Hi all! 

Today is a more personal post. I am going to discuss my unique battle with endometriosis and how I was able to overcome it. I’m hoping those that can relate, will see there are highly effective treatment methods. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

As a teenager, I had uncomfortable periods, but they weren’t anything I couldn’t live with. My cycle was regular and compared to some of my friends, I was quite lucky. After I gave birth to my first and only child, it took a while for my period to return. I breastfed for 13 months, which is quite a long time. It came back lightly at first, but as the months wore on, I noticed my cycles were a lot heavier and more painful than they were pre-conception. Within the first year of our daughter’s life, my husband and I decided we didn’t want anymore children. There are many reasons for this, which I won’t detail here. I put myself on the waiting list at the hospital to have my tubes removed. Not only would it make me sterile, I had heard the procedure aided painful periods. 

By the time the hospital was ready for me, my husband and I were in the process of uprooting our entire lives to move from Melbourne to Queensland (read here). In our small coastal town up north, I had to plead my case to an elderly male doctor, as to why I wanted/needed this surgery. He tried to convince me not to go through with it. After all, I was young and healthy – why wouldn’t I want more children? I argued the many reasons why a woman may not want to procreate further (mental health, finances, our political climate etc.) and he relented. Within a few months, my bilateral salpingectomy (the removal of both fallopian tubes) was scheduled. I could’ve had my tubes tied, but I didn’t want to risk any accidental pregnancies. I wanted a foolproof method. The procedure was a success (or so I thought) and I felt at peace. I no longer had to worry about falling pregnant and my cycles were on track to improve. How wrong I was! 

At first, it looked like things had worked. My periods felt similar to how they were pre-conception. However, it wasn’t long before they returned with a vengeance and with it, a diagnosis of Secondary Dysmennorrhea. This condition falls under the umbrella of Endometriosis. It can develop later in life, caused by all sorts of things. For me, it was the bilateral salpingectomy – the very thing that was supposed to help me. My monthly cycles became unbearable (for lack of a better term). I could not walk. I could not work. I bled so much I almost fainted. I developed an iron deficiency. I lost weight. I was constantly dizzy and tired. I screamed and cried in bed during the beginning stages. The painkillers did absolutely nothing. It was AWFUL. My worst symptom however, was fear. I was terrified what each month would bring; unaware of how bad it would be. My place of employment was so understanding. I was lucky to be surrounded by predominately females, who got it. 

And so began my journey of trying to get a medical professional to take me seriously. I sought out several medical opinions; undergoing multiple ultrasounds. All I heard in return was that I had a particularly thick lining and to just take pain medication. I told them the pills did nothing. The pain literally overrode the medication. It didn’t matter what I said, I was met with constant pushback. I felt like I was going mad. Like maybe I just had a low-pain tolerance and this was something I had to suck up for the rest of my life. In a last ditch attempt, my husband recommended I see a female gynaecologist. I didn’t dare get my hopes up. Thankfully, this woman was sent by an angel. The minute I walked into her office for the first time – I hadn’t even sat down yet – she said to me: “whoever told you a bilateral salpingectomy helps period pain was wrong. I am so sorry you were fed that misinformation. It actually makes it worse.” I could’ve wept right there. For the first time, I was being vindicated. She explained that when the tubes are cut, the blood can pool in the protrusions, making periods ten times heavier and more painful. I could not believe what I was hearing. She then went on to offer me a solution – an endometrial ablation. She had been performing them as a surgeon for years -at an excellent success rate. Basically, you are put under anaesthesia, whilst the lining of your uterus is burnt off. It is a permanent procedure, typically resulting in never having a period again. At the very least, some individuals retain minor spotting. It’s also 100% non-hormonal. Perfect! She told me to think about it but I didn’t need to. On the drive home, I sobbed and sobbed, so grateful I wouldn’t have to live like this for much longer. 

On October 17th, 2025 I was admitted to a private hospital for the ablation. The surgery was successful, however, I had a bit of a rough recovery. On the drive home, it felt like my insides had been burnt (because they had). I screamed and cried in pain, unable to get relief. After that, the pain began to lessen, but I developed an unrelated virus due to my low immune system. Once that cleared, I was left with some persistent watery discharge. There was no pain, no excessive bleeding and no more fear. At this stage, I haven’t had a proper period. It will take a few cycles to see the full results but something feels different. I know it’s over. The battle has been fought and won. I really want more people to know about the ablation. Click here to read more about my particular procedure. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, believe me. 

If I can leave you with anything, it’s this. Do not stop advocating for your physical and mental health. Always get multiple medical opinions if something does not feel right. Periods are not meant to be this painful. If they are, something is wrong. You are not complaining or too soft. This is not something you just have to endure until menopause. 

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you got something out of it. 

Peace & Love xoxo