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Loose Women’s Judi Love opens up on ‘unbearable’ 20-year health battle and details the ‘physical and mental strain’ of living with the condition

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Loose Women’s Judi Love has opened up on on her ‘unbearable’ battle with Endometriosis.

The comedian, aged 44, who received a diagnosis for this condition more than two decades back, has recently shared about the ‘toll’ – both physical and mental – that it takes on her.

She shared with The Mirror, “I waited approximately five years to receive a diagnosis, and typically it takes even longer – up to nine years. Unfortunately, women’s pain isn’t always given the attention it deserves, often leading symptoms to be dismissed as severe menstrual cramps.

At that point in time, the topic wasn’t widely discussed, so upon receiving my diagnosis, I must admit I was unfamiliar with it. However, the impact on my life, both physically and mentally, could at times be overwhelming.

It’s crucial that we encourage more honest discussions about endometriosis and its effects, along with advocating for proper diagnoses. Ignoring and invalidating the pain associated with this condition is a challenging experience that many people face.

In endometriosis, tissue that resembles the lining found within the womb develops in places outside the uterus instead.

It’s a common condition that affects around 1 in 10 women and adolescents of reproductive age.

Signs of Endometriosis may encompass lower abdomen discomfort, severe menstrual cramps, tenderness or pain following sexual activity, prolonged and heavy menstrual flow, difficulty conceiving, as well as persistent tiredness or reduced vitality.

A persistent health issue may influence various parts of the female reproductive system, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, the uterine wall, the pelvic cavity lining, and the area near the rectum or bladder where it’s close to the uterus.

Endometriosis isn’t a form of infection, it’s not contagious, nor is it cancer. Proper management often helps alleviate many of its associated problems.

Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause.

Medical experts might suggest individuals diagnosed with endometriosis not to postpone starting a family, as the condition could potentially worsen over time.

On Loose Women, Judi previously shared that it took approximately seven years for her to receive a diagnosis for her long-term illness.

Judi mentioned that it wasn’t until she was around 25 years old, approximately seven years after turning 17, that her condition was finally diagnosed.

Reflecting on it, the memory of past pain resurfaces as I consider your situation. As you enter puberty, your body is transforming, bringing about uncertainty and discomfort. It suddenly struck me that you might be experiencing severe menstrual cramps like I used to.

She went on to say: “The discomfort was so severe that it would keep me in bed for several days, I had no appetite, I was often nauseous, and eventually it started impacting my job.

Eventually, my condition worsened to such a point that I required emergency care at the hospital. It was severe and intense, leading to standard procedures like inquiries about potential pregnancy and various tests related to the infection I had.

Instead, the response might be something like, “They’d simply say, ‘It seems to be menstrual cramps; try some acetaminophen, it might alleviate your discomfort.’

Judi elaborated on her challenges conceiving and shared that she needed repeated visits to her physicians, as she described her menstrual cycles as particularly severe.

At the point in question, I had a significant other, a partner for quite some time, and we were contemplating starting a family. However, despite our efforts, I couldn’t conceive.

I found it necessary to consult my physicians regarding some severe menstrual issues, and I needed to make multiple follow-up visits.

She added: ‘Women, particularly women of color, often find that their menstrual discomfort and struggles are not given the same importance or attention.’

After much persistence over several months, I was eventually recommended to see a gynecologist. Subsequently, I underwent a laparoscopic procedure, in which they examine the inside of your abdomen. This revealed that I have Endometriosis.

She revealed: ‘I never really knew what it was, but it really impacted me emotionally.’

You can call the Endometriosis UK helpline for free, confidential support at 0808 808 2227.

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2025-01-12 15:06

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