{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67c22c6e862c4bbfeaaf0e2c/6980f411d77e5e94dc857534?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Endometriosis, Explained – with Kathleen King","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/67c22c6e862c4bbfeaaf0e2c/1770058647273-751f9c44-2aa7-4e20-8e8e-1d3160a4b8a0.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><br></p><p>Endometriosis is far more than “bad periods” and in this powerful conversation, we unpack what that really means for pain, fertility, and everyday life with endo.</p><p>I’m joined by Kathleen King who is a  medical scientist, long‑time endometriosis advocate, acupuncturist, and host of Ireland’s dedicated endometriosis and adenomyosis podcast, DEARG (Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources and Guidance). </p><p>Kathleen brings years of lived experience and advocacy, alongside her scientific background, to cut through the myths and confusion that still surround this complex disease.</p><p>We talk about what endometriosis actually is (and isn’t), why it’s so often missed or minimised, and how that delay can shape both physical health and fertility options. </p><p>Kathleen shares the patterns she sees again and again in Irish healthcare – from “normalised” severe period pain to the years‑long wait for diagnosis – and what needs to change for people with endo to be believed, investigated, and treated earlier.</p><p>What we cover</p><ul><li>What endometriosis and adenomyosis actually are, and why the “just bad periods” narrative is so damaging.</li><li>Classic red flags: severe period pain, bowel and bladder symptoms, fatigue, pain with sex, and fertility struggles – and when to push for proper investigation.</li><li>Why diagnosis can still take years, including medical misogyny, patchy training, and system delays.</li><li>How endometriosis can impact fertility, IVF outcomes, and decision‑making around treatment, pregnancy, and timing.</li><li>Current treatment options – surgery, hormones, pain management, and complementary supports – and how to navigate choices in an Irish context.</li><li>Advocacy in the consultation room: what to say, questions to ask, and how to be taken seriously.</li><li>The emotional and psychological toll of living with an invisible, often dismissed condition, and practical ways to protect your mental health while trying to conceive.</li></ul><p>This is a validating listen whether you have a diagnosis, suspect endo, or support someone who lives with it.</p><p>About my guest</p><p>Kathleen King is an independent endometriosis and adenomyosis advocate, acupuncturist, and medical scientist, and has been a leading voice in Irish endometriosis advocacy for many years. She is the founder and host of DEARG – Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources and Guidance – a podcast and platform dedicated to sharing evidence‑based information, resources, and real stories from those living with endo and adeno.</p><p>Connect and resources</p><ul><li>Listen to DEARG: Delivering Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources and Guidance wherever you get your podcasts.</li><li>Follow Kathleen’s ongoing advocacy and educational work via DEARG and Irish endometriosis support organisations.</li></ul><p>If you’re living with suspected or confirmed endometriosis and want mind‑body support for fertility, you can learn more about Fertility Finesse and my 1:1 work via the links in the show description.</p>","author_name":"Helena Tubridy"}