Monday 1st March 2021 marks the beginning of Endometriosis UK's 'Endometriosis Awareness Month'. It also is exactly 2 years to the day since I started experiencing constant abdominal pain, the cause of which ended up being endometriosis.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found 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. 

It is a chronic and often debilitating condition that can cause:

• Chronic pain
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• Bowel and bladder problems
• Heavy and/or painful periods
• Depression/isolation
• Problems with sex life/relationships
• An inability to conceive
• Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments

1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis and it is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, yet on average it takes 7.5 years from the onset of symptoms to get a diagnosis. The cause of endometriosis is unknown, there is no definite cure and it costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work and healthcare costs.

In my case, over a period of nearly 18 months, I spoke to 5 different GPs, 10 consultants from different specialisms, had 12 different diagnostic tests, and tried too many different pills/medications to count before finally having an operation in September 2020 which confirmed the diagnosis. To get to this point cost thousands of pounds for private second opinions and treatment and on multiple occasions I was told that there was nothing wrong with me. 

Since my diagnosis and initial treatment, I have had no improvement in my symptoms and I am now on a waiting list for a second operation later this year. Because endometriosis can affect so many different organs, it can be extremely difficult to treat properly and there are very few surgeons in the UK who specialise in this field.

Endometriosis UK is a charity that provides vital support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis. Their vision is to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis and work towards a future where it has the least possible impact on those living with the condition. Their mission is to help people overcome the impact endometriosis can have on individual lives, for everyone to have the right to fast, appropriate care, support and treatment and for all of society to fully understand endometriosis and its impact and to be aware of the work of Endometriosis UK.

Over the month of March, me and my housemates, Lucy and Alisha, are going to take part in the 1 in 10 challenge, aiming to raise £500 for Endometriosis UK. 

For the 3 of us, this challenge will involve:

• Walking the equivalent of 10, 10km walks over the month of March (100km in total).

• Baking 10 different baked goods to gift to those who donate and support our page.

• Hosting a fundraising Zoom quiz for all of our family and friends.

The money that we raise throughout the challenge will go a long way in helping to support those affected to get the support and healthcare they need.