My Monthly Struggle With Dysmenorrhea

By Alex Masha Karisa

For many women, the monthly arrival of menstruation is an inevitable part of life. However, for some, it brings not just discomfort but debilitating pain. According to WHO, approximately 20-90% of women suffer from Dysmenorrhoea. Elizabeth Auma, 25 is not exempted.

In the dimly lit room, shadows danced across the walls, casting an eerie ambiance over the scene. Amidst the stillness, Auma sits, her figure hunched over, as if burdened by invisible chains. Her face contorted in a symphony of pain, her brows furrowed, and lips pressed tightly together in a silent battle against the agony coursing through her body. Each breath seemed to come with effort, shallow and uneven, betraying the torment within. With trembling hands, she clutched at her abdomen, fingers knotted in a desperate grasp, seeking solace from the relentless waves of dysmenorrhea crashing upon her.

Auma’s journey with dysmenorrhoea begins in high school and persists into university, where each month brings a familiar yet unwelcome visitor. While her peers navigate adolescence with ease, she  grapples with the relentless agony that accompanies her menstrual cycle.

Throughout high school, her days are overshadowed by the throbbing ache in her abdomen. While classmates chatter about weekend plans and extracurricular activities, she finds solace only in the comfort of her bed, clutching a heating pad to ease the pain. Despite seeking medical help, relief remains elusive.

At one point,Auma narrates that she almost fails to sit for her History Paper examination during her Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education (KCSE) for the pain has become unbearable. ‘I have ever fainted and hospitalised for 5 days because of dsymenorrhea,” she adds.

Transitioning into university, she hopes for a fresh start, but her condition follows her like a shadow. Amidst the hustle and bustle of campus life, she battles not only academic demands but also the physical torment of dysmenorrhoea. While her peers excel in their studies and social endeavors, she struggles to maintain her composure amidst the turmoil within her own body.

In the quiet solitude of her room, Auma grapples with feelings of isolation and frustration. She yearns for a life free from the constraints of her condition, yet each month brings a cruel reminder of her body’s betrayal. Despite the challenges she faces, Auma refuses to surrender to despair. Instead, she channels her pain into advocacy and awareness, determined to break the silence surrounding menstrual health issues.

While her journey with dysmenorrhoea has been marked by pain and hardship, it has also been a testament to her resilience and tenacity. Through her unwavering determination and unwavering spirit, she has transformed her suffering into a source of inspiration and hope for others. She says that she has experienced several rejections and harsh words even from her fellow women and girls who tell her that she is not experiencing any pain she is only pretending.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, Auma carries with her the lessons she has learnt and the connections she has forged along the way. Though her journey with dysmenorrhoea is far from over, she faces the future with courage and conviction, knowing that she is not alone in her fight. She now understands that she is not the only one experiencing dsymenorrhea .

With each step forward, she vows to continue breaking the silence and shining a light on the untold stories of those who, like her, live in the shadows of pain and adversity.

As a gynecologist, Dr.George Onyango has encountered countless women grappling with dysmenorrhea. “It’s heartbreaking to see the impact it can have on their lives,” he reflects. “Many suffer in silence, unaware that effective treatments and support are available.”

Dr .Onyango is not just a physician; he is a compassionate advocate for his patients. Through personalized care and education, he empowers women to take control of their health and find relief from the monthly burden of dysmenorrhea. He adds that women and girls should seek medical attention when the pain becomes unbearable and if there is a change in the flow.

However, in the fight against Dysmenorrhoea, women are no longer alone; we meet Philip Ngotiek who works for Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA) which is committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy.

Ngotiek is passionate to provide care and other necessities to our young girls and women. As a male advocate, he is committed to raising awareness and fostering empathy for women’s health issues. “It’s about recognizing that this is not just a ‘women’s problem’,” he emphasizes. “It’s a societal issue that demands our attention and support.”

Through his advocacy work, Philip challenges stereotypes and encourages open conversations about menstruation and menstrual health. By amplifying women’s voices and experiences, he hopes to create a more inclusive and understanding society for all.

The narrative presented eloquently captures the profound challenges faced by individuals like Auma, who grapple with the debilitating effects of dysmenorrhoea. By delving deeper into her personal journey, we can highlight the emotional and psychological toll that accompanies such a condition.

Her experience of isolation, frustration, and even disbelief from peers underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support systems for those living with dysmenorrhoea.

Dr. George Onyango’s acknowledgment of the silent suffering endured by many women emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare and comprehensive treatment options. Furthermore, his compassionate approach exemplifies the crucial role healthcare professionals play in addressing menstrual health issues with empathy and expertise.

Philip Ngotiek’s advocacy work adds a compelling dimension to the narrative. As a male advocate, his dedication to amplifying women’s voices and challenging societal norms surrounding menstruation is both refreshing and essential. By engaging men in conversations about menstrual health, Philip promotes inclusivity and fosters a more supportive environment for individuals like Auma.

Overall, the story paints a poignant picture of resilience, community, and the ongoing journey towards breaking the silence surrounding dysmenorrhoea. Through personal narratives, medical insights, and advocacy efforts, it illuminates the multifaceted nature of this issue and underscores the collective responsibility to support those affected by it.