Hi everyone,
I don’t think I’ve ever written something so personal so publicly before, but here I go. My name is Ingela, and I’m part of Baiia’s marketing team, and I have Endometriosis. My journey with Endometriosis began when I was just 10 years old and got my first period. From that moment on, things weren’t easy. By the time I was 16, I was already begging doctors for investigative surgery. With Endometriosis confirmed and removed, I was fortunate enough to experience 10 semi-pain-free years before the pain returned. I’ve since had another surgery and 6 months out of recovery I’ve learned and dealt with a lot of grief around this illness. With it being Endometriosis Awareness Month I feel it’s more important than ever for me to be part of this conversation.
So, what is Endometriosis? It’s a full-body disease where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, spreading to the reproductive organs and beyond fusing them together. It can grow on the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and even infiltrate nerves - essentially any part of the body. While some women experience intense pain only during their periods, many, like myself, deal with pain throughout the month. Endometriosis for some women can cause chronic pelvic pain, ovulation pain, chronic fatigue, urinary issues like UTI’s, digestive problems like IBS, and, for some, fertility struggles. Personally, I experience pain from any day after ovulation and am now facing the reality of infertility and the likelihood of a hysterectomy in the coming years - something I never thought I’d have to say at 31 years old.
With an average diagnosis time of seven years, it’s clear that this disease is widely misunderstood and under-researched. We need more awareness, better education, and stronger advocacy, and there’s no better time than now. Have conversations with your family and friends. Speak up online (thanks Amber for letting me use Baiia’s platform!). Demand better healthcare. Believe women when they tell you about their pain.
How do I know if I have Endometriosis? First and foremost: severe period pain is not normal. Signs could also include chronic pelvic pain, ovulation pain, fatigue, urinary problems, bowel problems and digestive issues. However, symptoms and pain levels vary from person to person, making diagnosis challenging. These signs can also indicate other conditions, which is why many people go years without answers. If you suspect you have Endometriosis, you deserve to be heard. Advocate for yourself, seek out a specialist, and don’t stop pushing for answers. If you’re in Australia, this website https://www.endofound.org/ has been a great resource for me, and if you’re in the US, this website https://endometriosisaustralia.org/ has some great information.
Women who live with chronic pelvic pain are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met. We show up for life every day despite the challenges this disease throws at us. If you’re reading this and you also have Endometriosis, please know that I see you, my heart goes out to you, and we are in this together.
Love, Ingela xx
