatigue, painful bowel movements during periods and back pain. Between 30-50% of women with endometriosis experience some degree of infertility. The pain caused by endometriosis is both physical and mentally exhausting and can have an impact on all aspects of a woman’s life.

Through the years, the advocacy group has created awareness about this condition while ensuring that certain myths associated with endo are relegated. Nordica Fertility center in conjunction with other international medical facilities are partnering to research into this ailment. Rebates are offered to patients seeking treatment and support groups are created to ensure consistent counseling to sufferers. There is no known medical cure to date but it can be treated and contained.

ENDOMETRIOSIS MARCH – The Nigeria version of “Million Woman March for Endometriosis Worldwide”, tagged EndoMarch 2015 kicked off at 9am from City Mall Onikan, Lagos through Awolowo Road, Ikoyi and terminated at The Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria, Island.  Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Clinic, Lagos, Asaba and Abuja, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, noted that diagnosis of endometriosis can be delayed or missed, leaving the problem unrecognosed. “Endo sufferers must know they are not alone. They can encourage each other and share ideas on how to cope. The activity is to educate, empower and and effect change while improving the living standard for females, young and old as well as society at large, said Ajayi, who is the Endomarch Country Affiliate Partner, worried that endometriosis can be debilitating and frustrating for the woman and her doctor.

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An endometriosis patient, Olamide Oluwatuyi, who gave an account of her experience with the disorder, said it all began at the age 12 for her when she attained menarche. “I experienced the disorder at an early age, but didn’t know what it was. I had very painful periods and didn’t know why. Nobody knew why. “This went on for several years and I did not find solution until last year when I met Dr. Ajayi. I almost diagnosed myself. The doctor was kind enough to talk to me and my greatest fear was confirmed. He gave me the awareness, and the hope for lasting treatment. “I went through surgery (laparoscopic surgery) that is really not a s bad as people think. So when you experience this kind of pain from endometriosis, you need to get it investigated. It is not the end of the world.”

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By Tosan Aduayi. Photo Credit: Taps Studios and Trendy Africa

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