"My name is Adora. I first realised there was something wrong when I was about 17 and my periods were “ridiculously heavy and extremely painful” which was totally different from what I use to have 4 years back.  I now have very heavy bleeding, blood clots and extreme pain during my period and ovulation. By age 20, I was struggling so much, I ended up having a lot of time off university, which had a huge effect on my studies. I tried the contraceptive pill amongst other things and visited different doctors and hospitals. I kept being told that I had Irritable Bowel Syndrome and some even said PCOS or that it was all just in my head! I felt so alone and like nobody knew what I was going through. I couldn't really understand why i had to suffer so more than other girls".

To imagine the very active Adora now suffers so much at such a young age was a major source of grief to her mother. It was heartrending to see her lay low by an illness that we could not understand. When she should be participating in her favorite sports. She constantly endured this pain while everyone stood helpless without the slightest clue on how they could help. As the years went by her symptoms got progressively worse.

University was hard for her and just getting through the day required a lot of effort. Her ability to work, socialise and maintain a relationship were all massively impacted by how ill she was. Her periods were lasting two weeks with five to six weeks breaks between. She experienced heavy blood loss, clotting and some other discomfort.

At 25, Adora had an encounter with Endometriosis Support Foundation where she was diagnose with Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women in which cells similar to those in the endometrium, the layer of tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus, grows outside of it. Most often this is on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and tissue around the uterus and ovaries; The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. Nearly half of those affected have chronic pelvic pain, while in 70% pain occurs during menstruation.

Endometriosis Support Foundation strives to increase Endometriosis disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert surgical training, and fund landmark Endometriosis research in both the medical community and the public.

Through its initiatives, Endometriosis Support Foundation places emphasis on the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients.

Our mission is to improve the lives of those challenged with Endometriosis by increasing disease recognition, providing advocacy, facilitating expert surgical training, and funding landmark Endometriosis research.

Our vision is a future where Endometriosis has the least possible impact on those living with the condition.

 
 Together we can BURST ENDO!