Beneath the Surface: Endometriosis Awareness Month 2025

The importance of support and care

Endometriosis affects one in ten women worldwide, causing not just physical pain but also emotional distress, fertility struggles, and daily challenges. For those living with this condition, the role of family, friends, and partners in providing support is invaluable. Their understanding, compassion, and practical help can make a world of difference in navigating the ups and downs of life with endometriosis.

Normalizing menstrual health conversations

The conversations we have at home can make all the difference. By normalizing discussions about menstrual health, we create a space where women and girls can feel safe to talk openly about their experiences. Lindelwa Mkhabela, a psychologist at Femicare, emphasizes the power of these conversations:

“Encourage parents to talk about menstrual health—not just the use of sanitary pads but what menstrual health really means. When we start these open discussions, it encourages earlier consultations with gynecologists, breaking down the stigma that can make it harder for women to seek the care they need.”

By talking openly about reproductive health, we help reduce the shame and silence that so often surrounds conditions like endometriosis, making it easier for individuals to seek help when they need it most.

Encouraging proactive medical care

Andri Albanis, an endometriosis patient, shares an essential piece of advice:

“If you feel something is wrong, don’t wait—take action. You’re never too young to seek help. Don’t let anyone dismiss your symptoms.”

The support of family and partners is critical in helping women feel empowered to advocate for themselves. Encouragement to see a healthcare provider who listens and takes concerns seriously can be life-changing, ensuring timely treatment and better outcomes.

Partners: Key players in support

Partners play a vital role in providing emotional and physical support. Lindelwa Mkhabela suggests that couples attend medical appointments together to truly understand the condition and how it affects their loved one:

“Invite your partner to come with you to your appointments. It helps them see things from your perspective and enables them to offer support in ways that feel natural and genuine.”

When partners are actively involved, they can better empathize with their loved one’s physical and emotional struggles, which leads to stronger connections and deeper care.

The importance of empathy and education

Endometriosis is not always easy for loved ones to fully understand, but there are ways to bridge that gap. Andri Albanis encourages family and friends to educate themselves:

“Platforms like TikTok and Instagram might seem unconventional, but they offer real insights and personal stories that can help loved ones understand the reality of this pain.”

By learning more about endometriosis, family and friends can better appreciate the challenges faced by those living with the condition, offering informed support that can truly make a difference.

Lindelwa Mkhabela also reminds us that everyone’s experience with endometriosis is unique:

“Therapy may work for some, but not for everyone. It’s essential to respect each person’s individual journey and support them in finding what works best for them.”

Understanding that each experience is personal allows for more compassionate and effective support.

Final Thoughts: Support and Care

Supporting someone with endometriosis is about more than just managing pain; it’s about offering understanding, empathy, and a helping hand. By normalizing conversations about reproductive health, encouraging early medical care, and providing emotional and practical support, we can help our loved ones feel seen, heard, and cared for. When family and friends come together to support someone living with endometriosis, they make an immense difference in that person’s ability to manage their condition with strength and confidence.

Watch the videos and read the text in this article for comprehensive insights from experts and patients about managing endometriosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Women and young girls are being encouraged to visit a gynaecologist sooner rather than later for guidance on managing their menstrual health. With Endometriosis being a condition that affects one in ten women globally, addressing symptoms early is key. Unfortunately, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed, leaving many women feeling misunderstood and alone for years before receiving the correct diagnosis.

Dr. Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, a gynecologist and fertility specialist at MedFem, emphasizes how important it is for young women and girls to seek early guidance on their menstrual health:

“The earlier, the better. It’s essential to understand your body and the changes it goes through as you grow. I’ve seen girls as young as 8, even before they’ve started menstruating, to help prepare them for what’s ahead,” says Dr. Shimange-Matsose.

Advancements in diagnosis and treatment

For many women, getting the right diagnosis takes years—on average, it can take seven to ten years. The frustration of waiting for proper treatment can be overwhelming. However, advancements in ultrasound technology have made diagnosing endometriosis faster and less invasive, which has been a major breakthrough for women seeking clarity and care.

