Bindi Irwin has revealed she spent a decade seeking answers before being diagnosed with endometriosis, opening up about years of what she described as “indescribable, inescapable pain.”
The conservationist and television personality shared the details in an Instagram post this week that has inspired followers and received passionate responses from fans and public figures.
‘Cut out of my body’
“In the last three years, I’ve had over 50 endometriosis lesions cut out of my body,” Irwin wrote, describing multiple procedures including the removal of a cyst, an appendectomy and hernia repair.
The 27-year-old Australian added that she tried to manage the condition privately after being told by doctors that her symptoms were, “just part of being a woman,” and said she, “spent 10 years being undiagnosed.”
The daughter of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin described the emotional toll of living without answers, saying that as a teenager and young adult she “felt weak and deeply insecure” and “trapped in my own body.”
Her post, shared during Endometriosis Awareness Month, urged greater recognition of the condition and support for those experiencing similar symptoms.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often causing significant pain and complications.
‘The most important takeaway’
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Endometriosis can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods,” and in some cases may also lead to fertility problems.
The organization notes that symptoms can worsen over time and vary widely among patients.
Irwin’s experience reflects broader patterns seen in diagnosis delays.
An article from NYU Langone Health reports that, “the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is seven-to-10 years,” with many patients initially dismissed or misdiagnosed.
“The most important takeaway is that pain is not normal,” Dr. Kathy Huang, director of NYU Langone Health’s Endometriosis Center, said.
The post prompted an outpouring of support in the 3,600 comments, including from Irwin’s mother, Terri Irwin, who wrote: “I am so proud of you for sharing your journey, Bindi.
“I have learned that it is important for women to seek out a surgeon who performs excision surgery instead of ablation. Everyone deserves to live without pain!”
Other responses echoed similar sentiments.
“You’re so brave! I’m so proud of you,” wrote Dancing With the Stars professional Witney Carson, who won the mirrorball trophy with Irwin’s brother, Robert Irwin, in the most recent season of the show.
‘Do better!’
One Instagram supporter on behalf of many commented: “The amount of women that get told, ‘It’s just part of being a woman,’ is extremely sad, doctors and the education system needs to do better!
“Thank you for sharing your story. Not only is it a reflection of your strength, but it 100 percent helps other girls.”
Irwin encouraged others experiencing unexplained pain to continue seeking answers, writing: “If you’re in pain, my heart breaks for you. I believe you. Please find answers. And don’t give up on yourself.”
Her post has contributed to renewed discussion about women’s health and the challenges many face in getting timely diagnoses, particularly for conditions that are not immediately visible, or easily detected.
Newsweek has reached out to Bindi Irwin for comment via Instagram.
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