Beyond period pain: The hidden struggle of endometriosis

Millions of women around the world are fighting endometriosis. This long-term and often painful condition happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. It can stick to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other parts of the pelvis. Each month, this tissue bleeds just like the uterus does, but since it has nowhere to go, it causes swelling, severe pain, and scar tissue to form.

The pain comes suddenly. It is a deep, constant ache in the lower belly, says Kathy, who is battling the disease. Kathy says at first she thought it was just bad period cramps. But the pain got worse, spreading through her body, making it hard to sleep, move, or enjoy life. Very painful back pain, unbearable period cramps each month is really draining. Even simple tasks feel impossible. Sometimes even sex is unbearable. Some days, she can do nothing but curl up on the bathroom floor, crying from the pain. For years, Kathy has suffered, but whenever she speaks up, people brush it off.

"It felt like my insides were being twisted and torn," she says, her voice filled with the pain of years of suffering. "I felt like I was going crazy. No one understood me. People told me I was overreacting or I just couldn’t handle pain."

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10% of women worldwide have endometriosis—that’s about 190 million girls and women of reproductive age. The condition affects 5%–10% of women and teenage girls aged 15–49.

Despite this, getting diagnosed takes six to ten years on average. This long wait happens because people don’t know enough about the disease; period pain is often seen as "normal," hence women’s pain is sometimes ignored.

"We need to talk about menstrual health," says Dr. Crispin Mbuba, a gynecologist who specializes in women reproductive health. "Many women are told period pain is normal, but that’s not true. Endometriosis is a real and serious condition that needs attention; it should be taken seriously just like other diseases."

Endometriosis doesn’t only cause physical pain. It also affects mental health. Dealing with constant pain, being misdiagnosed, and struggling at work or in relationships can lead to anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

"I feel like I’m living a double life," says Margret, a young professional diagnosed with the disease after a long bout of suffering. “At work, I try to stay strong, but inside, I’m breaking. Some days, I can’t even go to work. Other times, I’m there but not productive. It feels like I’m failing."

Evelyn Kanyua, another woman suffering from endometriosis, says it’s hard to even manage responsibilities at home. “Sometimes my husband takes the kitchen responsibility, you just have to have a very supportive partner, otherwise the relationship might even end. I call upon all men to understand their partners in this situation,” she says.

On the other hand, teenage girls are also affected by endometriosis. Rhoda Daniels, a university student, says she has to miss classes every month when she is in her menses because of unbearable cramps.

Endometriosis can also make it hard to get pregnant since it damages the ovaries and fallopian tubes, making conception difficult, and in extreme cases causing infertility.

"The fear of not having children is heartbreaking," says Mary, who has had multiple surgeries. "It feels like endometriosis is stealing my future."

There is no cure for endometriosis, but treatments can help with pain and improve life quality. These include pain medicine, hormone therapy, and surgery. However, researchers are still looking for better, less painful treatments.

All over the world, advocacy groups are raising awareness, funding research, and supporting women with endometriosis. They are fighting to break the silence around menstrual health and to ensure women get the care they need.

"Women need to stand up for themselves," says Doris Angote. "We need to teach doctors and the public about this condition. Women need to know they are not alone."

Kathy, Lucy, Evelyn, Rhoda and Mary’s stories are just among millions. Their pain, strength, and determination show the reality of living with endometriosis. They are fighting for a future where women don’t have to suffer in silence.

The fight against endometriosis is a fight for every woman’s right to a life without pain. It’s a fight against a silent sickness that has taken too much pain for too long.