Endometriosis: symptoms, diagnosis and help in Kenya

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, on the ovaries, pelvis or bowel. It can cause severe period pain, heavy bleeding and difficulty getting pregnant, and on average takes years to diagnose.

Severe period pain that stops you doing your normal activities. Heavy periods, needing to change pads every 1 to 2 hours. Pelvic pain that does not go away when your period ends. Pain during or after sex. Difficulty getting pregnant. Bloating and nausea.

The cause is not known. It affects women and girls from their first period to menopause, and symptoms usually settle after menopause.

See a clinician if period pain stops you working, studying or doing normal activities, if pain continues outside your period, or if you have been trying to get pregnant without success. These symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.

A conversation and examination: a clinician asks about your symptoms and may examine your pelvis. An ultrasound scan: imaging can show some endometriosis, such as cysts on the ovaries. An MRI scan: sometimes used to look in more detail. A laparoscopy: a camera passed through a small cut in the tummy is the way to confirm it, and tissue can be removed at the same time.

Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Hormonal treatments, including some contraceptives, that calm the condition. Surgery to remove areas of endometriosis. Fertility support for women trying to conceive. Physiotherapy and talking therapy (CBT), which can help with long-term pain. There is no treatment yet that makes endometriosis go away for good, but treatments can control pain and other symptoms, and symptoms usually settle after menopause.

It can. The World Health Organization says 25 to 50% of women with infertility have endometriosis, and fertility support is available.

Period pain is often treated as normal, so many women wait years: the World Health Organization puts the average at 4 to 12 years. Severe pain is a reason to see a clinician, not to put up with.

There is no single test to request online, so the Pro package (KES 1,000) includes a doctor consultation before and after your check-up to talk through your symptoms, and a care navigator books a gynaecologist or scan where you need one. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.