Pop star calls for awareness on endometriosis delay

Singer Ella Henderson says it took years of symptoms and repeated GP visits before she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis earlier this year.

The 29-year-old former X Factor contestant was diagnosed in January after undergoing a laparoscopy – a form of keyhole surgery – which revealed severe endometriosis behind her uterus, along with scar tissue affecting her bladder and bowel.

Her story echoes a wider issue in women’s health.

It takes an average of up to nine years to diagnose endometriosis in the UK.

The condition affects about one in 10 women aged 15 to 49 and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb develops in different areas of the body.

Henderson said in a statement on Instagram: “After years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was all in my head, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis in January this year.

“My long journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not unique. It takes on average up to nine years in the UK, which for many like me, can put an immense mental and physical toll on you.”

Symptoms can include intense pain and substantial bleeding, which are often mistaken for other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or pelvic inflammatory disease.

She said: “Living in chronic pain, not being believed, and constant misdiagnosis led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety.

“If health practitioners had recognised my endometriosis symptoms sooner, I might have been spared all that.”

Henderson underwent surgery which she said had “significantly” improved her symptoms.

While there is no cure for endometriosis, treatments are available to help manage the pain.

She has since partnered with Endometriosis UK, a charity focused on raising awareness of the condition.

Henderson said: “I don’t want future generations of women to go through what I did.

“I know that my situation isn’t unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long.

“My hope is to be a voice for those still searching for answers and show those living with endometriosis that they’re not alone.

“I want anyone living with this condition to feel a sense of empowerment and be enabled to take back control of their lives by knowing what is actually going on with their bodies.”