The Camden Haven local has organised an “Endometriosis Awareness Ride” at North Haven on Saturday, 7 December

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This event holds a special significance for Brittany after personally experiencing the excruciating pain and debilitating effects of this disease for years.

Endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body.

According to Endometriosis Australia, the disease primarily affects the reproductive organs but can also be found in areas surrounding the bowel and bladder, as well as in the skin, joints, lungs and brain.

It can cause severe pelvic pain, hospitalisation, and potentially lead to fertility issues.

According to the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, around one in seven (14 percent) women born in 1973–1978 were estimated to have been diagnosed with endometriosis by age 44–49.

Among a younger cohort of women born in 1989–95, 8.8 percent were estimated to have been diagnosed with endometriosis by age 26–31.

There were more than 3,600 endometriosis-related emergency department (ED) presentations in 2021-22, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Despite its prevalence, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness surrounding endometriosis, leading to delayed diagnoses and insufficient treatment options for many sufferers.

Reflecting on her own journey, Brittany recalls how her symptoms were dismissed during her teenage years.

This led to a prolonged term of uncertainty and misdiagnosis, a reality faced by countless women who often grapple with this disease in silence.

Endometriosis Australia estimates there is an average 6.5 year diagnosis delay for the disease in Australia.

“My period was never ever normal,” said Brittany.

“But because I was only 15, my pain and symptoms were dismissed.

‘When I was 20, I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis.

“I was so relieved but I was also really shocked.

“I thought: ‘Why haven’t I heard of endometriosis before?’”

By sharing her story and organising the Endometriosis Awareness Ride, Brittany hopes to shine a light on a topic that has long been shrouded in stigma and misconceptions.

Through open dialogue and community engagement, Brittany is aiming to empower individuals affected by endometriosis to speak out, seek appropriate care, and take charge of their health journey.

“For anyone experiencing the effects of endometriosis I want you to understand that you are not overreacting, it is an actual disease,” said Brittany.

“You need to keep pushing, to keep fighting for it, and don’t stop because there are doctors out there that are going to listen to you.”

To learn more about Brittany’s Endometriosis Awareness Ride, visit www.facebook.com/share/19jhYVqFP9/?mibextid=9l3rBW.

By Kim AMBROSE