Australian singer and radio presenter Ricki-Lee Coulter has revealed she has undergone surgery after a decade-long battle with endometriosis.
The Australian Idol host told her social media followers she had been dealing with "almost unbearable" pain every day in the past couple of years as the disease worsened.
"Anyone with endometriosis knows it takes a long time to get to the point where you have surgery and can get any kind of diagnosis - and that you have to advocate for yourself and keep pushing for answers," she said.
"Over the years I have seen so many doctors and specialists, and have been down so many different paths to try and figure out what was going on - and for so long I thought the pain was just something I had to deal with."
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting at least one in nine girls and women in Australia and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain that can be debilitating.
On average it takes 6.5 years for women to be diagnosed with endometriosis due to varying symptoms and a lack of understanding about the disease, according to Endometriosis Australia.
Ms Coulter said at the start of 2024 a new GP and specialist had finally led to surgery - "the only option left".
"This week I had a laparoscopy and excision surgery and they removed all the endometriosis they found," she said.
"I can only hope that is the end of the pain."
Ms Coulter said she was recovering at home and "feeling good".
The post was met with an outpouring of support and women sharing their own stories including radio host Jackie O who said she was "sending so much love".
"Been where you are now and it gets so much better honey," she said.
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame said the story "resonated deeply".
"So many of us are on a similar path. Sending solidarity, strength and healing vibes," she said.
In 2023 Bindi Irwin spoke of her battle with endometriosis and the fight for diagnosis after 10 years of "insurmountable fatigue, pain and nausea".
She said she wanted to share her story to confront the stigma surrounding the disease and to encourage women to "keep searching for answers" if they are dealing with pain.
