Article by Tine Mataz
I am so happy to be sharing on the subject of Endometriosis and everything that comes with it! Kunashe Foundation will be shedding light on a number of female health issues and I will be sharing on this complex disease. I have had endometriosis for nearly 10 years and it’s been such a journey. Most women have probably never heard of endometriosis.What I have realised in these years is that we are not educated enough on female health issues. Hopefully these articles will begin to change that.
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects 176 million women worldwide, 1 in 10 women. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it.
Because endometriosis is a menstrual related disease women are often told that symptomatic pain is “normal” and that the pain is only in their head. It took me 4/5 years to be diagnosed. Every time I went to the doctor and had ultrasound scans done, they all came back normal. Endometriosis is not easy to diagnose however a laparoscopy can 100% diagnose endometriosis. It is a surgical procedure where tiny incisions are made and a camera is inserted inside the abdomen to find out if there is endometriosis or any other disease. MRI machines or ultrasounds may also pick it up if the doctor is knowledgeable about the disease. Regardless, conquering endometriosis and other female health issues begins with one thing -information.
The most important thing to know is that if you are in pain, or notice any changes in your menstrual period, do not keep quiet about it. Late diagnosis or late treatment can create further issues down the line e.g. infertility or chronic pain. Pain that stops you from doing normal activities, like going to school or work is not normal. If you find yourself struggling to walk because you are in pain, that is not normal. If you are taking pain killers and they are not giving you relief, that too is not normal.
Society, traditions or culture may tell us that pain is part of being a woman, but it really is not and this series will explore the reality of endometriosis in great detail.
Next week I will be exploring the different signs and symptoms of Endometriosis. If you have any questions in between you can reach me on tinemataz@hotmail.com. Until then share this article with another woman in your life, you never know how you can help someone with just a little information.
x,
Written by Tine Mataz
www.kunashefoundation.org
We stand for women and children.
Tinevimbo Matambanadzo aka Tine Mataz is a 27 year old woman who wants to change the world. Professionally, she holds a cum laude degree in Psychology. She is the Founder of Zimbabwe Endometriosis Support Group. The organisation supports women living with endometriosis and creates a safe space for women to share their experiences. She is also a founder of the As I Am Foundation which is a community based organisation that advocates for and empowers disadvantaged children and people . As I Am provides people with skills training and provides menstrual health education. As I Am also collects sanitary wear for less privileged females. Tinevimbo is one of the 200 inaugural Obama leaders to be chosen this year for the Obama Foundation Fellowship. She is a published author and winner of the Most Inspirational Woman in Zimbabwe 2017.
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