Popular media personality Natalie Githinji has shared a raw and honest account of her life with endometriosis.

In a recent, lengthy Instagram post, she opened up about the physical and emotional toll of the chronic condition. Githinji described her experience as a "story of hope, not sympathy."

The Reality of the Pain

The media star did not hold back when describing the physical agony of the disease. She compared the sensation to having her back, ribs, and joints broken.

“As I’m typing this, naskia kama nishakua mwenda zake…??…Naskia kama nimevunjwa mgongo, ribs, every joint, naskia kama nimefanyiwa operation kwa womb without any painkillers/anesthesia,” she opened up.

On the day of her post, she revealed she had been awake since 3 am. By that time, she had already taken six of her strongest painkillers.

She described symptoms including vomiting and numbness in her legs. The pain is so severe that she feels as though a doctor is "poking at a wound" inside her womb.

"With endometriosis, you go through every kind of hell you can think of."

The High Cost of Care

Beyond the physical pain, Githinji highlighted the heavy financial burden of the condition. She explained that managing the disease is incredibly expensive. In her post, she noted that the condition "consumes your money" just as much as it consumes your health.

She made a direct plea for more affordable healthcare. Githinji expressed concern for women who cannot afford the high costs of treatment and medication. She called on the government to intervene and make endometriosis care accessible for every girl.

ALSO READ: How Natalie Githinji is Coping with Endometriosis

“Mimi sijui gov’t wataskia aje...nataka tu all the girls that cannot manage/afford living with endometriosis wasaidike tu. Like the health care for endometriosis ikuwe affordable kabisaa for every girl.”

Fighting the Stigma

The emotional impact of the disease is another hurdle. Githinji admitted that there is a significant stigma attached to endometriosis. She described the condition as traumatising and depressing.

The unpredictability of the disease adds to the stress. Flair-ups can happen at any time, whether during a work meeting or while out shopping.

She admitted that the condition can be "embarrassing" and that living with it is a constant struggle.

"It’s normal to give up... but it’s also painful to watch yourself give up."

A Message to Other Women

Despite her personal despair, Githinji’s post was intended to advise and encourage others. She urged women to take their reproductive health seriously.

Her main piece of advice was for women to see a gynaecologist every three monthsto get checked.

She wants women to understand their bodies and the state of their sexual health. While she admitted that she sometimes feels like giving up, she remains determined to keep fighting for her life.

The Wider Context

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

While not mentioned in Githinji’s post, global health data suggests the condition affects roughly 10% of reproductive-age women worldwide.