I am a 33-year-old woman, and I would like to share my experience living with endometriosis and uterine fibroids — a condition that has deeply affected my health, my work, and my quality of life.
For many years, I struggled with extremely painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and ongoing pelvic discomfort. I repeatedly sought help from general practitioners, but I was only given pain medication without a clear diagnosis. The pain was dismissed as “normal period pain,” yet it was anything but normal.
In 2024, I consulted another GP who performed a sonar and discovered that I had a fibroid. I was prescribed hormonal contraceptives to help shrink it. Unfortunately, the treatment did not improve my condition.
September 2025, my health took a serious turn. I began experiencing extremely heavy bleeding with large blood clots. After one consultation, my bleeding became worse. I became so weak my family rushed me to a public hospital. I was immediately admitted and received a blood transfusion. Although I was discharged the next day, my condition did not improve. As time went on, my symptoms intensified – I experienced:
- Severe, chronic pelvic pain
- Lower back and leg pain
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pain outside of my menstrual cycle
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Pain when sitting upright or standing for long periods
- Pain during bowel movements
- Abdominal bloating
- Widespread body pain and inflammation
The pain became so severe that it affected my ability to function normally and impacted my work performance. I have had to be excused from work due to the intensity of my symptoms.
I later sought assistance at another hospital, where further investigations confirmed endometriosis and three fibroids measuring between 6cm and 8cm. Once again being placed on hormonal contraceptives. I was informed that surgery was not immediately possible due to a long waiting list. As my symptoms worsened. I consulted a private endometriosis specialist who confirmed that I now have five fibroids.
Living with endometriosis has been physically draining, emotionally overwhelming, and financially challenging.
I am sharing my experience in the hope of receiving guidance, support, and assistance regarding possible treatment options within the public healthcare system or any available programs that could help someone in my position.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Kind regards,
Gugulethu Khoza