'I have the same condition as Ella Henderson and you need to know this'
Recently, former X Factor star, Ella Henderson, announced she was diagnosed with a common, yet rarely spoken about condition - and it's one which can be pretty painful. Taking to her social media to announce the news, the singer said she has officially been diagnosed with endometriosis.
I too was diagnosed this year with that same condition and it took me 11 years to get answers. Much like Ella, I also thought it was in my head after being told I was anxious.
Had GPs listed to me, I may have avoided over a decade of no answers, missed days off work, and spending days in pain during holidays. Ella said in her post that she had been to "countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head."
This feeling is sadly not uncommon. So this is what I think you need to know if you feel - or are being told - that your pain is not real, in your head or has no cause.
What is endometriosis?
Firstly if you're unfamiliar with the condition, endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Experts at charity, Endometriosis UK explain: "These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue."
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
Common symptoms include:
Pelvic pain
Painful periods that interfere with everyday life
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pain during or after sex
Painful bowel movements/when having a poo
Pain when urinating/peeing
Difficulty getting pregnant – up to 70% of those with endometriosis will be able to get pregnant naturally
Fatigue, with one or more of the above symptoms
What if my doctors ignore my endometriosis concerns?
If you are being ignored and feel like you are not being heard, and eventually begin to believe your pain is in your head, you can can help and support through Endometriosis UK. The charity writes: "Being diagnosed with endometriosis can be a daunting experience, but you don't have to face it alone."
You can:
call their helpline
join a local support group
contact their web chat
join their online community
access their nurse-led support line
The charity notes: "Your doctor is trained to deal with thousands of conditions, but will not specialise in endometriosis specifically. You can download our useful Pain & Symptoms Diary to help you remember relevant information."
You can also use the Symptom Checker via the Endometriosis UK website. It takes 60 seconds to do and could help you in your GP appointment.
Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis said: 'Endometriosis UK applauds Ella for sharing her experience of endometriosis in such an open and frank way, highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone's life. Ella's willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey; helping them access the care they need.
The charity is excited to be working with Ella with our campaigns to increase awareness, improve menstrual wellbeing education in schools, and for improvements in education and training of doctors and nurses so that all healthcare practitioners recognise the symptoms of endometriosis. Without education and awareness, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time, as Ella did.'
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a day ago
- Business News Wales
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Cardiff Council is the latest organisation pledging to support colleagues impacted by endometriosis by joining the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. With 14,800 staff, it becomes the largest local government body to make this commitment, and is only the second in Wales to do so, following Powys County Council. Through the scheme, which is run by charity Endometriosis UK, Cardiff Council will improve its support for those affected by this common disease, as well as breaking down taboos and stigmas around menstrual health. Endometriosis impacts the physical and mental health of one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful bowel movements and pain when urinating. Despite being so common, it takes an average of nine years and 11 months to get diagnosed in Wales – the longest of any UK nation – for reasons including lack of understanding of the disease. As part of the scheme, Cardiff Council has appointed Endometriosis Champions, who will receive training from Endometriosis UK, to enable them to provide support and information to its workforce. Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: 'I'm delighted to welcome Cardiff Council to the diverse range of organisations tackling taboos around menstrual health and endometriosis through the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme. 'By showing its team that they are valued and can expect support and reasonable adjustments to help those with endometriosis and menstrual conditions succeed at work, they will be increasing engagement across the whole of their workforce, ultimately making the organisation more successful.' Endometriosis Champion at Cardiff Council, Frances Sheppard, said: 'Having personally navigated the challenges of diagnosis and surgery for endometriosis, I understand how isolating and overwhelming the journey can be. I want to be a source of support and guidance for others, offering advice, empathy, and encouragement to help them feel less alone.' Fellow Endometriosis Champion Sian Coleman said: 'By becoming an Endometriosis Friendly Champion, I hope to raise awareness of endometriosis and ensure that both employees and managers receive the support and guidance they need.' Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: 'We're delighted to join the Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme to ensure we can start to better understand and support those in the workplace with endometriosis, as well as break down taboos about menstrual health. We look forward to working with Endometriosis UK, and hope that we'll inspire others to join the scheme as well.' Endometriosis UK champions the rights and needs of the more than 1.5 million in the UK with endometriosis. As well as providing support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis, Endometriosis UK works to ensure that everyone with endometriosis gets prompt diagnosis and the best treatment and support, to end chronic menstrual related pain being brushed off as normal, and to raise awareness of endometriosis with the wider public. Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Endometriosis is most commonly found on the lining of the pelvis (peritoneum) and may occur in the ovaries and involve other pelvic organs, like the bowel or bladder. Less commonly, endometriosis can also be found outside the pelvis, such as in the chest.
