Ella Henderson shares endometriosis diagnosis in bid to ‘spread awareness'
The 29-year old, who found fame on the TV singing competition, The X Factor, in 2012, said that she was diagnosed in January after a laparoscopy revealed 'severe endometriosis' behind her uterus and scar tissue affecting her bladder and bowel.
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According to the NHS website, endometriosis is caused when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body.
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A post shared by ELLA HENDERSON (@ellahendersonofficial)
Symptoms can include severe pain and heavy bleeding, making it difficult to diagnose as it is similar to other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
In a statement shared on her Instagram account on Wednesday, Henderson said she wants others suffering with the condition to know they are not alone.
She said: 'After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in January this year.
'My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to nine years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you.
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'Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety. If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might have been spared all that.'
Ella Henderson finished sixth on The X Factor (Ian West/PA)
Despite there not being a cure for endometriosis, there are treatments available that can help manage the pain including surgery which Henderson said had helped to 'significantly' reduce symptoms.
She has since partnered with the charity, Endometriosis UK, to help raise awareness about the condition.
She added: 'I don't want future generations of women to go through what I did. I know that my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long.
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'My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they're not alone.
'I want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies.
Henderson said she wanted others suffering with the condition to know they were not alone (Yui Mok/PA)
'I believe it is so important that we begin to have more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis.
'Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key.
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'The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences.'
The Lincolnshire-born singer finished sixth on The X Factor where she went on to release her debut single Ghost which reached number one in the UK singles charts before releasing her debut studio album Chapter One.
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