Multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Ella Henderson has opened up for the first time about living with endometriosis via a personal video message on her Instagram account. Having gone through a long, painful and often frustrating journey to diagnosis and treatment, Ella has decided to team up with Endometriosis UK to put a spotlight on the disease. By sharing her endometriosis story Ella hopes she will help increase awareness and understanding for a disease that affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK.
Ella said, “I don’t want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn’t unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long. That’s why I am partnering with the charity Endometriosis UK. I want to raise awareness of this condition and campaign for real change. My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they’re not alone.”
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 one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting 10% of women from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life - that’s over 1.5 million in the UK.
There is a worrying lack of awareness among many health practitioners with symptoms not being recognised, leaving those with the disease unable to access treatment; during which time the disease may progress. It currently takes almost 9 years on average to get a diagnosis in the UK, which for many like Ella, may impact their education and career, as well as their physical and mental health.
Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis said: “Endometriosis UK applauds Ella for sharing her experience of endometriosis in such an open and frank way, highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone’s life. Ella’s willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey; helping them access the care they need.
The charity is excited to be working with Ella with our campaigns to increase awareness, improve menstrual wellbeing education in schools, and for improvements in education and training of doctors and nurses so that all healthcare practitioners recognise the symptoms of endometriosis. Without education and awareness, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time, as Ella did.”
Read Ella's full statement below:
After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis in January this year.
The revelation came after a laparoscopy, which found severe endometriosis behind my uterus and scar tissue affecting my bladder and bowel. For those who are unfamiliar with this condition (just like I was only months ago) - endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
The diagnosis was a difficult one to swallow but on the other hand it feels validating and empowering. It meant I wasn’t imagining things after all, and I could finally find a way forward and take control of my body.
My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to 9 years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you. Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might have been spared all that.
Although it took a long time (like many women out there) to finally get a definitive diagnosis, it has allowed me to receive appropriate and life changing support. Which in my case was surgery, that has so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for endometriosis, so ongoing management will likely be part of my life, whether that’s through lifestyle changes, pain management, or other treatments. More research is still needed to understand the condition and ultimately find a cure.
Having now officially become among the one in 10 women in the UK with endometriosis, I am so aware of how many aspects of my life were significantly being impacted. As a teenager, I remember there were times I missed school due to severe period pain and fatigue. And more recently, I’ve needed time off work due to health issues which I’ve found difficult to explain. I love my job and feel so lucky and grateful to be able to do what I do, so the thought of cancelling shows is something I’ve battled with. I often pushed through intense pain just to maintain appearances, not wanting to be judged or let anyone down including myself.
So why am I telling you all this? Put simply, I don’t want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn’t unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long. That’s why I am partnering with the charity Endometriosis UK. I want to raise awareness of this condition and campaign for real change. My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they’re not alone.
Endometriosis UK is working to reduce the shockingly long diagnosis time, calling on Governments across the UK to ensure menstrual wellbeing education is implemented in all schools as well as improving education and awareness of endometriosis for all healthcare practitioners, including GPs, pharmacists and A&E doctors. Without this education, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time.
As part of their mission to reduce diagnosis times, Endometriosis UK has an endometriosis symptoms checker. In just 60 seconds you can find out if your symptoms could be a sign of the condition, and if they are, then an automated personalised letter is created with your symptoms to give to your GP.
And whether you have a diagnosis or not, the charity’s experienced nurse led support helpline team is ready to provide expert information and guidance.
Those are two really fantastic resources that I would definitely have benefitted from when I was on my diagnosis journey and I wish I’d known about them sooner!
My ultimate goal here, like Endometriosis UK, is that I want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies.
I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis. Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences. For me, I have found a lot of healing and comfort within talking more openly about my own personal journey. Even if me using my platform can help even just one other person - it’s worth it!
E x
