Living with Endometriosis: Talata’s Journey of Pain, Resilience, and Advocacy
Behind the radiant smile of Helen Talata Akongzirigo Azitariga, the 2017 Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) representative from the Upper East Region, lies a 17-year battle with endometriosis and adenomyosis—two incurable gynecological disorders.
In a recent interview with The Mirror in Accra, she shared how these conditions, which affect women of reproductive age, occur when tissue resembling the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb (endometriosis) or within its walls (adenomyosis). These conditions often lead to extreme menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, vomiting, anemia, sudden fainting spells, and sometimes infertility.
A Painful Beginning
Talata recounted that her struggles began when she first menstruated at 14. After an initial three-day period, her cycle disappeared for a year before returning with severe complications. Despite her distress, those around her dismissed her pain, believing she was exaggerating.
“People told me to take painkillers and that I would be fine, but deep down, I knew something was wrong,” she recalled.
Seventeen years later, she has undergone 16 surgeries and can only have biological children through surrogacy after losing both her womb and cervix. As someone who loves children, this was a heartbreaking reality.
“There was a time I tried to end my life by overdosing on painkillers. Death seemed like the only way out. Whenever I heard of young people passing away, I would ask God, ‘Why not me? I am ready to go,’” she revealed.
Now 31, she is using her journey to spread awareness and support other women experiencing similar struggles.
“Too many women suffer in silence because they are ignored, ridiculed, or labeled as dramatic. We need more awareness, more compassion, and better medical interventions,” she emphasized at the Stronger Together Women’s Health Conference in Accra on March 8, an event hosted by Communication Consultant Adwoa Amofa Osei.
A Search for Answers
Born to Mr. Akongzirigo Azitariga and Mrs. Vivian Azitariga, Talata’s relentless quest for answers intensified in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I had endured so much pain with no diagnosis. My entire body ached—my joints, bones, and head. I was on tramadol, morphine, contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and tranexamic acid just to manage the bleeding and pain. Sometimes, I had to receive epidural injections to numb my lower body,” she explained.
As a baker and owner of Just Bake, she often required hospitalization, blood transfusions, and strong painkillers just to stay conscious. “I would vomit randomly, experience hot flashes, and bleed almost daily, using up to 15 sanitary pads a day, yet it still wasn’t enough,” she said.
Frustrated by inconclusive diagnoses, she began researching her symptoms. Doctors suggested conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but none of the treatments worked.
Eventually, she was diagnosed with endometrial polyps and underwent surgery to remove them. However, just two weeks later, the pain and bleeding returned.
It wasn’t until October 2020 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital that she finally received the correct diagnosis—endometriosis combined with adenomyosis.
“I had researched so much about it, so I wasn’t surprised. A laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, confirmed the diagnosis,” she said.
Medical Menopause: A Difficult Solution
Treating her condition posed another challenge. Doctors suggested medical menopause, a process that halts estrogen production using an expensive hormone drug called Lupron.
“This drug tricks the body into believing it has entered menopause, stopping egg production and altering hormone levels,” she explained. However, the treatment came with severe side effects such as hair loss, mood swings, and constant fatigue.
“My body started acting like that of an elderly person. I was constantly tired, emotionally drained, and losing hair,” she added.
Seeing no improvement, she made the toughest decision of her life—undergoing a hysterectomy (removal of the womb).
“Everyone opposed my decision, but I felt that if the bleeding stopped, I would only have to deal with the pain. I was just 29 when I made that choice,” she revealed.
Losing Her Womb and Cervix
Choosing to remove her womb meant giving up the possibility of carrying her own children. However, as the only daughter among three siblings, her parents supported her decision to prioritize her health.
“I had a subtotal hysterectomy, meaning my womb was removed but my ovaries remained. For the first time in years, I felt relief—the heavy bleeding reduced, and I could finally sleep,” she shared.
But the relief was short-lived. When the bleeding persisted, doctors recommended another surgery to remove her cervix.
“My most recent surgery was just four weeks ago. The bleeding has decreased significantly, but I’m still cautious because with this condition, you never know what will happen next,” she admitted.
Since the onset of her illness, she estimates that over GH₵400,000 has been spent on medical expenses, including surgeries, medications, and sanitary products.
Impact on Daily Life
Talata described how endometriosis has severely impacted her life. Constant pain and fatigue make social outings difficult, forcing her to cancel plans or leave events early.
“Many people don’t understand what I go through. They assume I’m making excuses. Even during my time in the GMB competition, I battled pain, dizziness, and nausea. Thankfully, some of my fellow contestants were supportive,” she said.
Romantic relationships have also suffered.
“Not everyone wants to be with someone who may never have biological children. This has ended some relationships for me,” she confessed.
Her health condition has also led to significant weight loss, further affecting her self-esteem and well-being.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Despite the emotional, physical, and financial toll, Talata has transformed her pain into advocacy. She now raises awareness about endometriosis in Ghana, using her experience to educate women and push for better medical support.
“Too many women are dismissed by doctors who don’t understand or have never even heard of this condition. We need more awareness, more empathy, and better treatment options,” she stressed.
Although she will continue battling this lifelong condition, her mission is clear—to ensure that no woman suffers in silence the way she did. Through her advocacy, she hopes more women will seek answers and refuse to be ignored.
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