BUJUMBURA, March 14th (ABP) – Endometriosis is a unique gynecological disease that seems to be misunderstood and neglected by Burundian women. One of its serious complications is infertility in women. This was stated by Dr. Vestine Niyonsenga Toyota, obstetrician-gynecologist at Kira Hospital in Bujumbura, during an interview with a check by ABP on Tuesday, March 12, 2025.
Dr. Niyonsenga explained that endometriosis is characterized by an abnormal location of the uterine lining (the endometrium). This tissue, which lines the uterus, can develop outside the uterine cavity, on other genital organs. “In this case, we’re talking about endometriosis,” she explained.
According to gynecologist Niyonsenga, some people don’t experience any symptoms of the disease. For those who do, it’s common to feel pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis). The pain may be more noticeable during menstruation, during or after sexual intercourse, when defecating or urinating. Some people may also experience chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during or between monthlies, difficulty getting pregnant, bloating or nausea, intense fatigue, depression, or anxiety. She added that symptoms often improve after menopause, but not always.
“Treatment of endometriosis remains complex, but consulting a doctor is still necessary to mitigate its effects. Otherwise, it can progress to irreversible infertility,” obstetrician-gynecologist Niyonsenga warned. According to her, endometriosis is one of the main causes of infertility in women and hinders their development because those with endometriosis may have difficulty participating in social activities.
“Currently, we do not know how to prevent endometriosis,” she noted, urging the Ministry of Public Health to conduct awareness sessions so that all Burundians can understand the harmful effects of endometriosis, as the intense pain caused by the disease prevents young girls and women from going to school or work, compromising their education and careers.
Roxanna Ineza, a young woman suffering from the disease, testified that women with endometriosis can face discrimination and stigmatization at work due to a lack of understanding of their condition. “After my studies, I was lucky enough to have a job, but because of this illness, I lost it because I was more and more often absent: I work two weeks a month; the remaining two weeks, I suffer with deeper pain. Before, I was angry with myself, but after getting medical help, I managed to find a new job. My boss and colleagues understand me,” she said.
Ineza calls on the government to help endometriosis sufferers so that they don’t fall behind in their development, and to raise awareness about endometriosis among employers and colleagues, in order to create a more inclusive and understanding work environment for women with the disease.
“I started having very painful menstrual periods when I was a teenager, but I was told it was normal,” said Christelle Mariza, who also suffers from endometriosis. The pain became increasingly intense, to the point that I could no longer go to school or work. I consulted several doctors, but none understood what was happening. Finally, after years of suffering, I was diagnosed with endometriosis.”
She cited some of the negative effects of the disease on Burundian society, including school and work absenteeism, social isolation, infertility, and stigma. To that end, she called on young girls and women suffering from the disease not to suffer in silence, adding that it is important to consult a doctor.
Furthermore, she called on parents who have daughters suffering from the disease to encourage them to consult a doctor and support them in their treatment journey.
According to her, it is crucial to raise awareness among the Burundian population about endometriosis in order to break taboos, facilitate early diagnosis, and improve care for women with the disease. “Together, we can break the silence around endometriosis and offer a better future to Burundian women,” she concluded.