AYRSHIRE’S first endometriosis support group will begin holding meetings for people suffering from the condition this week.

Meeting for the first time on Tuesday, August 16 at 7pm in Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms, the group allows people with the condition to help each other through their physical and mental struggles.

Endometriosis UK run the group, which is not only suitable for people with an official diagnosis but offers support to those who suspect they may have endometriosis but are struggling to get a diagnosis.

The group’s leader, Julie Burns, said: “I became a member of Endometriosis UK a good number of years ago and try hard to raise awareness, but I just suddenly realised that there wasn’t a support group in Ayrshire.

“My experience with endometriosis has certainly made me want to help younger women who need to be able to know the options available to them. There are examples of women having to go into chemical menopause in their 20s.

"We need more research on this condition which affects one in 10 women, that’s around 1.5 million women in the UK.

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“The group is all about providing that safe space for people who have the condition.”

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where cells like those found in the uterus grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, causing pain and even complications such as infertility.

Some of the primary symptoms of endometriosis are having pain in your lower stomach or back which is usually worse during your period, period pain that stops you doing your normal activities, feeling sick or experiencing constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period, and having difficulty getting pregnant.

Julie, 50, has been suffering with the condition since her teen years but did not receive a diagnosis until 28 years later when she was in her 40s.

The group is not able to help with any medical or legal advice for endometriosis sufferers. Contact the support group via email: ayrshiregroup@endometriosis-uk.org or via their Facebook page.