This year I am taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 2nd to raise awareness and (hopefully) lots of dollar to go towards Endometriosis UK!

 In the last 2 1/2yrs this has been a very unwelcomed issue for my Wife, Jenna. With only getting a concrete diagnosis in the last couple of months as to what her symptoms are - severe abdominal pain, painful periods, sickness/ nausea, fatigue and many more. It has been, and is a continued daily physical and mental battle for Jenna. An op date is now thankfully in sight. 

However, this is only to identify where the Endometriosis is & to remove the (10cm) cysts that are attached to her ovaries. The amount of time it has taken to get to this stage has been so tough. There has been cancelled appointments, crazy long waiting lists and uncertain results within the 2 1/2yr timeframe, way too long! The implications on this are quite scary, the worst being that Jenna could lose 1 or both of her ovaries, which will impact on the already difficult journey we find ourselves facing over the last 12 months with starting our own family. Below is some information to help explain further what endometriosis is and how it can affect women. 

In endometriosis, cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.

Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including:

Chronic pain
Fatigue/lack of energy
Depression/isolation
Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
An inability to conceive
Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.

It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause painful periods, painful sex and pelvic pain outside of periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, that's as many as diabetes yet very few people have even heard of it.The impact can be felt for life and there is no cure.

It takes an average of 8 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK, that's too long! Your donations will mean that Endometriosis UK can continue to support those affected by Endometriosis through national support groups, information provision and their helpline as well as continue to campaign for change, fairer treatment and eventually a cure.