People have spoken out about a debilitating and unpredictable condition where they have to "beg" to be taken seriously.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and/or infertility. For many, a diagnosis doesn't come for years, with symptoms often being put down to painful periods.
The ECHO previously reported that Becci Morris, from Waterloo, has lived more than half her life with regular excruciating pain and has also been told she is more than likely infertile as a result of endometriosis. The 28-year-old had 30 visits to her GP, A&E and hospital specialists after 15 years of agony.
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From the age of 12, her periods have caused her pain so extreme it has caused vomiting and loss of consciousness. Since the ECHO shared Becci's story, many people have been quick to share their experiences of the "horrendous" condition.
One woman said she had suffered with endometriosis since the age of 11 but did not find out until she was aged 50. Now 65, she said: "I went in hospital for a hysterectomy and got told the endometriosis burst all over my stomach.
"I was told it would take three years to clear it with medication so I do know how you feel, get help and make sure you can see a specialist."
Another woman added: "I suffered too. Labour pains weren't as bad as period pains. It's horrible. My mum used to tell me I'd have worse pains than that when I have a baby.
"I didn't though. I'm glad I've gone through the menopause. You really don't get the help and support you need. Being told it's your nerves doesn't help either."
According to the NHS, the symptoms of endometriosis can vary. Some women are badly affected, while others might not have any noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, period pain that stops you doing normal activities, pain during or after sex, pain when peeing or pooing during your period and difficulty getting pregnant.
Another ECHO reader bravely shared: "I wouldn't wish it on anyone, I remember at 16 begging for a hysterectomy due to the pain but was told it's just a bad period. 20 years before I was diagnosed via laparoscopy in 2020, I'm due a hysterectomy any day now.
"The sad thing is, not many people know how debilitating and unpredictable this disease is. I hope that this raises awareness about endometriosis and also adenomyosis, and gynaecology as a whole.
"I've been made to feel it's all in my head and I was making it up by a some professionals over the years, even referred to the gastro specialists and invasive procedures done, when all along it was endo. The list goes on, you know your body better than anyone, don't be suffering, pain isn't just limited to periods or ovulation either."
Another reader added: "Nine years of suffering this before I was diagnosed. It's absolutely horrendous, " while another woman said: "I don't want our younger generations having to beg and beg and beg to be heard and taken seriously like the past generations."
The NHS advises you to see a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life. It may help to write down your symptoms before seeing a doctor. More can be found here.
Previously describing the pain, Becci said: "It's like broken glass, barbed wire and rusty nails. The pain isn't just in my abdomen, it's like there are hooks over my hips and I'm attached to electric wires on my legs. The pain of using the toilet is like having hot pokers poking everywhere.
"Sometimes it lasts hours and it just grinds you down. It's like being stabbed. It's the kind of thing that pushes you over the edge and you pass out or you vomit. The other month it was so bad I was paralysed from the neck down."
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