1 in 10 women around the world suffers from endometriosis, and yet, many people have not even heard of the term. This chronic illness brings several health complications, including intense pains, and infertility and can even affect other organs in the body.
Through speaking to women with endometriosis, we discovered that they all seem to have one question - why are we not talking about this?
In addition, menstrual cycles have been a taboo subject for years, and if we can't talk about periods, how can we even begin to touch on the illnesses that affect our menstrual health?
With this site, we hope to raise awareness and provide crucial information to young women, but also let those suffering from endometriosis know they are not alone and no longer have to keep silent.
We have spoken to everyday women and medical experts to gain as much information on this condition as possible.
After first publishing the story of how one woman struggled with endometriosis for years, the response from the public was incredible - people thanked her for speaking up, for sharing her story, and in so doing, sharing theirs.
We hope this site is a light for those looking for a community. If you would like to share your story, mail us here.
- Nikita Coetzee, News24 Wellness and Relationships
"I was so excited when I first got my period, but that joy very swiftly turned to sorrow."
EXPLAINER | What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that involves the endometrial tissue.
The endometrial tissues line the inside of the uterus. It is the tissue that breaks down every month to create a period. But with this condition, your endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus.
Is it normal? From severe pain to a heavy flow, a gynaecologist shares signs of an abnormal period
For many women and girls, periods are usually associated with intense pain. We're all too familiar with hot water bottles and painkillers as we attempt to soothe ourselves.
In a society where menstrual cycles are still considered a taboo subject, women end up suffering in silence, believing what they're enduring is "normal".
"I've always thought that's normal because that's what my mom would tell me - she said she had severe period pains, and so did her mom, and it's just a thing that females go through," *Mpho Radebe told W24 in an interview.
It's a story that a lot of women likely share. But what is a normal period, and when should we start to get concerned?
Endometriosis: Why does it take so long to get a diagnosis?
Endometriosis and depression often go hand-in-hand. Experts say a genetic link may exist
New research by geneticists from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia has found that depression and endometriosis often coincide, along with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions.
The researchers compared data from genetic databases looking for shared genetic risk factors for depression and endometriosis — and found 20 independent locations on the genome that were significant to both conditions, eight of which are new.
While studies indicate the condition affects roughly one in 10 women, people with endometriosis go an average of six-and-a-half years before they get a diagnosis, according to Endometriosis Australia.
It's a story that a lot of women likely share. But what is a normal period, and wen should we start to get concerned?
"I was consuming upwards of 24 heavy-duty painkillers within the first three days of my five-day period."
Your stories
I have endometriosis. Here's how this condition changed the way I think about menstrual health
Receiving a stage three endometriosis diagnosis is the last thing I thought I would go through as I neared my 31st birthday, but in hindsight, there were so many signs that I completely overlooked, says Nikita Coetzee.
Woman shares her story of going through menopause and hysterectomy at 27
Jess struggled in her early 20s with endometriosis before learning she was experiencing early menopause. Further complications also meant she had no choice but to undergo a hysterectomy.
Started her period at 7, diagnosed with endometriosis at 12 - woman reveals her health battle
Rozann was just seven years old when she started her menstrual cycle, and it wasn't long after that that her mother realised something was wrong.
'Endometriosis is much more than just a painful period'
"I have cried many days of my life wondering if this illness will ever be taken seriously enough to find a cure," Chante says.
PODCAST
Her lung collapsed twice, but no one suspected endometriosis: 'I was fighting for my life'
When Kim Jacobs was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2014, she had no idea of the impact the condition would have on her life.
Since then, she has had 10 operations and landed up in ICU twice, fighting for her life after her lung collapsed.
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