Audio By Carbonatix
Founder of Endo Charity and a survivor of endometriosis (a painful menstrual disorder), Katherine Berkoh has disclosed how she was chastised by other women for publicising her infertility condition on live television.
Madam Katherine stated on Prime Morning on Tuesday that some female victims verbally attacked her for disclosing such a sensitive condition publicly.
As an advocate, she indicated that it was not easy stepping up to speak about endometriosis for fear of stigmatization.
"When I started doing the advocacy, I got people coming to me to ask, "Why do you want to talk about something private on TV or radio?" Unfortunately, the people who were approaching me were female. Men were actually supporting me more than the women."
She stated that the women asked, "Why are you making a fuss? We all go through it. Why are you sitting on TV instead of going to the church to pray? You’re telling everybody you’re infertile."
Endometriosis is a disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe menstrual pain that is commonly linked with infertility.
The most common symptoms of the disorder include pain and menstrual irregularities. Women are mostly the victims of the condition.
According to madam Katherine, late detection is a major reason why most women become infertile.
"It’s quite a difficult thing to go through, but it’s better we diagnose it earlier. So, if your child or someone close to you is out of school or at work constantly complaining of the cramps, you need to do something about it because I’m sure you’ll pick on something even if it is not endometriosis," she said.
She admonished women to avoid describing menstrual cramps as normal and pay attention to those who may complain of excess pain during their period.
As the founder of an advocacy foundation against the disease, she believes that women coming together to support the advocacy will enable the creation of awareness to be effective in helping with early diagnosis.
Also speaking on the disorder, the CEO of Nova Surgery Center, Accra, Dr. Francis D. Dickson, explained that "it is a genetic, hereditary condition that is programmed within the body system from birth."
According to Dr. Dickson, symptoms of the affliction begin during puberty and end after menopause.
He commended Madam Katherine for taking a bold step to publicly educate people about the condition, admitting that it will help curb the situation.
Hormonal contraceptives and excision surgery are some treatment options available to suppress endometriosis.
Latest Stories
-
Economy can’t be performing well if government is borrowing to pay salaries – Gideon Boako
3 minutes -
International Criminal Court faces challenging search for new prosecutor
5 minutes -
GH¢10 tomato price casts doubt on 5% inflation claim – Gideon Boako
8 minutes -
Silent danger in shopping baskets: Why Ghanaians need warning label to survive
9 minutes -
UENR Alumni Association seeks NEIP support for entrepreneurship opportunities
9 minutes -
French police arrest man after knife attack in Paris
14 minutes -
Court extends Wontumi’s EXIM Bank plea bargain talks to August 27 as new counsel seeks more time
14 minutes -
Dangerous structural defects on Mallam interchange
16 minutes -
Brighter Future Africa, Ghana Library Authority launch 2026 Holiday Reading Challenge
21 minutes -
Ukraine wants prototype of European missile defence system by mid-2027, official says
22 minutes -
UENR Alumni Association meets NEIP CEO Eric Adjei to explore entrepreneurship collaboration
24 minutes -
TV presenter and comedian Bill Oddie dies at 85
26 minutes -
Deadly Doses II: Psychiatrist narrates how a class three boy became a drug addict
31 minutes -
Chinese chipmaker shares surge nearly 470% in blockbuster stock market debut
39 minutes -
Blood tests and ultrasounds: Korea is becoming one of the world’s global healthcare hubs
39 minutes