Brenda Mbiro, a lawyer and self-identified “endometriosis warrior,” shares the emotional and physical toll of her long battle with silent illnesses that stole her womb. Her journey began with heavy and painful periods during secondary school, which she dismissed as normal. However, the pain worsened over time, and she began experiencing blackout spells in university, leaving her unconscious in public places. Despite multiple doctor visits and tests, including ultrasounds and blood work, no clear diagnosis emerged.
It wasn’t until years later, after an episode of fainting in 2020, that Brenda’s doctors diagnosed her with Stage Four deep infiltrating endometriosis. This condition, where tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, had caused her organs to become stuck together in ways that weren’t supposed to happen. Though relieved to have a diagnosis, the pain persisted despite hormone therapy.
Brenda’s journey through multiple treatments, including surgery in 2021, offered temporary relief but failed to address the deeper issue. By 2024, further scans revealed the presence of adenomyosis, a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium grows within the uterine wall. Faced with this new diagnosis and the worsening of her symptoms, Brenda was told that the only viable option left was a hysterectomy. While this was not a decision she made lightly, Brenda accepted it, but the emotional impact on her and her family was significant. The societal pressure surrounding fertility and motherhood made the decision even harder.
In February of 2025, Brenda underwent the hysterectomy, believing she would finally find peace. However, to her dismay, doctors discovered endometriosis on her diaphragm, leaving her with the harsh reality that her battle was far from over. Despite the surgeries and treatments, the pain continued, and Brenda remains uncertain about the future.
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are conditions that often go undiagnosed for years. Both are chronic diseases that can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues. Dr. Yamal Patel, a gynecologist and specialist in these conditions, explains that endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing inflammation, scarring, and adhesions between organs. Adenomyosis, on the other hand, involves the growth of endometrial tissue within the muscle wall of the uterus, leading to heavy periods and severe pain.
The impact of these conditions on fertility is profound. Women with adenomyosis may struggle with implantation, experience higher rates of miscarriage, or face complications during childbirth, including preterm labor. The conditions are difficult to treat, and surgery is often required to remove or separate the tissue. However, even after surgery, the diseases can recur, and patients may require ongoing medical treatment to manage the symptoms.
One of the main challenges in treating endometriosis and adenomyosis in African women is the delayed diagnosis and lack of specialized care. In many cases, women are misdiagnosed, and the diseases are not identified until they have advanced, requiring complex and expensive surgeries. Dr. Patel notes that African women tend to experience more severe cases due to the density of their endometrial tissue, which complicates surgical treatment. As awareness grows, more patients are seeking specialized care, but the lack of resources and expertise remains a significant barrier.
In addition to traditional treatments, new techniques such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) show promise. This non-invasive procedure can help women with adenomyosis preserve fertility by reducing tissue damage and allowing for the possibility of pregnancy and vaginal delivery. HIFU offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery, which often leaves scars and can affect the ability to carry a pregnancy to term.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Brenda’s story sheds light on the importance of recognizing the severity of conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. With increased awareness, better access to specialized care, and ongoing research, there is hope for improved outcomes and better quality of life for women suffering from these debilitating diseases.
