I spent 13 years in pain before doctors finally worked out why

"You know your health is disintegrating in front of you and there's absolutely nothing you can do to stop it, apart from being told to just take the contraceptive pill so you don't have periods. At 27, she was finally diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting all her pelvic organs. The condition occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body."

"The average waiting time for a diagnosis has now reached nine years and four months, according to a new report by the charity Endometriosis UK. It found 39% of respondents had to visit their GP 10 or more times before endometriosis was suspected, while 46% of respondents who attended hospital were sent home without treatment."

"It affects about one in 10 women in the UK and can cause severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, difficulty getting pregnant, fatigue, low mood and pain during or after sex and when going to the toilet. She has had several surgeries, including one done privately, with one surgeon remarking that her pelvis looked like a bomb had gone off inside."

Amy Peckham-Driver experienced severe period pain at age 14 that caused her to lose consciousness, yet doctors dismissed her concerns about endometriosis due to her age. Over a decade, she received misdiagnoses including IBS and anxiety while taking contraceptive pills for symptom management. She was finally diagnosed at 27 with deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting all pelvic organs. A new Endometriosis UK report reveals the average diagnosis wait time is nine years and four months, with 39% of patients visiting their GP 10 or more times before endometriosis was suspected and 46% of hospital attendees sent home without treatment. The condition affects approximately one in ten UK women and causes severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, fertility issues, fatigue, mood changes, and pain during sexual activity or bowel movements. Despite multiple surgeries, Amy's endometriosis continues progressing.

Read at www.bbc.com