Endometriosis UK has revealed it has been working closely with BBC soap opera Eastenders in one of its latest storylines
Popular character Ruby suffered a miscarriage in March and her gynaecologist suggests that she could have endometriosis.
The charity said endometriosis is a widely undiagnosed condition; taking on average eight years to diagnose. It affects 1.5 million women in the UK alone or one in ten women from puberty to menopause, although the impact can be felt for life.
It is a chronic and often deliberating condition that can impact a person’s life in numerous ways including pelvic pain, painful irregular periods, bowel and bladder-related problems, painful sex, depression, and infertility. Not only can the disease worsen if it goes untreated, but the condition can also have a huge impact on someone’s career, relationships, and mental health.
Over the next few months, Eastender’s characters Ruby and Martin will be learning to live with the condition and will sadly experience some of the heart-breaking consequences of endometriosis, while shining a light on the condition and raising awareness.
Endometriosis UK spokeswoman, Faye Farthing said: “It’s a huge step forward to see EastEnders tackle endometriosis head-on, a UK soap first that will no doubt help end the stigmas associated with the condition.
We’re delighted to have been working closely with EastEnders on this story
We hope it will go a long way in removing the taboos and help anyone experiencing symptoms feel empowered to seek help – as the latest statistics show 64 percent of women aged 16-24 have never heard of endometriosis and 80 percent would put off going to the doctor with symptoms.”
The charity has recently welcomed new guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence(NICE) on chronic pain.
Do you have similar symptoms to Ruby? Or have you been recently diagnosed with endometriosis? We’d love to hear your story, email mystory@ivfbabble.com or contact us via our social media pages, @IVFbabble on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
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