• Read more about Endometriosis UK welcome five new employers to the Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme

• Read more about MPs urge faster diagnosis, better funding and employment law change for those with endometriosis

• Read more about Women's Health Plan launches in Wales

• Read more about Office for National Statistics recognises significance of endometriosis in new stats

• Read more about Jo's Hot Topics: Waiting for Surgery

• Read more about Endometriosis UK hope new Healthwatch Camden report inspires councils to take action

From very first starting my periods I have suffered, never knowing what was causing the issues. I went on the pill at 15 years old which did help, but as I got older the symptoms got worse and then when I stopped taking the pill to try for a family, symptoms got really bad.

I had attended the GP in the past but my symptoms were now so bad that I went back to my GP - this was January 2019. After seeing 3 different gynaecologists, a colorectal consultant, and having 2 laparoscopies and an MRI, I finally got my diagnosis in January 2021, where I was told I would need extensive surgery to treat it. I had been receiving prostap injections which helped but I've never been completely symptom free.

Over the years I have had to take numerous days of school and work due to how unwell I have been. Daily life at times has been a struggle and the diagnosis and timescale for treatment etc has had a massive impact on my mental health. I am very lucky to have an amazing supportive family and partner who have helped me through everything but at times it has had negative impacts to my romantic relationship. I had to undergo fertility treatment to conceive, which thankfully has been successful but that journey was so emotionally and mentally hard. I have also found it hard to discuss my health issues with school/work places and often felt that people would think I was being soft.

After over 4.5 years since that appointment in 2019, I have finally had the surgery I very much wanted and needed to hopefully become symptom free and be able to fully enjoy life, but that hasn’t come without it’s challenges mentally and physically. I have had a total hysterectomy at 36 years old which has been emotional and I now have an ileostomy which is a big change, but only 8 weeks after surgery I feel so much better!

Endometriosis UK is an amazing charity that are fighting to help make things better. I came across Endometriosis UK when searching google for information about my diagnosis and there leaflets/information have been a massive help and support for me. 

• Read more about Gynaecology waiting lists now exceed 750,000: Endometriosis UK respond to new report from the RCOG

• Read more about Change NHS: Help shape the future of the NHS

• Read more about Endometriosis and Mindful Practical Cycle Awareness

Join us and guest speaker Kate Shepherd Cohen, an award-winning menstrual health pioneer and Founder and CEO of health tech Menstrual Cycle Support as we discuss Mindful Practical Cycle awareness, and how it can help you to understand your menstrual cycle to help to manage period pain and ease menstrual suffering, benefitting the way we work, study and live.

Menstrual Cycle Support's mission is to ease menstrual suffering through menstrual education.