Endometriosis can lead to painful periods, painful intercourse, and even infertility. Dr. Shimange-Matsose explains that treatment options are personalized depending on the severity of the condition:

“If a patient is dealing with both pain and infertility, we often prioritize treating infertility first, because fertility is time-sensitive. It’s not that women with endometriosis can’t conceive naturally—they absolutely can. But once diagnosed, they understand that conceiving may take longer or be more difficult. In those cases, we may recommend Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), like IVF, to help them achieve their dreams of starting a family.”

How a gynaecologist supports mental health in endometriosis treatment

What’s often overlooked in managing endometriosis is the emotional toll it takes. Lindelwa Mkhabela, a psychologist at Femicare, reminds us that mental and physical health are deeply connected in the treatment of endometriosis:

“There’s a strong relationship between mental and physical health. A person’s response to medical treatments, such as pain management, can be affected by their mental well-being. If a patient is struggling with anxiety or depression, it can make it harder for their body to respond to medication or treatment,” says Mkhabela.

“It’s essential to recognize that chronic pain can be emotionally draining, and addressing mental health is just as important as treating the physical symptoms.”

Final Thoughts: Diagnosis and Treatment

Managing endometriosis isn’t just about addressing the physical pain—it’s about understanding and supporting the whole person. A holistic approach, one that considers both physical and emotional health, is key to navigating this journey. Early intervention and compassionate care from your gynecologist can make a world of difference in the quality of your life. By prioritizing both medical and emotional support, you can take charge of your health and well-being with confidence.

For more insightful health discussions and expert advice, visit HOT 102.7FM.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Endometriosis can be difficult to recognize at first, especially when the symptoms appear gradually or are dismissed as part of the normal menstrual cycle. Common signs to watch for include dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, and dyspareunia, which is persistent or recurrent pain during or after intercourse.

Other symptoms, such as dysuria (pain during urination) and dyschezia (pain during defecation), are also associated with the condition and can significantly impact a woman’s daily life.

Dr. Lusanda Shimange-Matsose, a gynecologist and fertility specialist at MedFem, stresses the importance of addressing these symptoms when they begin to affect the quality of life.

“We always refer to the ‘4 D’s’—you may experience all or just some of them. Sometimes, women aren’t even aware that what they’re feeling isn’t normal until it starts to interfere with their everyday life,” she explains.

“When I ask patients about painful periods, I always make sure to ask if this pain is affecting their quality of life. Pain shouldn’t just be tolerated; it should be addressed.”

How Endometriosis Awareness Month encourages early medical intervention

Endometriosis Awareness Month plays a key role in raising awareness and encouraging women to seek medical help early. By bringing attention to the symptoms, it empowers women to take action and not wait until their quality of life is compromised.

Dr. Shimange-Matsose emphasizes that early intervention can make a significant difference.

“By normalizing these conversations and encouraging women to recognize the signs of endometriosis early, we can ensure that they receive the care and support they deserve.”

The psychological impact on teenagers

The psychological toll of endometriosis isn’t just physical. Fertility psychologist Lindelwa Mkhabela, from Femicare Fertility, shares concerns about the increasing number of teenagers being diagnosed with the condition, particularly in South Africa.

“Many younger women are struggling with anxiety, particularly around their cycles. They often fear the return of the pain, and the mental anticipation of it can lead to excessive worry and panic-like symptoms,” Mkhabela says. “The mental impact of endometriosis can make it even harder for teenagers to cope, leading to a loss of function in their daily lives.”

This anxiety isn’t just about the pain itself—it’s about the uncertainty and fear that comes with not knowing when or how the next flare-up will impact their life.

Final Thoughts: Recognizing the Symptoms

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women, yet its symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood. Endometriosis Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing these symptoms early, seeking medical advice, and knowing that help is available.

By raising awareness, we help break the silence surrounding endometriosis and encourage women to advocate for their health.

Tune in to Hot 102.7 FM for expert discussions, personal stories and more insights on Endometriosis Awareness Month

Watch powerful testimonies from endometriosis patients and medical professionals about the symptoms.