A woman from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Sophie Bunton, has shared the heartbreaking story of her struggle with endometriosis, which went undiagnosed for 15 years, resulting in eight miscarriages. Sophie first experienced symptoms of painful and heavy periods from the age of 13, leading her to seek medical help at just 15 when she was prescribed the combined pill. After experiencing adverse effects, she stopped taking the pill but continued to struggle with debilitating pain that affected her daily life.
Over the years, Sophie visited multiple doctors who dismissed her symptoms as ‘bad periods’, leading to a delayed diagnosis of stage four endometriosis at the age of 30. Throughout her journey, Sophie suffered eight miscarriages, with the first one occurring at 19 years old, attributed to her undiagnosed condition. Despite seeking help and undergoing numerous appointments and referrals, Sophie felt neglected and unheard by medical professionals who failed to recognise the severity of her condition.
The impact of endometriosis on Sophie’s life extended beyond physical pain to affecting her mental health, relationships, and business. Even after receiving a diagnosis and undergoing surgery to remove the endometrial cells, Sophie expressed feeling both relieved and upset, believing that earlier intervention could have prevented years of suffering. The condition, which affects organs such as the bladder and bowels, can also increase the risk of miscarriages, as seen in Sophie’s case.
Following her diagnosis, Sophie is determined to raise awareness about endometriosis, encouraging other women to persist in seeking medical help and advocating for better support and understanding of the condition. She emphasises the need for improved awareness and support for those living with endometriosis, highlighting the impact it has had on all aspects of her life. Sophie’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and proper management of conditions like endometriosis to prevent unnecessary suffering and complications.