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Daily Record
'I have the same condition as Ella Henderson and you need to know this'
The condition can take up to a decade to diagnose - yet people are being told it's in their head Recently, former X Factor star, Ella Henderson, announced she was diagnosed with a common, yet rarely spoken about condition - and it's one which can be pretty painful. Taking to her social media to announce the news, the singer said she has officially been diagnosed with endometriosis. I too was diagnosed this year with that same condition and it took me 11 years to get answers. Much like Ella, I also thought it was in my head after being told I was anxious. Had GPs listed to me, I may have avoided over a decade of no answers, missed days off work, and spending days in pain during holidays. Ella said in her post that she had been to "countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head." This feeling is sadly not uncommon. So this is what I think you need to know if you feel - or are being told - that your pain is not real, in your head or has no cause. What is endometriosis? Firstly if you're unfamiliar with the condition, endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Experts at charity, Endometriosis UK explain: "These cells can grow and change in response to hormones in the menstrual cycle, this can cause inflammation, pain and scar tissue." What are the symptoms of endometriosis? Common symptoms include: Pelvic pain Painful periods that interfere with everyday life Heavy menstrual bleeding Pain during or after sex Painful bowel movements/when having a poo Pain when urinating/peeing Difficulty getting pregnant – up to 70% of those with endometriosis will be able to get pregnant naturally Fatigue, with one or more of the above symptoms What if my doctors ignore my endometriosis concerns? If you are being ignored and feel like you are not being heard, and eventually begin to believe your pain is in your head, you can can help and support through Endometriosis UK. The charity writes: "Being diagnosed with endometriosis can be a daunting experience, but you don't have to face it alone." You can: call their helpline join a local support group contact their web chat join their online community access their nurse-led support line The charity notes: "Your doctor is trained to deal with thousands of conditions, but will not specialise in endometriosis specifically. You can download our useful Pain & Symptoms Diary to help you remember relevant information." You can also use the Symptom Checker via the Endometriosis UK website. It takes 60 seconds to do and could help you in your GP appointment. Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis said: 'Endometriosis UK applauds Ella for sharing her experience of endometriosis in such an open and frank way, highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone's life. Ella's willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey; helping them access the care they need. The charity is excited to be working with Ella with our campaigns to increase awareness, improve menstrual wellbeing education in schools, and for improvements in education and training of doctors and nurses so that all healthcare practitioners recognise the symptoms of endometriosis. Without education and awareness, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in getting a diagnosis and accessing the right care at the right time, as Ella did.'
