A 19-year-old woman from Kenya, Abigael Kendi, has opened up about the challenges of living with a rare congenital medical condition that has affected her life from an early age.
Reports say Abigael was born with two wombs, two cervixes, two vaginas and only one kidney, a condition associated with unusual development of the reproductive system before birth.
She shared her experience during an interview with BBC journalist Asha Juma, explaining how the condition has impacted her health, education and everyday life.
Abigael revealed that she has undergone seven surgical procedures aimed at helping regulate her menstrual system, but none of the operations have fully resolved the problem.
Although she has never experienced menstruation, she reportedly suffers severe pain twice every month because of complications linked to the condition.
Doctors are said to have discovered the condition when she was a teenager after she was hospitalised with extreme abdominal swelling and problems passing urine. Her symptoms reportedly became critical, prompting further medical examinations.
She is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, where specialists continue to assess her condition and explore possible long-term treatment options.
Abigael also spoke about the emotional burden she has carried, saying stigma and lack of understanding from some members of the community have added to her struggles.
Reports further indicate that the repeated surgeries and ongoing medical care have placed financial strain on her family over the years.
Despite the difficulties, Abigael said her family’s support has helped her remain hopeful. She added that her experiences in hospitals and with doctors have inspired her dream of pursuing a career in medicine in the future.
