Introduction to Endometriosis
Pop star Ella Henderson has announced that she has endometriosis and has teamed up with a charity to raise awareness of the disease. In a video message, she said that the past few years have been "a bit of a roller coaster" because of her symptoms, but it was finally diagnosed in January.
The Struggle with Symptoms
She really had to fight, not only with stomach bloating, physical pain, but also with her mental health, because she thought it was all in her head. The 29-year-old said she wanted to share her experiences to start "an open conversation" about the condition.
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis causes cells that are similar to those in the lining of the womb to grow in other parts of the body, which leads to severe pain. It affects one of ten women in Great Britain and takes an average of almost nine years to get a diagnosis.
Raising Awareness
Henderson said, although her own diagnosis was "devastating", she also felt "empowered" and she had teamed up with the charity to raise awareness. In her video message, she said she was determined to educate herself and talk about the disease with people. She doesn’t want future generations of women to go through what she has done.
Supporting Others
Henderson wants to speak to other women and to understand that the disease was "decisive". She had problems with the thought that this was just something she went through. She wants others to know that if they are going through the same thing, they are not alone.
Charity Response
The Managing Director of Endometriosis UK praised Henderson for sharing her experience in such an "open and honest way". Her willingness to share her story will undoubtedly help others on their diagnostic journey and help them access the care they need. The charity campaigns for improving education in schools and for doctors to recognize the symptoms. Without education and awareness, those with the disease will continue to have challenges in diagnosis and access to care.
