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March is Endometriosis action month. We are raising money for Endometriosis UK because they represent a matter that we both hold very close to our hearts. We are determined to do something to raise awareness, advocate for others with this horrible disease and start the conversation on the current crisis within women’s healthcare.

Me and Maëlle recently met each other through the Edinburgh endometriosis support group (organised by Endometriosis UK). We are participating in the 1 in 10 challenge and will be attempting to climb all 7 hills in Edinburgh during March, trying to reach 10 summits within and around the city.

Endometriosis is a chronic, lifelong, full body inflammatory disease. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the lining of the pelvis (peritoneum) and may occur in the ovaries and involve other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. Less commonly, endometriosis can also be found outside the pelvis, such as in the chest, diaphragm and lungs.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. In the UK, that’s over 1.5 million from all races and ethnicities living with the condition. This is a similar prevalence to asthma or diabetes yet there is such a limited amount of research in comparison.

There is currently no known cure for endometriosis and no treatment. Only management exists for this condition (in the form of surgery and medication). However, this is not guaranteed to relieve symptoms for everyone. Additionally, endometriosis currently takes on average 9 years and 4 months to diagnose in the UK and 10 years and 2 months in Scotland. This is unacceptable, people with this condition deserve so much better.

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Maëlle’s story:

I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2023 after developing pain on deep penetration (dyspareunia). I work as an osteopath in Edinburgh which means I get to support women with symptoms of urinary incontinence, constipation, period pain and pain on deep penetration. I believe in empowering women through education on their symptoms and actionable tips that they can use to manage their symptoms. We need to stop normalising period pain and raise awareness around endometriosis diagnosis. We deserve better care and better care is build through research. So let’s get this funding going! 

Esmé’s story:

For the past decade I have experienced a number of increasingly debilitating symptoms, and pain on a level which some people will never experience. In February 2026, I was diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis following a private MRI scan which showed my ovaries tethered to my womb. For 6 years I have been fighting to be heard and have been constantly dismissed and not believed by NHS healthcare. This neglect has massively delayed my treatment and allowed this disease to progress to the most severe stage. It shouldn’t have to get to this point before any investigation is carried out. Women deserve to be listened to, believed and supported. The education and training regarding endometriosis for doctors must improve and we have to stop normalising women’s pain. People with this disease are being failed by the very system which should be looking after them.

This is why we kindly ask anyone in a position to do so to donate and share our story to others. We will both be incredibly grateful for any support during this journey! Let’s fight together to get the support and treatment so many people with this disease so desperately need.

Thank you for listening to our story,

Esmé and Maëlle

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