Menstrual leave to ease period pain
Photo by Sora Shimazaki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-suffering-from-a-stomach-pain-5938366/
Media Source: The Standard (Kenya)
Date: 9 July 2024
The things women go through while on their menses are often discussed, but rarely understood. Dr Joan Okemo, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), says period pain also referred to as dysmenorrhea arises from the release of tiny molecules known as prostaglandins. Common conditions like…
The things women go through while on their menses are often discussed, but rarely understood. Dr Joan Okemo, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), says period pain also referred to as dysmenorrhea arises from the release of tiny molecules known as prostaglandins. Common conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), sexually transmitted infections, fibroids, adenomyosis and endometriosis can cause significant inflammation and pain. Endometriosis warriors, in particular, endure extreme pain due to their condition. The death of celebrated media personality Njambi Koikai in early June was a wake-up call about the state of endometriosis locally and in Africa, and it was a reminder that the ailment can be ruthless in its course. Dr Okemo says one can take pain medications to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and inhibiting prostaglandin production. Additionally, seven countries - Zambia, Spain, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam have implemented a menstrual leave policy.