Delayed diagnosis fuels surge in endometriosis cases in Kirinyaga county

Delayed diagnosis and frequent misdiagnosis are major factors behind the growing number of reported endometriosis cases among women in rural parts of the country, health experts say.

Endometriosis, a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causes severe pain, fertility issues and reduced quality of life. Globally, one in 10 women is affected by endometriosis, although there is limited data available for Africa.

Medical professionals note that endometriosis is often mistaken for normal menstrual cramps or other conditions, leading to years of unnecessary suffering. Diagnosis can take between 8 to 10 years based on data from Western countries, with similar or longer delays reported in low-resource settings like parts of Africa due to barriers in access and awareness.

In Kirinyaga, these challenges are amplified by a shortage of specialized gynecologists and limited advanced diagnostic tools.

Endometriosis specialist Dr. Joe Njagi highlighted the issue during the Healing Mama Africa Boot Camp conference on endometriosis and oncologic care at Mt. Kenya ACK Hospital in Kerugoya.

“Many women continue to suffer due to delayed and incorrect diagnoses,” Dr. Njagi said. He pointed to misconceptions and biases in healthcare, where women’s pain is frequently dismissed as typical period discomfort, delaying proper evaluation and treatment.

Free scans and surgeries boost awareness

The week-long boot camp, organized by Healing Mama Africa, brought together international experts to address these gaps. Dr. Njagi announced that over 100 free ultrasound scans and more than 20 endometriosis surgeries would be performed, benefiting local patients and those traveling from across Kenya and abroad.

“We need to create more awareness, train more specialists, and be intentional about improving care for endometriosis,” he said. “Initiatives like this bring experts to rural areas where the need is greatest.”

Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team, especially when the condition affects organs like the bowel or bladder. Comprehensive facilities remain scarce, underscoring the value of such outreach programs.

Fellow specialist Yamal Patel emphasized the event’s goal: helping women reclaim lives free from constant pain.

“Pain is not normal, and we are here to ensure it is no longer ignored,” Patel said. Endometriosis impacts fertility, mental health and overall well-being.

Survivor’s story highlights urgency

Jackline Njeri, an endometriosis survivor, shared her experience to drive home the human cost.

Her symptoms started in 2017, but misdiagnosis led to inappropriate treatment, including for tuberculosis to address what doctors thought were chest issues.

“I was misdiagnosed for years,” Njeri said. She finally underwent surgery last year and is now recovering.

She urged women not to ignore painful periods.

“If diagnosis is delayed, endometriosis can spread and affect multiple parts of the body because it is a full-body disease,” she said. “Go for check-ups early.”

Experts continue to call for expanded training in imaging interpretation, such as MRI and ultrasound, to enable earlier detection and intervention in regions like Kirinyaga.