Sometimes, when women talk about periods and the pain associated with them, the conversation is always around the fact that some women experience pain during PMS. I used to complain so much about it because why should I be in pain when it was not yet that time of the month?.

As of late, I have learnt about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This is a condition that many women in Namibia and beyond suffer from without even realising it. It is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by bacteria that spread from the vagina or cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. 

Despite its seriousness, PID is frequently misunderstood or ignored, mainly because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for common menstrual pains. This confusion often delays diagnosis and treatment, which can have long-term consequences for women’s health.

For many Namibian women, period pains are considered a normal part of life, and they often endure them in silence. However, PID symptoms can mimic period pains, making it difficult for women to recognise that something is wrong. Cramping in the lower abdomen, back pain and general discomfort are all symptoms associated with menstruation, but they can also be signs of PID. 

This overlap means women may dismiss their pain as ‘just a bad period’ unaware that they could be dealing with a more serious condition.

One significant difference is that PID-related pain is often more persistent and can worsen over time. While menstrual cramps tend to follow a predictable pattern each month, PID pain can occur at any time. It might be accompanied by other symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, fever, or, sometimes, unusual bleeding between periods. 

Women experiencing these additional symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
In Namibia, access to healthcare is a significant barrier for many women, particularly in rural areas. Cultural attitudes towards women’s reproductive health further complicate matters. Talking about women’s problems is still considered taboo in some communities, making it harder for women to discuss symptoms or seek help openly. 

This silence around reproductive health issues often leads to delayed diagnoses, allowing conditions like PID to progress and cause complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.

Another factor contributing to the confusion is the lack of awareness about PID and its causes. Many women in Namibia may not know that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the leading causes of PID. 

This lack of knowledge highlights the urgent need for more education and open conversations about sexual and reproductive health. 

Community health programmes and school-based initiatives can play a vital role in addressing these gaps and ensuring women have the information they need to protect their health.

Women should prioritise regular check-ups to prevent or detect PID early and not ignore unusual body changes. Practising safe sex by using condoms and getting tested regularly for STIs are also essential preventative measures. 

For women who experience chronic or severe pain, trusting their instincts and seeking medical advice could be life-changing.

In conclusion, while period pains are a shared experience, they should not be dismissed when accompanied by other troubling symptoms. 

Namibian women deserve access to healthcare, education, and support to understand the difference between normal menstrual discomfort and potentially serious conditions like PID.

Empowering women with body knowledge is the first step towards ensuring their health and well-being.

*Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section in New Era concentrates on women-related issues and parenting. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading, and content creation. – etuholefrieda@gmail.com