Aug 10, 2025 | blog, Reproductive Health
Although it can sound scary, “Tumor” does not necessarily mean cancer. Reproductive tumors are abnormal growths that come out of the reproductive organs. They can be non-cancerous or cancerous. Their origin can be from ovaries, the uterus, the cervix, fallopian tubes or in men, the testes, prostate or penis. The tumors that are usually the most worrying are the malignant types such as cervical, uterine (endometrial) or ovarian tumors. Even so, the benign types can also cause a lot of problems.
Most reproductive cancers occur in older age, while in younger people, low- severity variants are more common. This article explores how common these tumors are in Ethiopia, when they tend to be diagnosed, what signs to watch out for, and how to take measures to protect yourself.
The most common type of non-cancerous reproductive tumor that affects women are fibroids. These are growths in the uterus that usually show no symptoms, and if symptomatic, are often mistaken for a particularly bad bout of PMS. Besides having an insidious presentation it is also very common. Some studies show that up to 8 out of 10(1) women develop fibroids by the time they are 50(2).
On the other hand, some ovarian tumors are commonly seen in young women. These are most common between the ages of 15 and 30. They are often found during routine checkups or when a girl visits a clinic complaining of lower abdominal pain or swelling.
The cause of reproductive tumors is not exactly known, but hormonal imbalances are undeniably associated. Both too much or too little hormones are frequently seen in reproductive tumors. Some signs of hormonal irregularity can be getting your period early in life, heavy periods and cramping as mentioned above. They can also be caused by taking the birth control pill, hormone therapy or having a child (both at too young an age or too old).
Cancerous tumors can quickly spread to other parts of the body and cause a serious illness. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Ethiopia. As of 2015, the prevalence was 18%(3) , and since then that number has only gone up(4) .
Though it is diagnosed in women over 30, the disease often begins years earlier. It begins in adolescence when HPV infection and early sexual activity set the stage. That might be why you have been hearing a lot about school girls’ HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening campaigns these days. The studies since have shown that about 15 out of every 100 young women screened have these early warning signs for cervical cancer.
Tumors, benign or malignant, often start silently. And although the stats show that many of them become apparent in older age, they often have early signs, and exposure to the risk factors occurs in youth. So it is important to pay attention to your body. If you’re experiencing unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, swelling, or a lump, don’t ignore it. For young men, a monthly self-check of the testicles can help catch problems early.
Even for the non-cancerous types, awareness and early treatment can be the difference between a healthy life and permanent complications. Especially in Ethiopia where harmful myths about sexual illnesses are rampant and access to care is scarce, it is important to keep informed, know your risk and take a proactive approach to screening and prevention.
1. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01478885.2023.2265185#d1e107)
2. (https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMra1209993)
3. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33538338/)
4. 4. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/11769351211068431#core-bibr2-11769351211068431-3)
Written by – Dr. Hosaena Gebru
Aug 3, 2025 | blog, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health
Let’s Be Real
Not every health concern is easy to talk about, especially when it involves your private parts. You might feel a weird pain in your lower belly, notice a new bump, or just get the sense that something down there isn’t quite right.
And before you even think about going to a clinic, your brain starts to spiral:
• “What if it’s something serious?”
• “What if they judge me?”
• “What if I go and it turns out to be nothing, and I look stupid?”
• “What if they tell me I have something I’ll never get rid of?”
So… you wait. You hope it’ll go away on its own.
Sometimes it does.
But too often, it doesn’t. And by the time you finally seek help, the issue has gotten worse. The cost, financially, emotionally, physically, is higher. And here’s the truth: this hesitation, this silence, it’s not because you don’t care. It’s because many of us were raised to feel ashamed. To think anything related to our genitals is dirty, secret, or “not to be talked about.”
But wanting clarity, comfort, or care? That’s not shameful. That’s human. You’re not overreacting. You’re not being dramatic. You’re doing exactly what you should do, listening to your body and wanting answers.
You Don’t Need to Say It Perfectly
You don’t need fancy words or medical terms. You don’t need to sound like a health textbook. You just need to say enough to start the conversation.
Try:
• “There’s a small lump near my groin.”
• “I feel a burning pain when I pee.”
• “Something just doesn’t feel right down there.”
Trust us, health professionals hear things like this every day. Their job isn’t to judge you. It’s to help you get the answers and care you need. If you’re nervous, that’s totally normal. But your discomfort won’t make them uncomfortable, they’re trained for this.
