Ms Breda McMahon:

For many people, birth control does not resolve the pain. It comes back to the piece around education and a lack of awareness among GPs. It takes, on average, nine years for a diagnosis. In my case it was more like 12 years. I received a diagnosis because I did extensive research myself, used information from the Endometriosis Association of Ireland website and presented that to a GP. GPs are not spotting the signs of this condition. There is a complete lack of awareness and people are suffering.