Soyam’s Story: 25 years of suffering

June is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Awareness month, which aims to raise awareness of this debilitating condition and provide education and understanding about prevention, early detection and treatment.

Soyam endured an advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse for a staggering 25 years.

Soyam is a mother and grandmother living in a small village in the Wolkitie Woreda (district) of Ethiopia. She suffered for twenty-five years with advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse, a debilitating condition that affects up to 1 in 4 women in Ethiopia.

Every day was a challenge. Soyam’s husband had passed away, leaving her to provide for her family. She worked in 'Enset' cultivation, a physically demanding job which exacerbated her condition. Even simple tasks like walking or carrying groceries was painful.

“I often felt embarrassed and ashamed. Many in my community lacked understanding and looked down on me. I withdrew from social gatherings and felt isolated and ashamed. I was trapped in my own body and unable to share my struggles.”

Soyam

Advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse in Ethiopia

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition, usually caused by childbirth. It affects millions of women globally. In Ethiopia, however, studies find the prevalence of POP particularly high at almost 23%, or 1 in 4 women.

For women in the United States, POP can be diagnosed easily and treated early. But in Ethiopia, where women in rural areas have little access to healthcare, this condition can worsen if left untreated, resulting in Advanced Stage Pelvic Organ Prolapse. This condition causes women significant discomfort, pain and disruption in their daily life and requires surgical treatment.

A cure after 25 years of suffering

One evening, Soyam broke down and shared her feelings with her daughter. She could no longer bear the pain and suffering. Her daughter took her to the nearest health center where they were told that treatment was available at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

When she arrived, Soyam was welcomed with kindness and understanding. The staff listened as she shared her story. For the first time in years, Soyam felt seen and validated.

Soyam had surgery that transformed her life. She continued her recovery at Desta Mender, where she bonded with other women with similar stories and realized she was not alone.

With a renewed sense of purpose and empowerment, Soyam returned to her village. For the first time in years, she could walk without pain and engage in activities with her children and grandchildren. She shared her story with the people in her community, encouraging women to seek help if they experience a similar condition.

She is deeply grateful to Hamlin’s doctors and staff for their compassion and dedication.

How Hamlin is Helping

The clinical team at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia working across all six Hamlin fistula hospitals provides a range of gynecological treatments to women, including obstetric fistula and advanced stage POP surgery.

For women like Soyam, this is life-changing.

Many of the women benefiting from this life-altering treatment often lack the financial means to cover its cost. Their treatment is offered free, thanks to generous donors from around the world.