We need to talk about ENDOMETRIOSIS

It's time to break the myth that extreme period pain is normal

- Amber Bramble.

When Bindi Irwin opened up about her painful 10-year battle with endometriosis last month, she shared an experience that’s familiar for many. Revealing that she was recovering after surgery, the 24-year-old urged women in the same position to “keep searching for answers”.

Fertility specialist Dr Karen Kong says there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings that prevent women from getting diagnosed, including the belief extreme period pain is normal.

“The major misconception is that it’s just a normal period,” says Karen, adding that some women struggle for years with symptoms, which can also include heavy periods and infertility.

“One in 10 women have this condition and it can take 10 years to diagnose. There are a lot of people suffering with the consequences of not having it diagnosed or treated.”

THE LOWDOWN ON ENDO

Endometriosis occurs when the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows where it isn’t supposed to. In most cases, this will occur around the reproductive organs, but in rare cases, it may develop in other parts of the body, such as the bladder or even the lungs.

While endometriosis usually ceases after menopause, a small number of women will continue to experience symptoms. “I still see women with pelvic pain after menopause,” says Karen.

ENDOMETRIOSIS & PAIN

Not everyone with endometriosis experiences pain, but for many women, this can be debilitating.