Spice FM’s mid-morning presenter, Yolanda Mulwa, has opened up about her battle with endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids.
In a candid interview, she revealed that she would be away for a while to undergo an operation.
“I believe I owe you guys an explanation,” she started. “I have been battling endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids ever since I got pregnant with my child nine years ago.”
She further explained the excruciating pain and agony she normally experiences and how it takes such an emotional and financial toll on her.
“This I will explain further when I come back, but right now I am in the best hands medically, as I have some of the best OBGYN doctors who will operate on me,” she said.
Her other concern was the fact that many people do not know the difference between the three conditions. For now, however, she is happy that endometriosis is being addressed in public discourse because it affects almost one in every ten women.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has been one of the few political figures to address the issue. She has challenged the Government to appropriately address endometriosis while encouraging more women affected by the condition to come forward.
Now, many women have come forward to share their diagnoses, and they are no longer hiding their conditions. The late Dolly Parton was among those who shared that they lived with the condition and even underwent surgery.
Back home, the late Njambi Koikai remains one of the pioneers who raised awareness about endometriosis.
Recently, media personality Natalie Githinji also shared her journey battling the condition. She has since revealed that her endometriosis diagnosis has reached stage 4.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb, causing inflammation, scarring, and often severe pain.
Common symptoms include painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, and difficulty getting pregnant. Treatment may include pain medication, hormone therapy, or surgery, although there is currently no cure.
Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the womb, causing it to become enlarged and tender. It can lead to heavy, painful periods, pelvic discomfort, and bloating.
While distinct from endometriosis, the two conditions can occur together. Treatment may include hormonal medication, while severe cases may require a hysterectomy.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. While many women have no symptoms, others experience heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, or difficulty getting pregnant.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
All three conditions can affect physical and emotional well-being and quality of life. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive care are key to managing symptoms.