Endometriosis Causes Constant Agony and Double Incontinence for UK Woman
Laura Packer's life changed dramatically when she got her first period at age 12 during a birthday sleepover. "I looked down at my pyjamas, and they were covered in blood," recalls Laura, now 31 from Bedfordshire. "I was scared and sad because those pyjamas were a birthday gift I loved. I knew immediately this couldn't be normal." This moment marked the start of years of excruciating pain and debilitating symptoms that would later be diagnosed as endometriosis.
Years of Misdiagnosis and Dismissal
Laura's periods were described as "a massacre," with severe pelvic pain that caused vomiting and migraines. Despite numerous visits to her GP—estimated at 20 times—she was often dismissed. "Doctors told me it was anxiety, suggested drinking milk for vitamin D, or advised testing for sexually transmitted diseases, even though I was a virgin," she explains. The pain was so intense she couldn't use tampons, resorting to thick incontinence pads that frequently leaked at school, leading to embarrassment and secrecy.
She carried tissues everywhere to clean seats and planned all activities around toilet access. Despite these challenges, Laura excelled academically, attending Goldsmiths, University of London, where she balanced a sociology degree with ongoing pain cycles. At 19, after exploratory surgery, she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition affecting over 1.5 million women in the UK, where cells similar to the uterine lining grow elsewhere in the body.
The Struggle with Symptoms and Treatments
Laura felt immense relief at the diagnosis, having been made to feel "dramatic" or "insane" by medical professionals. "I heard things like, 'It's just a bad period, you'll grow out of it,' or 'You're functioning, so it can't be that bad,'" she says. Following diagnosis, she underwent her first surgery, which provided only temporary relief. A year later, medication to stop her periods induced artificial menopause, causing hair loss, memory issues, and extreme rage episodes.
She has since had six operations to remove endometriosis, but the condition persists, causing cysts on her ovaries that can burst agonizingly. On her graduation day at age 21, one such rupture led to blood saturating her dress and gown, forcing her to leave celebrations early. Laura also developed urinary incontinence at 21 and double incontinence by 26, severely limiting her daily activities. "Incontinence is hard to hide; it stops me from going to parks, beaches, or traveling," she admits.
Impact on Relationships and Future Hopes
Laura's condition has affected her personal life profoundly. She met her partner Owen during lockdown, and they fell in love quickly, but sex is too painful due to her endometriosis. "With opioids, I could tolerate it, but not enjoy it. For the past three years, I've been unable to have sex without agony," she says sadly. They hope to have a baby someday, but Laura is uncertain about her fertility after multiple surgeries.
She has also abandoned her dream of becoming a psychologist due to an inability to sit in lecture halls for long periods. Engaged to Owen for three years, wedding plans are on hold pending future operations. Laura has been offered a hysterectomy, but it won't cure her condition. Next steps may include Botox injections in her bladder and sphincter or possible bladder removal. "I just want my bladder out because it causes so much pain. I'd have the surgery now if it could restore some quality of life," she states.
Advocacy and Awareness Efforts
Laura shares her experiences on Instagram as @endometriosisandme to raise awareness. She emphasizes that endometriosis is not just a "period disease" but a full-body inflammatory condition that attacks nerves, muscles, and structures controlling bladder and bowel functions. As part of a Holland & Barrett campaign with The Endometriosis Foundation, she helped create "Endo Pants" to illustrate symptoms. "I want people to understand how much it affects every part of your life," she says.
Endometriosis UK reports it takes over eight years on average for diagnosis, with many women having symptoms dismissed by healthcare professionals. Laura advocates for better support, noting, "If this was a male disease, I believe there would be a cure and much better support." Her story highlights the urgent need for improved medical responses and empathy for those suffering from chronic conditions like endometriosis.
