全科醫生對《叛徒》明星對子宮內膜異位症的恐懼一笑置之

Elen Wyn, a contestant on the reality show The Traitors, has bravely shared her long and painful journey to getting diagnosed with endometriosis. This condition, which affects many women, caused Elen significant discomfort for over a decade. Hailing from Anglesey, Elen recounted how, during her ten-year struggle, she was often dismissed by medical professionals who told her that her pain was merely a result of having a low pain threshold. This experience left her feeling invalidated and frustrated, especially as she described the pain as feeling like 'barbed wire around her stomach. ' Elen's ordeal began when she started her menstrual cycle at the age of 14. The pain she experienced was so severe that it often kept her from attending school and participating in sports. Despite her suffering, doctors continued to downplay her symptoms, attributing them to normal menstrual discomfort. Elen was offered a contraceptive pill as a solution, but she felt uncomfortable accepting this option since she was not sexually active. As her pain worsened, she found herself unable to walk or even leave her home at times. Elen vividly described her pain, saying, 'Sometimes it's like you're being repeatedly stabbed. ' She knew deep down that what she was experiencing was not normal, regardless of what the doctors told her. After seeing other women share their experiences with endometriosis on social media platforms like TikTok, Elen began to suspect that she might have the same condition. While studying in Cardiff at the age of 21, she sought help from another doctor, but unfortunately, this doctor also dismissed her concerns, suggesting that her pain tolerance was simply too low. Feeling defeated, Elen decided to request an appointment with a female doctor. This time, she felt heard and validated, as the female doctor agreed that her symptoms could indicate endometriosis. However, when initial tests such as an ultrasound and MRI came back clear, Elen was determined to find out the truth. It was only after insisting on further testing that her stage four endometriosis was finally diagnosed. This diagnosis revealed that the disease had spread to various parts of her body, including her bowel, bladder, fallopian tubes, and kidney. Currently, Elen is on a waiting list for surgery, which could take up to four years. In the meantime, she has taken to social media to raise awareness about endometriosis and the struggles that many women face when seeking help. Endometriosis is a gynecological condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other areas of the body, such as the fallopian tubes, pelvis, and intestines. In rare cases, it can even be found in the lungs and brain. Symptoms of endometriosis can include severe pain, fatigue, and heavy periods, and it is also linked to infertility. Elen expressed her frustration at feeling like she was 'dramatising' her symptoms, a sentiment that many women with endometriosis can relate to. Research from Endometriosis UK indicates that the average time it takes to receive a diagnosis in Wales is currently the longest in the UK, having increased from nine years in 2020. Elen shared that during her long wait for a diagnosis, she received little support from her GP. She was offered options like the coil or the pill, but felt that more could be done to help her manage her condition. Through her own research, Elen has made lifestyle changes to alleviate her symptoms, such as reducing her alcohol and caffeine intake, engaging in low-impact exercise, and prioritizing sleep. She noted, 'I don't suffer nearly as much as I used to. but I have done that all on my own. ' Elen believes that there is a significant stigma surrounding endometriosis, largely because it is associated with female hormones. She feels that this stigma leads people to dismiss the seriousness of the condition and the pain that women experience. Elen has called on the Welsh government to provide more funding, better information, and greater sensitivity towards women's health issues. She stated, 'I think GPs need to spend more time exploring symptoms and offering other solutions rather than just the pill or the coil; it's ridiculous. ' In response, the Welsh government has acknowledged that endometriosis is one of the eight priorities in its Women's Health Plan for Wales. They have already funded endometriosis nurses in every health board and developed the Endometriosis Cymru website. Additionally, they have allocated £50 million in funding to help reduce waiting times for gynecological conditions. By March 2026, they plan to establish a Women's Health Hub in every health board to support timely diagnosis and management of menstrual conditions, including endometriosis. Elen's story highlights the importance of listening to women's health concerns and the need for better support and understanding from medical professionals.