'My pain became so intolerable, sex was off the table.'

If you’re suffering from Endometriosis or experiencing symptoms, always seek medical advice from your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.

Throughout high school, I knew something was wrong.

My period pain was often so intense that I could hardly see straight, making it extremely difficult for me to concentrate on my studies.

I had been to see at least three different GP’s, all of which recommended new contraceptive pills to try and easy my pain.

By the time I was 18, I had trialled six different contraceptives, with no luck.

Pain was, and continues to be the norm for me. It wasn’t until I was 20 that I demanded to see a specialist about my pain, and at the behest of my GP at the time, she granted me a referral.

Upon seeing a Gynaecologist, he immediately recognised the signs of Endometriosis, and we worked together to find a solution.

At this point in my life, I was studying full-time completing my Bachelor of Business Management, and working two jobs, one as a Manager of an Italian Restaurant.

My pain was becoming intolerable, sex was off the table, or just a 'push through the pain' experience, I could not concentrate, I was constantly tired and had a myriad of health and psychological issues.

The tipping point for me, and I'll never forget this day, I was walking to the train station to catch a train to uni, my pain was so intense that I was clenching my fist, digging my nails into my hand.

I looked down and noticed that blood was dripping down my hand from my nails cutting into my skin -- and was still less painful than what was going on in my lady bits.

I was lucky enough to have a laparoscopy in 2015 that abated the endo for at least a year, unfortunately, one of the many drawbacks of endometriosis is that it grows back over time.

I am currently working through my pain as I work full-time and start up my postgraduate studies again, but I'm grateful for the support and love of those around me.

When my best friend was diagnosed early this year I was devastated, I do not wish this awful disease on anyone.

We're lucky we have each other, but there are a lot of women out there I'm sure who are not so lucky.

If I had one wish, I would love for people to realise that this pain is real, it's damaging and it's severe.

I am sick of feeling confused, I am sick of feeling depressed, and I am sick of feeling lost in this horrible affliction.

I am appreciative that the endo community is growing, and gaining more attention in mainstream media, and I hope this pushes higher bodies to take action to solve the puzzle on a condition that affects at least one in 10 of us.

Mamamia's Endo Awareness Week, curated by Founder of EndoActive Syl Freedman, shines a light on a disease suffered by one in 10 Australian women. To read more from Endo Awareness Week, click here. If you'd like to find out more information on Endometriosis, Syl's story or Endo Active, visit endoactive.org.au and keep up to date on their Facebook page.