BBC star left 'on floor in intense pain' as she reveals 'bone-grinding' health issue

BBC star Emma Barnett has opened up about her experience with a debilitating condition that affects one in 10 women in the UK. Before having children, the presenter said she collapsed "in huge amounts of pain" while running through a park with a friend.

"I didn't know what was happening and my friend was really scared," she recalled. After seeing a doctor, she was later diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 31.

Emma, now 41, also suffers from adenomyosis, a condition that can frequently exist alongside endometriosis.

According to the NHS, endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body. Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue from the lining of the womb grows into the muscle wall of the womb.

Living with these gynaecological conditions can have a significant impact on daily life, causing symptoms including heavy and painful periods, swelling, pelvic, back and leg pain, and in some cases, infertility.

Emma has described her pain as "bond-grinding", adding that she has "learned to succumb to it".

"Some days, I can't think straight and I get intense pain down my legs, which feels like I've been pulled down," she told Grazia magazine.

The former BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour host said there have also been times when she has had to lie on the floor beside her two children while in pain.

"At times, I've had to lie on the floor next to them until it's over," she added. Emma has made several lifestyle changes to help ease inflammation, though she still experiences frequent pain.

She added: "But people wouldn't know it because of the way I am, the way I present, and the sort of spirit I have. Even when my insides are like a meat grinder, I can't let myself get bad about it."

It's not known what causes endometriosis and there are currently no treatments that can cure it. But treatment can help manage it, according to the NHS.

Emma is fronting a BBC documentary to highlight what she described as "a silent emergency" for women who suffer with the condition.

"Endometriosis is a system-wide disease that can affect your brain, lungs and bowel, but people just think it's painful periods," she added.

The broadcaster hopes the film will lead to greater awareness, increased funding and improved NHS pathways for what has long been described as an underdiagnosed, poorly funded and often misunderstood condition.

Last month, the Government released the renewed Women's Health Strategy for England, in which Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced by those living with endometriosis and outlined plans to reduce diagnosis times and improve access to gynaecology care.

As part of a statement, he said: "Whether it’s being passed from one appointment to another for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids, or a lack of proper pain relief during invasive procedures, through to having to navigate symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis, it’s clear the system is failing women.

"Women’s voices must be central to delivering effective, respectful and empathetic care. We need to hit medical misogyny where it hurts - the wallet. Today’s renewed strategy will tackle the issues women face every day and ensure no woman is left fighting to be heard."