26/08/2026
💗 54 years. That’s how long it took to finally have answers.
Watching ’s beautiful Mum share her shock at being diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis and adenomyosis after 54 years of living with pain really hit home.
Despite years of symptoms and raising concerns with doctors, no one had ever suggested endometriosis or adenomyosis.
I understand this only too well. My own Mum suffered terrible monthly and abdominal pain and was never diagnosed — but looking back, I’ve often wondered if she too had endometriosis.
I started my periods at 10½ and experienced agonising pain, sometimes almost fainting, severe bloating and bowel problems — sometimes only going once every 7–10 days. My Mum repeatedly took me to doctors, but I was told it was IBS, that I needed more fibre and, years later, that it was simply my age and “wear and tear”.
It took me more than 30 years to finally get answers.
This simply shouldn’t be happening.
If you’re experiencing severe period or pelvic pain, bloating, bowel changes or symptoms that don’t feel right, please keep asking questions and ask to be properly investigated.
We’ve created a fertility symptom guide within Babble Connect by IVFbabble to help you explore symptoms and connect with trusted fertility experts and doctors. It can’t diagnose you, but it may help you start that all-important conversation.
A huge thank you to and her beautiful Mum for sharing her story and raising such important awareness. And as she prepares for her upcoming surgery, we’re all thinking of her and sending so much love and strength. 💗
No one should have to live in pain for decades without answers. Please keep advocating for yourself. We’re here for you. 🫶
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