March is Endometriosis Action Month. Three of our students have shared their experiences of living with endometriosis at university to help raise awareness around this and the support available.
Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK, yet so many are still unaware of the condition and its impact.
Jade, a final year Biomedical science student:
Starting university with endometriosis can be tough, but having the right support makes all the difference…
Throughout my time at NTU, the library team has been an invaluable source of additional support. They’ve offered assistance with various aspects of my academic life, from helping me devise revision schedules to providing guidance on effective note-taking techniques.
In addition, my module team and tutor have shown remarkable understanding of my needs. Together, we’ve developed a comprehensive plan to accommodate my condition on high pain days. This includes assessment extensions, the ability to apply for next opportunity sittings when unwell, and even the option to delay graduation if necessary.
Having undergone two surgeries during my time at university, I’ve faced the daunting task of rebuilding my cognitive abilities after each recovery. However, the disability team at NTU has been instrumental in arranging necessary adjustments to support my academic journey. They’ve provided me with an access statement outlining my specific needs, including extra time, breaks, smaller exam rooms, and accommodations for eating and taking medication during exams. Their proactive approach has ensured that I have the necessary resources and accommodations to succeed despite the challenges I face.
One of the most significant forms of support I’ve received is through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). This has enabled me to access a range of services tailored to my needs. From note-taking and mindfulness apps to back and foot rests for comfort during long study sessions.
My journey at NTU has taught me that I don’t have to face the challenges of endometriosis alone. The collective support of the university community has provided me with a safe space to thrive and explore new possibilities.
Kai, second year Mathematics student:
I’ve been dealing with this cyclic pain for over 10 years now and only recently have I been referred to a gynaecologist. Doctor’s appointments always turn out the same with it being suggested that ‘it can’t be that bad’, the ‘pain is all in your head’ and that ‘all women go through this, you just have to suck it up’. Something needs to give somewhere; someone needs to listen to me.
Endometriosis is a chronic pain condition that is thought to affect 1 in every 10 women, making it as common as diabetes but there is not enough awareness for what it is and how it affects people. Many healthcare providers term it a ‘period disease’ but the truth is that endometriosis can cause pain at any point in a cycle, and can even cause pain every day.
The biggest tip I can give to any university student struggling like me is to talk to your lecturers and be open and honest about the realities of the condition, my year tutor has given me permission to work from home wherever required, allowing me to spend my high pain days in bed resting my body while still engaging with my course in some way. I have an access statement in place allowing me 25% extra time while also granting me permission to have my painkillers on my desk should I need them through my exam. I also have a great support system through the friends I have met on my course, who keep me up to date with content that is particularly examinable, and they help me understand the content as if I had actually been in the lecture myself.
In terms of how I give myself support while living with endometriosis, I have to carry my painkillers at all times, I have a rechargeable hot water bottle that I bring to university with me and I also have a walking stick as the pain affects other areas of my body as well, making it difficult to support myself when standing and moving about. I regularly have hot baths, as hot as I can stand it to numb the pain and hopefully get a chance to relax my body. In order to manage the extreme fatigue that comes with the condition, I take supplements such as Magnesium and Zinc to support energy levels, I take greens to help deflate the very painful bloating I get, and I take D-Mannose and Tri-biotics to support my digestion and help to prevent the recurrent UTIs that go hand in hand with my daily symptoms.
Princy, first year Law student:
Being at university has allowed me to be a bit more optimistic and as I have made steady progress in my academic life, I realised struggling does not mean failure. I am still struggling a lot with managing my workload, with my condition being an extreme obstacle and trying to redeem a somewhat normal personal life. It has been so difficult, but nonetheless, since starting university, my knowledge of law has increased, I was able to volunteer with NLS Legal, I have gained new skills, and I am a little more confident in entering the field of law in my future.
Starting university after being diagnosed was daunting. However, the times that I have spoken to the disability team has been reassuring. The access statement has allowed for support to be in place without me having to go through lengthy procedures and obstacles. It has been easier for me to get time to rest when I need it. Some of the support that is in place is flexibility with attendance with notice to seminar tutors, extended loans for library books, extensions on coursework and rest breaks for examinations. There is more support that is accessible according to the needs necessary for the student. The support from university is an attempt to give us an equitable standing as that of an average student without the disability. I thought it was going to save me from all the troubles that this condition brings but it is not for that, it is simply increasing my chances to put my best self forward in my education.
Finally, I would like to end this with some advice that I have received: Doing your best is enough and your best looks different each day, and on some days, 1% is our best.
Endometriosis information and advice: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Epilepsy Information & Advice
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus
CALM
Healthy NTU 