“I remember my first period so clearly because of the pain. It was overwhelming, confusing, and scary, but I told myself it must be normal. Everyone talks about period pain like it’s something you just deal with, so I did. I stayed quiet and pushed through, not realising that what I was feeling wasn’t normal at all.”
New Zealand is falling behind in the treatment of endometriosis as Australia rolls out new clinics.
“I was sent home time and time again without answers. I missed school, missed work, missed opportunities. Over time, the constant pain and uncertainty changed the direction of my life. My marriage broke down. I felt broken.”
Emma got her first period at age 11 while gardening with her mum. When she went to the bathroom, she was surprised to see what she later described as a “little red monster.” From the very beginning, she experienced significant pain and soreness with her periods.
Endometriosis New Zealand Board Chair Felicity Evans is taking on the 120 Challenge with her family by hand making 120 wheat bags to provide comfort and relief for those suffering from the symptoms of endometriosis.
If you live with pelvic pain, period pain, sex or bowel symptoms, you may have been told you could have endometriosis, and that surgery is the “gold standard” for diagnosis and treatment.