A mother, Emma Williams-Tully, advocating for better healthcare for young girls, shares her journey of being misdiagnosed with endometriosis. Emma, now 39, began experiencing excruciatingly painful two-week-long periods at the tender age of ten. Despite consulting her GP, who reassured her that her symptoms were normal, Emma’s condition worsened over the years. Eventually, she was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition where uterine-like tissue develops outside the uterus.
As per the charity Wellbeing of Women, a shocking 43% of girls aged 12 to 18 struggle to eat or sleep during their periods, with 11% feeling that life is not worth living. Emma stresses the importance of seeking medical help concerning menstrual health issues, urging young people to not shy away from discussing their periods with doctors. She particularly emphasises educating her nine-year-old daughter, Belle, to approach menstrual health openly and seek medical assistance when needed.
Reflecting on her own ordeal, Emma recalls vividly how her struggles during puberty were dismissed as normal by medical professionals, leading her to believe that her experiences were typical. It was only after being referred to a gynaecologist as a teenager that she realised the severity of her condition. Emma underwent numerous surgeries and treatments, including a hysterectomy, to manage endometriosis.
Throughout her battle with endometriosis, Emma faced relentless physical and emotional challenges, enduring a total of 11 surgeries and coping with the side effects of medications. She paints a bleak picture of the impact the condition had on her life, restricting her ability to work, travel, and enjoy a normal lifestyle. Despite the setbacks, Emma remains determined to advocate for improved menstrual health education and early intervention for young girls.
Wellbeing of Women CEO, Janet Lindsay, highlights the debilitating nature of endometriosis, affecting 1.5 million women in the UK. Lindsay stresses the need for enhanced awareness and timely specialist care to prevent long-term consequences of the disease. The charity’s ‘Just a Period’ campaign aims to empower women with knowledge and resources to take charge of their menstrual health from adolescence to menopause.
Emma’s harrowing journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women battling endometriosis. Her resilience and determination to raise awareness and support future generations in managing menstrual health issues stand as a testament to her ongoing struggle and advocacy efforts.