The Guardian
27-07-2025
- The Guardian
Annabelle's journey to having her pain taken seriously wasn't easy. A new health service has brought relief
Annabelle says she didn't realise how much pain she was in until something as simple as laughing hurt. 'We were in the car and Mum made a joke,' she says. 'I laughed, then turned to her and said, 'Can you not do that? It hurts to breathe.'' The 18-year-old is neurodivergent and often struggles to articulate her pain in a way others understand. Her mother, Kylie, says that as she drove, she asked Annabelle for more detail. 'She said, 'It hurts to breathe. I don't like the seatbelt on my waist. I can't stand tight pants. I can't bend over. I can't lie on my tummy. But other than that it's about a two out of 10.'' Annabelle says: 'I've now learned that's not what a two is.' Annabelle, who requested her surname not be published, was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and other symptoms. A laparoscopy revealed that tissue had wrapped around her bladder. But the road to diagnosis wasn't easy – one 'brief but devastating' visit to a male GP registrar left them reeling. 'He didn't examine her, ask questions or look at her history,' Kylie says. 'As we walked out the door, he told Annabelle: 'Most pelvic pain in women is a mental health condition. Be prepared not to get any treatment.'' After the surgery, Annabelle was referred to Victoria's virtual women's health clinic, a new state government initiative run by Eastern Access Community Health. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The clinic, which offers free 30-minute consultations for Victorian women via phone or video call, provides a range of services including cervical screenings, sexual and reproductive healthcare and specialist support for conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain. For Annabelle, who also experienced trauma in her childhood, it arranged video physiotherapy sessions to help with her pain management. 'Because of my trauma, physio can be confronting, especially when it involves intimate areas,' she says. 'This has been the best way to do it.' Kim Lucas, a nurse at the women's health clinic, says since its launch in June, the virtual service has conducted 132 appointments, many with patients in regional and remote parts of Victoria. 'We've had women calling us from as far as Mildura or Swan Hill, who have said they can't get into their GP for weeks,' Lucas says. 'Most of the time, we can see them within 24 hours and they get what they need – whether it's a script or a referral.' A key focus initially has been providing access to medical abortions – a drug-induced termination available up to nine weeks' gestation. 'This reduces the stigma and allows people to maintain their confidentiality – especially in some parts of the state where there is only one doctor in town or they're a family friend.' Lucas says despite efforts to increase abortion access, some GPs are still refusing to provide the service. This is borne out by data: a report by not-for-profit Women's Health Victoria, published last year, found one in five local government areas had no medical abortion provider in 2023, with only 17% of Victorian GPs providing medical abortions. 'I find it quite amazing that in this day and age, some people won't provide that service,' Lucas says. The clinic is part of a $153m plan the state Labor government took to the 2022 election to improve healthcare access for women. It also includes a mobile women's health clinic, 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs and the doubling of laparoscopies for endometriosis and related conditions. An inquiry into women's pain is also expected to be made public soon. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion It's also part of a broader strategy to relieve pressure on emergency departments, which are facing increased demand due to the ageing population, a rise in chronic and complex health conditions and a shortage of accessible – and affordable – GPs. Virtual emergency departments have been seen as one solution, adopted by every Australian state and territory. Victoria's launched at Northern Health during the pandemic and expanded statewide in 2022. Since then, it has fielded more than 500,000 calls. According to the service, 83% of its patients have avoided a hospital visit as a result. Another initiative – the community pharmacy prescribing program – has allowed for the supply of medications to treat uncomplicated UTIs, minor skin issues such as psoriasis, and supply oral contraceptives without the need for a prescription since 2023. It has provided 50,000 services so far and will expand to more medications over the next two years. While the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners opposes the pharmacy program, arguing it is a 'cheap, easy 'fix' that doesn't prioritise high-quality patient care', it backs telehealth services as a 'complementary' service rather than a replacement for in-person consultations. However, it has raised concerns about a rise in 'opportunistic telehealth businesses' offering treatment for conditions such as hair loss, erectile dysfunction and weight loss or quick prescriptions. Dr Evie Kendal, a bioethicist and public health scientist specialising in emerging technology research at Swinburne University, says while virtual healthcare raises legitimate concerns around privacy and data retention, it 'can be the difference between receiving healthcare information and receiving nothing at all' for many people. 'The reality is people can't make it to the clinic, they can't get someone to watch the kids, they don't have access to transportation, they don't have the money or whatever it is. It's an opportunity to intervene and provide health information, even if it's not a perfect solution,' Kendal says. She says it's especially important for women, who carry a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities, face greater barriers to care, and are more likely to have a chronic health condition. 'A lot of the time, women know their own bodies and they know what is wrong with them. They shouldn't have to keep returning to a clinic, paying for another appointment and reshuffling their schedule, especially for something that is both predictable and treatable.' For Annabelle, the most valuable part of her virtual care has been simply understanding what her body is going through. 'As someone who is autistic, logical reasoning and thinking is actually comforting. So it's such a relief to know this wasn't just 'normal cramping'. Now I've got a team explaining why I feel certain symptoms and I'm going, 'Yep, that's what I've been saying all along.' 'It's been validating.' The Victorian virtual women's health clinic is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, by calling 1300 003 224 or via the Each website
