A 31-year-old Nigerian graduate, Alade Omowumi, is appealing for financial assistance to complete treatment for a congenital reproductive condition that has caused years of pain, complications and difficulty menstruating.
Omowumi, a Guidance and Counselling graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University, said she had lived with the condition for years without fully understanding what was happening to her body.
In an interview with News Express, she explained that doctors discovered the problem after she began experiencing recurring abdominal pain at age 15 without ever having a menstrual period.
She is now seeking support for another operation that doctors say could help restore menstrual flow and create a vaginal opening.
Graduate Discovers Condition After Years of Pain
Omowumi said her symptoms began when she was 15. She experienced abdominal pain lasting four to five days every month but did not menstruate.
After enduring the pain for about three years, she sought medical attention. Doctors eventually told her that menstrual blood was accumulating internally because it could not flow out normally.
At 18, she went for surgery. However, medical examinations revealed that her vaginal canal was absent, meaning the original procedure could not proceed as planned.
Doctors later scheduled another operation to create a vaginal opening.
Earlier Surgery Led to Further Complications
Omowumi said surgeons created an opening during an operation on October 2, 2014. However, it later became too narrow for penetration.
She believes severe pain prevented her from using the vaginal dilator prescribed after the procedure.
She also reported developing urinary leakage after the operation. According to her account, the problem began when doctors removed her catheter.
The complications made recovery difficult, while mounting hospital bills eventually forced her mother to request her discharge.
Omowumi said her menstrual blood still did not flow normally after the operation. Although she occasionally noticed some bleeding, it eventually stopped.
She said doctors repeatedly drained accumulated blood when her abdomen became swollen.
New Treatment Offers Hope for Recovery
Omowumi later visited another hospital, where doctors reportedly explained that she needed treatment for her bladder and another procedure to create a vaginal opening.
She said the treatment would take place in stages because of complications from her earlier surgery.
According to her account, she underwent another operation in September 2026 to address her urinary problems. She is now seeking financial support for the remaining procedure.
She hopes the treatment will allow menstrual blood to flow normally and enable her to have sexual intercourse without the difficulties she has experienced.
Graduate Opens Up About Years of Emotional Pain
Omowumi said the condition has affected her personal life and emotional wellbeing. She recalled attempting sexual intercourse but stopping because of severe pain.
For years, she kept her condition private because she feared public judgment and stigma.
She said her mother had been her greatest source of support, particularly after the death of her father.
Eventually, Omowumi decided to speak publicly because she felt she could no longer continue suffering in silence.
“I need help,” she said, explaining why she chose to share a deeply personal part of her life.
Public Reactions Make Her Appeal More Difficult
Omowumi said the public response to her story had been mixed, with some comments causing her considerable distress.
She explained that she mostly stayed indoors because she feared what people might say about her condition.
However, some long-time friends expressed sympathy and encouraged her after learning about the difficulties she had faced privately.
She acknowledged that speaking publicly was difficult but said she needed assistance despite the possibility of stigma.
What Causes a Congenital Vaginal Condition?
Omowumi said doctors told her that her condition developed before birth but was not identified during infancy.
Congenital reproductive tract conditions can affect the development of the vagina, uterus or other reproductive organs. The exact diagnosis determines the available treatment options.
Her reported symptoms and surgical history require individual assessment by qualified specialists. Only her treating medical team can confirm the precise diagnosis, explain the likely outcome of further surgery and discuss any risks.
Omowumi is appealing to members of the public and potential donors to help her complete treatment and improve her quality of life.