By  SOLA OGUNDIPE

TOWARDS saving Nigerian women from the pain and trauma of endometriosis – an incurable female health disorder that occurs when the endometrium (cells lining the uterus) grow in other areas of the body, Nordica Fertility Centre, with offices in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja, in conjunction with the Endometriosis Support Group, have joined other organisations in the world to support affected women as well as create more awareness and enlightenment about the disorder.

Disclosing this last week at a media forum to highlight activities to herald the Endometriosis Awareness Month, Medical Director, Nordica Lagos, Asaba and Abuja, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said  endometriosis often leads to pain, irregular bleeding and problems getting pregnant.

“It is a common condition that occurs in 5-10 percent of women within reproductive age group (15-44 years) worldwide. Women with this condition have 20 percent less chances of having children.

“As a socially responsible organisation, Nordica Fertility Centre, with offices in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja, in conjunction with the Endometriosis Support Group, have joined other organisations in the world to comfort these women and tell them that despite the pain, they are not alone. We shall support them emotionally and medically,” Ajayi noted.

He noted that in Nigeria, endometriosis has been either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. “Even in developed countries, a woman may have suffered from the condition for up to eight years before propr diagnosis is done.

“In Africa, the situation is worse because, very little is known about the condition. Therefore, a lot of women live with it without ever being diagnosed as the condition was believed not to be common among blacks before now. Over the years, it has been discovered that no race is left out of this excruciating ordeal.”

Among activities lined up for the month in Lagos are a Nurses” Forum on March 20 and an Endometriosis walk on March 23; This will be followed by a Doctors’ Forum at the  Nordica Abuja office on April 1 and an Endometriosis Talk on April 2, facilitated by Dr Keith Isaacson, immediate past President, American Association of Gynaecologic Laparoscopists, AAGL.  “Our major objective is to create awareness for the condition amomg members of the public and my colleagues in the medical profession. All our activities are free and open to everyone.

At the media forum, former Miss Nigeria, Chief Nike  Oshinowo  who  has lived with endometriosis since sthe age of  13, shared her  experience. Read about it on Saturday.