Bindi Irwin opens up about her decade-long struggle with Endometriosis on International Women's Day

Australian conservationist and television personality Bindi Irwin has revealed that she recently underwent surgery for endometriosis after struggling with the condition for a decade. In a series of social media posts uploaded on International Women’s Day and during Endometriosis Awareness Month, Irwin spoke about her experiences with the disease and called for greater awareness and understanding of the condition. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy periods and fertility issues. It affects approximately one in ten people born with a uterus and is most common among those in their 30s and 40s.

Irwin, who is 24 years old, described her experiences with the condition, saying that she had struggled with “insurmountable fatigue, pain, and nausea” for ten years. She also recounted being told by a doctor that these symptoms were simply something that women had to deal with, causing her to give up on seeking help. According to CNN, after finally receiving a diagnosis, Irwin underwent surgery to remove 37 lesions caused by endometriosis, some of which were “very deep and difficult to remove.” She is now on the road to recovery. Moreover, she used her platform to share her story and validate the experiences of others who may be dealing with similar symptoms.

“Let this be your validation that your pain is real and you deserve help,” she wrote. “I’m sharing my story for anyone who reads this and is quietly dealing with pain and no answers.” Irwin is not the only high-profile figure to speak out about their experiences with endometriosis. In a documentary released last year, comedian Amy Schumer discussed her own decades-long battle with what she called a “lonely disease.” Schumer also underwent surgery to remove her uterus in 2021.

Endometriosis is a complex and poorly understood condition and sadly, at present, there is no cure for it. However, there is a range of treatments available to manage symptoms, including pain relief medication, hormone therapy and surgery.

Irwin’s decision to speak out about her experiences is a crucial step towards raising awareness of endometriosis and reducing the stigma associated with it. As her brother Robert wrote on Instagram, “You never know who’s suffering in silence, let’s make this a topic that we all freely talk about.”

Irwin’s family members have also expressed their support for her, with her husband, Chandler Powell, calling her an inspiration and her mother, Terri Irwin, praising her strength and resilience.

Besides family, Irwin herself also spoke about her gratitude for her daughter, Grace, who was born in March 2021. Irwin requested people to become more mindful and respectful when asking about her plans for further children, given the toll that endometriosis has taken on her body. “After all that my body has gone through, I feel tremendously grateful that we have our gorgeous daughter,” she wrote. “She feels like our family’s miracle.”