I was 17 when I was diagnosed with endometriosis after years of not being listened to and brushed off. It took me having unstoppable vaginal bleeding at a hospital visit for me to be referred to a gynaecologist. I was in for a diagnostic laparoscopic surgery within a week. They found it on my uterus, bladder, both uterosacral ligaments, pouch of Douglas and all over my abdominal wall. I was told it looked like someone had poured cement in me. I have since battled to get treatment for my pain.
I am now 19, I have had two surgeries, and my doctors refuse to do more, I have gone through medical menopause through Zolodex, and have been on strong pain meds on and off since I was 17. I suffer weeks of bleeding and pain. I post online about endometriosis awareness in hopes that I can help young women get diagnosed early and validate those who have had a similar experience. At times my pain is so bad I am wheelchair bound. My story is not yet over, I am still fighting for treatment so I can live with a quality of life I deserve. I strongly believe more funding needs to be put towards endometriosis treatment and management for all of those battling this condition. Endometriosis is not a life-threatening condition on its own, but it does have significant impacts and complications which aren’t talked about enough.

Older and younger woman speaking seriously