Daily TribuneTo treat endometriosis, the doctor recommended not stopping the eating of chicken, but ‘cessation of menstruation just to relieve the pain.’
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain and potential fertility issues.
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photograph by deni rose afinidad-bernardo Dr. Ruela Joyce dela Rosa giving a talk on menstrual period hygiene.
Due to today’s fast-paced world, people are always scurrying for quick fixes — and among the easiest to grab to fight hunger pangs when in a hurry is a fried chicken or chicken nuggets from a convenience store or fast food chain.
Studies show that frequent fried chicken consumption is linked to several diseases — including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Then there are people who believe that the growth hormones being given to chickens to make them reach their ideal weight faster for consumption, mess up with human hormones and cause reproductive problems as well such as endometriosis, a condition stemming from the appearance of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain.
But, just like medical and scientific studies that point out that the higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes are caused by the trans-fat from cooking oil and not the chicken, obstetrician-gynecologist and university professor Dr. Ruela Joyce dela Rosa clarified that eating chicken frequently also does not cause endometriosis.
According to her, endometriosis is caused more by the “immunologic of the body” where “the normal endometrial lining that is supposedly found inside the uterus is found outside the uterus.”
“So there’s an extra uterine implant. Those implants cause inflammation during menses, so that’s perceived as pain. To some, it would even persist as painful bowel movement, like that,” she explained in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE during the recent “UnstoppablePowHER: The Watsons Women’s Forum” in Taguig City.
To treat endometriosis, the doctor recommended not stopping the eating of chicken, but “cessation of menstruation just to relieve the pain.”
“But of course, the number one management for that is for a woman to get pregnant. But of course, it’s not for everyone. So first, we manage it with pills until such a time that the woman is ready to get pregnant. And then it depends on the patient, it may still persist after pregnancy.”
Besides Dr. Dela Rosa, who gave a talk on menstrual period hygiene sponsored by sanitary brand Sofy, the highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring four women who continue to inspire change in their fields.
“Today is all about women empowerment, giving women a voice, a platform and a community where we can share stories, exchange ideas, and remind one another that we are never alone in our journeys. Through the Women’s Forum, Watsons continues to open spaces that uplift, educate and inspire… Empowerment has always been part of who we are,” said Kim Reyes, Watsons Philippines Beauty Business Unit and Commercial Services director.
Ting Joson, secretary general of Triathlon Philippines and a seasoned athlete, shared how discipline and resilience have shaped her journey, encouraging women to embrace an active lifestyle at any age.
Karen Ibasco, Miss Earth 2017, medical physicist and World Wildlife Fund Philippines ambassador, spoke about bridging science and purpose through her advocacy for sustainability and the environment.
Lynn Pinugu, co-founder and chief executive officer of She Talks Asia and executive director of Mano Amiga Philippines, emphasized the importance of education and equality in empowering women and the youth to reach their full potential.
Completing the panel was Atty. Star Elamparo, the first woman to be named Woman Lawyer of the Year at the Southeast Asia Law Awards. She highlighted how women can use their platforms to promote good governance and defend the rights of the underprivileged.
