One in 10 women in the UK have endometriosis – a painful, crippling condition in which tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb is found in other parts of the body, creating little scars or adhesions. Though awareness about this illness is on the rise, namely thanks to the leading charity Endometriosis UK, most women, men and doctors are still unaware of its detrimental physical symptoms and psychological consequences.

 

Emmie McGee is a 23-year-old fashion illustrator based in London. She has been battling this disease since she was 13. She believes she’s had over 60 medical appointments and even more referrals in the last 10 years. None of them led to any improvement of her symptoms. Doctors often dismiss her, saying “it’s in your head”. On a good day, Emmie will feel sudden, sharp pains in her ovaries from time to time. On a bad day, she is bed-ridden, incapable of standing up, eating or moving. Endometriosis has consumed her life – affecting every aspect of it from her studies, work, friendships and sex.