Studying at university with endometriosis
23 June 2025
This article was written by Fashion Marketing student, May.
Living with endometriosis - a chronic pain condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body - means navigating life with persistent, often debilitating pain. It affects one in ten women, including me.
Deciding whether to go to university is a big step for anyone. But when you live with a chronic pain condition, it can become even more overwhelming. When I approached my A-Level exams, I knew that I wanted to go to university, live on my own, and move to a new place while studying for my dream career. However, I found myself becoming increasingly anxious about how I would manage my endometriosis or how others would perceive it.
I ultimately made the decision to give university a go and to try to cope with the potential flare-ups and regular pain that I had come to expect. I was determined to not let my endometriosis hold me back from who I wanted to be and what I could achieve at university.
For a long time, I carried a sense of shame and anxiety about living with endometriosis, rooted in the stigma surrounding periods and how, as a society, we often shy away from talking about periods. During most of my first year at Falmouth, I kept my condition to myself. I hid it from both my friends and my lecturers, and when my symptoms flared up, I would cancel plans, miss classes and manage the pain alone.
Looking back, I don't know why I was so ashamed and scared of reaching out for support, because when I started talking about what I was going through, I was met with compassion, kindness, and understanding. It was a turning point.
Since telling the people closest to me, I've gained confidence in talking about my experience with endometriosis. I have found that the more I share, the more other people do too. I have since met many other students at Falmouth with endometriosis, and being able to share our advice and tips with each other has made me feel part of a community.
Advice for students with endometriosis
When writing this blog, I reached out to those friends, and we came up with a few tips we hope will help other students - whether you're already at university or still thinking about applying.
1. Try a TENS machine
TENS machines can relieve pain from flare-ups by sending electrical pulses through the skin, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. My favourite TENS machine is the Myoovi - it's small enough that it can't be seen under my clothes and the battery is long-lasting, which is great as I always forget to charge it!
2. Use heat therapy
Heat can be a lifesaver during flare-ups. Whether it's a trusty hot water bottle or stick-on heat patches, the warmth helps relax cramping muscles and ease the pain.
3. Consider cramping cream
I was sceptical at first, but the Cramp Cream from Somedays has become a go-to for me. It provides instant relief and helps me to manage my pain on flare-up days.
4. Be open and ask for support
More than any product or tool, the most valuable advice we can give is don’t struggle in silence. Be honest with yourself and others. Let your tutors, friends, and university support teams know what you're going through.
You don't have to go through this struggle alone, and the university is here to support you through this process. I still have days where I need to take time off from university but now staff know what I'm going through and are completely understanding. My lecturers are always checking in make sure I’ve caught up with any teaching and I've even had modules adjusted to accommodate my needs.
I never thought I would receive this level of support when I first applied to university, and I am so grateful to be studying somewhere where I am met with kindness and understanding.
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