But What If They Don’t Take You Seriously?
Unfortunately, it happens. Sometimes a doctor dismisses your concerns. That is not your fault.
You’re allowed to ask again. You’re allowed to get a second opinion. You deserve to be heard, respected, and taken seriously, especially when it comes to your body.
When Should You See Someone?
If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s time to reach out:
• A lump that hasn’t gone away after a week or two
• Persistent pain around your genitals
• Burning or discomfort while peeing
• Unusual discharge, odor or irritation
• Pain during or after sex
And honestly? If something just feels off, even if you’re not sure how to describe it, that’s enough of a reason. You don’t need permission to care about your health. And you don’t have to wait until it’s unbearable to get help.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start simple. Call or visit your local health center. If you’re looking for a friendly ear and judgment-free support, message/call Letena. We’re here to help you figure things out, no shame, no lectures, just real answers.
You Deserve Peace of Mind
Whatever it is, knowing is better than guessing. Getting checked might feel scary in the moment, but living with uncertainty is scarier. Relief beats silence. Clarity beats fear. So go ahead. Ask the question. Start the conversation.
You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to do it.
Written by:- Bezawit Elias, Fifth Year Medical Student
Feb 7, 2023 | blog, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health
Online dating is an increasingly popular way for many young adults globally, including Ethiopia to connect and find love. With the convenience of being able to connect with potential partners from the comfort of your own home, it’s no wonder that online dating has become a popular choice for many.
However, with the increase in online dating comes the potential for danger. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to know how to stay safe while using online dating platforms. That’s why we’ve put together The Do’s and Don’ts of online dating – a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of online dating and make the most of your experience.ax
- DO use a reputable dating platform or app with privacy features: Protect your personal information and ensure a safe and enjoyable online dating experience.
- DON’T share personal information with someone you have just met online: Sharing personal information too soon can be dangerous, it can expose you and make you vulnerable for online scams.
- DO be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship: By being honest about who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship, you attract the right people and avoid wasting time on incompatible matches.
- DON’T ignore red flags or warning signs that a person may not be safe: Ignoring red flags or warning signs could put you in danger, so it’s important to trust your gut and stop communicating with someone if they make you feel uncomfortable or if their behavior seems suspicious.
- DO always meet in a public place and let someone know where you’ll be: By meeting in a public place and letting someone know where you’ll be, you can ensure your safety and have peace of mind when meeting someone for the first time.
- DON’T send inappropriate or explicit photos or messages: Sending explicit or inappropriate photos or messages can be dangerous as it can be used against you in the future.
- DO always use protection when engaging in sexual activity: make sure to avoid the potential dangers associated with unprotected sex, such as the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy.
- DON’T EVER compromise consent: By respecting consent, you ensure that your interactions with others are safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
By following these simple guidelines, you can maximize the benefits and minimize the dangers of online dating. So why wait? Get started on your online dating journey today and see where it takes you!
Aug 9, 2022 | blog, Mental Health, Reproductive Health
Infertility affects 10-15% of all couples. Pelvic infections are an important cause of infertility, primarily as a result of tubal damage. Damage to the fallopian tubes from infections may be due to adhesions, tubal mucosal damage, or tubal occlusion that interferes with normal ovum transport. The infections most commonly related to infertility include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Tuberculosis also is a common cause of infertility in Third World nations.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. If left untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
CDC/Centers for Disease Control recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Early recognition of infection, prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and proper follow-up are important to prevent the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical intervention may be needed to treat immediate or long-term complications of infection. Prevention of pelvic infections should be a high priority. Fortunately, treatment options such as tubal microsurgery and assisted reproductive technologies offer couples reproductive options even when infertility occurs as a result of a previous pelvic infection.
Infertility affects 10-15% of all couples. Pelvic infections are an important cause of infertility, primarily as a result of tubal damage. Damage to the fallopian tubes from infections may be due to adhesions, tubal mucosal damage, or tubal occlusion that interferes with normal ovum transport. The infections most commonly related to infertility include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Tuberculosis also is a common cause of infertility in Third World nations.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. If left untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
CDC/Centers for Disease Control recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Early recognition of infection, prompt institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, and proper follow-up are important to prevent the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical intervention may be needed to treat immediate or long-term complications of infection. Prevention of pelvic infections should be a high priority. Fortunately, treatment options such as tubal microsurgery and assisted reproductive technologies offer couples reproductive options even when infertility occurs as a result of a previous pelvic infection.
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