A support group to help woman who suffer from Endometriosis has launched in Falkirk, a first of its kind in the district.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
It affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
That makes it as common as diabetes and asthma and can be a debilitating disease for many, impacting all areas of a woman's life.
It causes immense pain along with a host of other symptoms and often women require multiple surgeries to treat the condition.
Cara McCall is volunteer Support Group Leader for Endometriosis UK, she set up the group in Falkirk, and hopes it's start a conversation amongst women in the area.
Speaking to Falkirk Live, Cara said: "Having a group in Falkirk gives sufferers and people with suspected Endometriosis a place to talk, where everyone knows what you're going through.
"It gives group members a support system that they may not have had before and a chance to be open without any subject being deemed too much information.
"Normally talking about menstrual health is deemed a taboo subject, so having a safe space for people to talk is vital to help throughout their journey with Endometriosis.
"Being able to open up about their experiences, getting advice from people who have had similar treatment, these can make such a difference in how someone copes with Endometriosis.
She added: "During my own diagnosis of endometriosis, I used Endometriosis UK to search for a support group but the closest groups to me were Fife, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
"I found that if I lacked a support group then there was bound to be other women and people with endometriosis who also needed the support from a group.
"After my diagnosis, I reached out to Endometriosis UK and pitched the idea of me starting a group in Falkirk, they've been so supportive throughout the creation of the group.
"From starting the group initially on Facebook, I've had people come forward who have never spoken about their experience before but have wanted to join the group to help others navigate their own menstrual health.
"I've had people join the group looking for information to support loved ones and friends. People are sharing and referring people they know with Endometriosis to the group, so seeing how caring the community in Falkirk has been so far, has been very rewarding."
The main symptoms of endometriosis are:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when peeing or pooing during your period
- Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
