In a bid to show it’s support for the International Women’s Day, the Endosurvivors International Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation with the aim of empowering the girl-child and women against endometriosis and other menstrual-related diseases.
The founder of the NGO, Mrs. Olivia Nwankudu while addressing adolescents between the ages of 9-17 described endometriosis as a painful reproductive disorder that affects lower abdomen and is related to menstruation.
She further noted that endometriosis could be responsible for painful sex for women, severe menstrual cramp, painful urination, irritable bowel, abdominal bloating, fatigue, heavy flow during menstruation and infertility.
Olivia who held her 18th campaign for the girl-child at Pholex Success Private Secondary in Ebute Meta, Lagos, spoke extensively to over a hundred adolescents, teaching them how to manage, survive and successful live an endometriosis free life.
In a chat with City People’s Oluwadamilare Salami, the founder Endosurvivors International Foundation, who also doubles as a trained Micro Biologist revealed that there is a very low awareness about endometriosis in Nigeria and all over the world and this is the reason many girl-children suffer in silence.
“The reason for lack of awareness about endometriosis is because first of all, young girls don’t know what a normal period should look like so when they observe abnormalities, they don’t report it, they just assume. Then, on the other hand, the general medical practitioners sometimes miss out the symptoms of endometriosis because they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases.
“If you can let the girl-child understand that severe menstrual pain is not normal, chronic pelvic pain is not normal, when they can understand this, they can advocate for themselves and treat it on time and prepare themselves to have children in the future.”
“My experience has been a motivating factor to teach the younger generation. As a young child, I knew what I went through. I know that as a teenager if you can know how your body is supposed to function, you will know when it is functioning abnormally. And you can report to the doctor.”
“Some people don’t even know they have endometriosis until they are trying to conceive and they can’t; that’s when they now start seeking treatment and at that stage, they would have been in their 30s and the disease would have infiltrated their body system. If they know now, they will be able to deal with it.”
“Endometriosis affects your fertility, it affects your productivity, because a woman who is always sick cannot compete effectively in the workplace, according to the theme of the International Women’s Day that says Pressing For Progress, how can you be pressing for progress when you are not well? It is important we raise our awareness now so that our adolescent girls can grow up to be women who are in charge of their bodies.”
The Endosurvivors International Foundation has a partnership with the Lagos state government and desires to spread its message across the entire nation.
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