A professional footballer has spoken out about her recent diagnosis with endometriosis, a condition that caused debilitating pain and temporarily sidelined her career, in hopes of encouraging other women to seek medical advice.
The athlete, a striker for a Women’s Super League club and her national team, described experiencing severe abdominal pain that escalated dramatically during matches and training sessions. The discomfort became so intense on one occasion last season that she was forced to leave the pitch at halftime. Another episode around the Christmas holiday left her confined to bed for three days.
“It’s a sharp, stabbing pain that comes on very suddenly,” she explained. “As an athlete, your instinct is to push through, but there comes a point where you physically cannot.”
Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb, affects an estimated one in ten women. The player considers herself fortunate to have received a diagnosis within a year, noting that the average wait in the UK is reportedly close to a decade. Following her diagnosis, she underwent keyhole surgery earlier this year and has since returned to full training.
She decided to share her story publicly, which has already sparked more open conversations within her team’s locker room about menstrual health. “It’s helping us understand each other better,” she said. “I know other teammates have struggled too.”
Her journey to a diagnosis wasn’t straightforward. After seeking help, a first consultation with a specialist downplayed her symptoms. It was a second opinion that led to an MRI scan and the subsequent recommendation for surgery.
Health advocates stress that while some menstrual discomfort is common, pain that severely disrupts daily life is not normal and warrants medical attention. Common signs of endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, excessively heavy periods, pain during bowel movements or urination, and fatigue.
The footballer has faced significant health challenges before, having undergone major surgeries as a child. She views her ability to compete at an elite level despite these hurdles as a point of pride and a potential source of motivation for others.
Now back in action, her immediate focus is on an upcoming league derby. However, her broader message is directed at any woman who suspects something might be wrong.
“Trust your own feeling and your own body,” she urged. “Be confident, and don’t be pushed away if you feel you’re not being heard. Even with a condition like this, it doesn’t have to end your sporting career. You can still perform at the highest level.”
