your stories
I had taken so many pain killers for my ‘period pain’ that I ended up in the emergency room in excruciating pain. The doctor explained that the amount of period pain was not normal and referred me to a gynaecologist. After a laparoscopy, a 4 hour surgery, 4 days in hospital and 2 weeks of tough recovery at home… I finally knew it wasn’t just period pain. After 22 years.
Rach
I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2013. I’ve had over 16 operations, some of which have involved removing parts of my organs. I’ve lost so much of my bowel and had my bladder resected and I know that didn’t actually have to happen. The system needs to work better so this disease isn’t progressing whilst people wait to be seen by a specialist, have surgery or generally be given the care they need.
Alice
The first time I went to the doctor about my intense cramping, he asked me if it ‘felt like leg cramps’. It would take 6 more years to receive my diagnosis of stage III Endo.
Kimberley
Being in labor was easier than my first period.I was walking with my Nanna when I got my first period, I had to bend myself over a tree in agony whilst she stood unsure how to help. From then on I experienced horrible periods and horrible pain that I just dealt with, assuming it was a normal part of life. It wasn’t until after my first son was born that I KNEW something was REALLY wrong. I was now experiencing pain EVERYDAY, back pain, leg pain, ovary pain. I had the support of a great GP and I was able to get a diagnosis within 18 months and for that I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
Alice
I have been in pain for as long as I can remember. I would pass out during each period, and the bleeding was so heavy that I had to change my pad every two hours. It took over 20 years, but in 2022 I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Anonymous
I always assumed that painful periods were just a normal part of life. Eighteen years on, I am here to tell you that this kind of pain is not normal, and if left untreated it can impact your body and quality of life. I was diagnosed with endometriosis after 14 years of symptoms.
Anonymous
As a teenager, I visited multiple doctors, but they all dismissed my symptoms, suggesting that the contraceptive pill or getting pregnant would be the solution. By the time I was 22, I wasn't just in pain during my period - I was in constant pain, which led me to use morphine patches and oxycodone for two months straight with little relief. Fortunately I found an excellent GP and could afford surgery and was finally diagnosed with endometriosis at 22.
Anonymous
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