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Endometriosis: the young woman lobbying for a pain-free future for sufferers of a debilitating condition affecting 1 in 10 women

9 October 2018

Katy Johnston was diagnosed with endometriosis in April 2018. She then made the news with a video she hoped would spread the word about a condition that affects 1 in 10 women.

She used her time in the public eye to help educate people about the issues surrounding endometriosis.

As a result, she was invited to the Scottish Parliament to discuss a condition that has devastated the lives of so many women.

Endometriosis: Spreading The Word!

Katy is spreading the word about endometriosis, and people are finally listening.

‘A future where people won’t suffer in pain’

Even though it’s a condition that affects such a relatively high proportion of women, Katy was keen to learn why 20% of the public have still never even heard the word endometriosis.

Another sufferer presented the panel at the Scottish Parliament with some of the comments to which she was subjected as a younger woman:

‘This is normal’, ‘every woman experiences this’ and, even though she was only 16 years old at the time, ‘it’ll get better if you have a baby’.

Katy’s goal was to express how important it is to talk about periods; to inform children and young adults about endometriosis and other gynecological issues; to allow young women to spot the signs and symptoms; and to encourage young women to speak up if they do feel pain.

Speaking to the assembled delegates left Katy feeling ‘overwhelmed’ but ultimately optimistic about future developments in education about endometriosis.

“There’s a good commitment from members across the political spectrum today; we’re making some real change. We’re a long way off in terms of what needs to be done, but we’re laying the groundwork for a future where people don’t have to suffer in pain.”

The final rallying call from Katy was for endometriosis sufferers to “get on social media, spread the word and share your story.”