Health

Endometriosis: More than Just Painful Cycles

Published

9 years ago

April 7, 2015

Oakland Post

Chandelis marching with Team Virginia at the Endo march on Capitol Hill. (Photos by Jonathan Hunter)

by Shantella Y. Sherman
Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

Cassandra Nivens has experienced painful periods since age 14. To cope with being mostly incapacitated for some time each month, Nivens learned to manage what she believed were normal hormonal shifts, often scheduling time away from school and work around a 28-day cycle. It wasn’t until a routine ultrasound during her first pregnancy that her painful periods were diagnosed as endometriosis.

Defined as a condition where tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside of it, endometriosis impacts 176 million women. Each month as the lining of the uterus sheds and the blood and tissue is released, the same thing happens to the tissue outside the uterus. But with no way for the released tissues to leave the body, inflammation and scar tissue develop. While endometriosis affects White women 33 percent more often, deaths from undiagnosed endometrial cancer is roughly 80 percent higher among African-American women.

“I was relieved to be able to put a name to what felt like some type of torture I endured every month, but was scared and concerned for the health of my baby. My system felt out of whack because of the pregnancy, and I was afraid that after my son was born, my hormones would go into high-gear, and it would be even more painful,” said Nivens, who found some relief in breastfeeding her healthy child.

Once her cycle resumed, Nivens she sought treatment from a naturopath. After two years of progressive yoga (from BandhaKonasana poses to hot yoga), acupuncture, and change in diet, she and her husband were able to welcome a second son.

According to research from the Mayo Clinic, Nivens is among the fortunate able to conceive with endometriosis, as an estimated 30-40 percent of infertile women have endometriosis. Because the disorder can only be definitely diagnosed through visual inspection inside of the pelvis and abdomen (as well as tissue biopsy of the implants), even ultrasounds can only hint at its presence.

General symptoms of endometriosis include: extremely painful or disabling menstrual cramps; pain increasing in severity over time; chronic pelvic pain including lower back and pelvic pain; pain during or after sex; intestinal pain; painful bowel movements; or painful urination during menstrual periods.

As more women become aware that endometriosis is more than just painful periods, the hope among physicians is that more women will note their symptoms and seek professional advice.

The Howard University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology recently served as local sponsors of the 2015 Worldwide EndoMarch for Endometriosis to raise awareness among African Americans. The second annual march took place at Upper Senate Park in Northwest, March 28, and simultaneously in more than 56 cities worldwide.

Chandelis Duster, a Virginia precinct manager of the EndoMarch diagnosed six years ago with the condition, took part in the march to help raise awareness. “It has been a rough six years during which I have had three surgeries. Initially there was a big cyst on an ovary that needed to be drained and that was how they found endometriosis. No one had ever talked to me about it and as a freshman in college, it was scary to be told I had a disease with no cure,” Duster said.

Following a laparoscopic surgery to remove the tissue, more endometriosis was found. “It’s been tough dealing with the pain constantly and everyday… a heating pad is [my] best friend. It has gotten better since the last surgery, but emotionally, it is a lot to deal with and it is a financial strain,” Duster said.

Among African-American women, endometriosis is one of the most common indications for major gynecological surgery and hysterectomy.

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Related Topics:endometriosis gynecology menstruation OB/GYN obstetrics

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Report: Black Women Doctors are Underrepresented in Health Care Sector

Physician retention in California has decreased over the years for women doctors of color, a report by the Physicians for a Healthy California stated. According to the report, women physicians are more likely to experience burnout than their male counterparts, a trend that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published

5 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Oakland Post

The report states that Black and Latino physicians are underrepresented in the healthcare industry. Only 2.8% of physicians are Black and 5.5% are Latino across the state of California.

By California Black Media

Physician retention in California has decreased over the years for women doctors of color, a report by the Physicians for a Healthy California stated.

According to the report, women physicians are more likely to experience burnout than their male counterparts, a trend that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report states that Black and Latino physicians are underrepresented in the healthcare industry. Only 2.8% of physicians are Black and 5.5% are Latino across the state of California.

It also noted that women doctors of color are often assigned to serve in vulnerable and under-resourced communities.

“It is critical for health care organizations to implement effective strategies focused on the retention of this important group of clinicians,” the report stated.

Women doctors of color face career dissatisfaction, contributing to the low retention rates in California’s healthcare industry. The burnout particularly experienced by female doctors of color stems from workplace harassment and perceived lack of value at work.

Additionally, moral injury was another key factor driving women physicians of color away from the workforce. Unlike burnout, moral injury is defined as “the betrayal of what’s right by someone who holds legitimate authority in a high-stakes situation.”

Currently, two of the nine California regions used in the framework of the report — the Inland Empire and San Joaquin Valley — have less than 50 primary care doctors. Physician shortages are projected to get worse over the next few years.

By 2030, the report indicates, the demand for physicians will exceed the supply by at least 12%.

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Gov. Newsom, Attorney General Bonta Back Bill to Allow California to Host Arizona Abortion Care

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced last week that they are backing a bill introduced by the state legislative women’s caucus that would allow Arizona-based doctors to provide abortion care in California to patients from Arizona. Senate Bill (SB) 233 was authored in response to the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision on April 9 that an 1864 ban on abortion in the state is enforceable.

Published

6 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Oakland Post

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

By California Black Media

Senate Bill (SB) 233 was authored in response to the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision on April 9 that an 1864 ban on abortion in the state is enforceable. The bill also aims to counter growing support for anti-abortion legislation in states with Republican-majority legislatures since Roe v. Wade was overturned, according to supporters.

“California will not sit idly by. We’re urgently moving legislation to allow Arizona doctors to provide safe and reliable reproductive care to Arizonans here in California,” Newsom said.

Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus said that abortion bans are based on laws that set women back to a time when they had limited human rights.

“Anti-abortion forces have resurrected a dead law passed at a time when women couldn’t vote and husbands beating their wives was lawful,” Skinner said.

On April 24, the Arizona House of Representatives voted to repeal the 1864 abortion ban. It now moves to the Arizona Senate for deliberation.

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Mind, Body, and Spiritual Well-Being for Women Addressed in NAACP Forum in Oakland

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church. Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 20, 2024

Oakland Post

The panel will address various aspects of women’s health, including physical, mental and emotional well-being and relationships. iStock photo by Jorge Elizaquibel.

Special to The Post

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church.

Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66^th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.

The forum will feature renowned experts, healthcare professionals, and advocates from Genentech, John Muir Health, Sutter Health of The East Bay, Kaiser Permanente, and the Alameda County Public Health Department.

Our expert panel will address various aspects of women’s health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and healthy relationships. The forum will encompass a wide range of topics such as breast cancer, menopause, reproductive health, nutrition, mental health awareness, preventive care, and much more.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend informative sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by experts in their respective fields. Additionally, there will be wellness activities, screenings, and informational booths offering valuable resources and support.

This forum is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging inclusivity and diversity in the conversation surrounding women’s health. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself, a loved one, or simply looking to connect with other women, this event promises to be enlightening and empowering.

For more information and to register for the Total You Women’s Health Forum, please visit https://www.naacpoakland.org/ or contact Dr. Delores Thompson. WIN chairwoman at (510) 328-3638.

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is dedicated to empowering women, and young teen girls. We look forward to your participation in this important event.

To register, go to https://www.naacpoakland.org/events/the-total-you-womens-health-forum