I gave up on more treatment, pain and uncertainty

As Lena Dunham opens up about undergoing radical surgery in an an attempt to beat endometriosis, finds out more about this debilitating condition

Lena has been hospitalised at least three times in less than a year for endometriosis, according to her Vogue article. Last April, she underwent surgery to free her ovaries from her rectal wall and was declared endometriosis-free, before being rushed to hospital shortly afterwards with complications.

She had to cancel her American Lenny IRL tour and told fans she was “in the greatest amount of physical pain that I have ever experienced”. don’t know they have it.

“Symptoms of endometriosis can be quite vague,” says Dr Rodgers. “In many women the only symptom is very painful periods, but as many women are unaware of endometriosis, many think painful periods can be normal. It can be difficult to get a definitive diagnosis using non-invasive testing such as an ultrasound.

“The most reliable way of diagnosing endometriosis is to see the womb lining sitting outside of the womb within the pelvis, which can be achieved through keyhole surgery. This uses a laparoscopy [a camera] to see the womb lining. However, pelvic surgery can be a daunting prospect, so this may delay people from investigating any symptoms they are experiencing.”