THIS ENDOMETRIOSIS awareness month, a Southwark woman shares her experience of the often-misdiagnosed condition, which affects 1.5 million women in the UK.

Tired of feeling helpless and ignored, Natasha Griffin is taking matters into her own hands. The mum-of-one has vowed to share her personal experience in the hope that it might encourage others to openly speak up during the month-long awareness campaign.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb grow outside of the uterus in areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and elsewhere in the body. The debilitating condition is often referred to as a ‘whole body condition’ by ‘endo warriors’ and affects one in ten women of reproductive age in the UK.

It can only be confirmed with a surgical examination called a laparoscopy. This is carried out under general anaesthetic and patients can usually go home the same day.

The invisible nature of endometriosis can lead to it being downplayed by family and friends as just having ‘a nasty menstrual cycle’, something every woman is expected to overcome.

Endometriosis symptoms vary but often include pelvic pain, constipation and diarrhoea. These common symptoms can lead to women being wrongly diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Unfortunately, inequalities in the healthcare system have led to women, particularly those from a black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds feeling excluded from a discussion that is still sometimes seen as taboo.

39-year-old Natasha Griffin from Camberwell, got her first period aged 14. She was excited to enter adulthood. However, this initial happy feeling was soon overshadowed by extreme cramps. These continued for two years and she was advised to take the contraceptive pill to suppress the pain.

She said: “I couldn’t maintain the pill because it plagued me in other ways. My weight ballooned, I had constant headaches and I regularly complained to my GP who referred me for a laparoscopy.

“Before the surgery, I was warned that there was a possibility of coming out with rips and scars. I was told that my fallopian tubes would be checked too. I almost fainted when they told me that there was a chance of me waking up with my tubes removed. I blacked out.”

Mum-of-one Natasha fell pregnant with her son shortly after her first laparoscopic surgery, and although pregnancy can suppress endometriosis, it can return after childbirth.

Natasha added, “My post-childbirth cycles were worse than ever. It was so tough trying to balance motherhood, chronic pain and heavier bleeding. I was referred for a second laparoscopy, which confirmed the endometriosis had grown back.

“I tried to press for a third surgery but it was refused. The doctor I spoke to was incredibly blunt. He told me that my options all led to induced medical menopause. I explained that I was still young – I was 36 at the time – and he responded, raising his voice, ‘Well, you make your mind up and tell me what it is exactly you want.’ This left me in a state of medical trauma because of the way the doctor dismissed my pain in such a shocking manner.”  

Natasha’s endometriosis journey inspired her mum to start a not-for-profit organisation called Embracing Moi, supporting and advocating for people with chronic illness and disabilities.

Natasha supports the cause by raising awareness and encouraging greater inclusivity.