March is Endometriosis Awareness Month—which means it’s time to amplify the voices of those living with the condition and battling through pain every. single. day. Sophie is one of those women, and we’re so grateful she’s sharing her journey with us.
First, what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—leading to inflammation, scar tissue, and severe, life-impacting pain, especially during periods. It can also impact fertility and mental health. Since there is no known cause or cure, people like Sophie can only manage their symptoms.
Endometriosis affects millions of people globally and roughly 10% of women of reproductive age.
The Hidden Struggles
Sophie has been living with endometriosis since she was 10 years old. (Yes, you read that right). She says, “I had to become a woman before I even had the chance to be a kid.”
Because symptoms vary widely, it is notoriously difficult to diagnose—often leading to delayed treatment and prolonged suffering.
For Sophie, the symptoms are not just period cramps—which can be painful enough as is—but include leg and back pain that feels “like my spine has completely re-jigged itself and is pushing on every nerve it can find.” Sophie shares that endometriosis has been found on her “rectum, deep in the left wall of my uterus, all over my bowel, and adhesions on my bladder.”
Dealing with the pain
Sophie went through an excision surgery to remove some of her endometriosis in 2021, but the pain didn’t magically disappear. As a chronic and recurring disease, it’s still part of her everyday life—which she describes as “one long battle with your own body.”
Part of that battle means navigating unexpected flare-ups, adapting her movement, and adjusting her daily activities around her fatigue and pain.
On top of that, those living with endometriosis often face a lack of understanding and empathy due to limited education and awareness of the condition. That’s why we’re so happy to highlight Sophie’s story today.
Finding Comfort Amid the Chaos
While dealing with endometriosis is tough, Sophie says she’s found a little slice of comfort in wearing our undies: “I don’t know how I’d get through my bloating, inflammation, and pain without my Huha undies and bras. They’re SO comfortable, especially during my flare-ups!”
Let’s continue to speak up, share our stories, and stand together. Endometriosis is real, and so is your strength. The more we talk about it, the harder it is for others to ignore!
For resources to learn more about Endometriosis, please feel free to visit The Endometriosis Network Canada or The Endometriosis Foundation of America. You can also hear more about Sophie’s experience and journey here.
