Bindi Irwin has joined forces with the World Health Organisation to push for greater awareness and call for more action on endometriosis.
Irwin, 26, shared her personal story of living with endometriosis as part of a new United Nations campaign, saying she lived with chronic endometriosis pain for a decade before getting any answers.
“Imagine living with pain for a decade and being told it’s all in your head. For 10 years, I lived with pain. I was told it was normal, but it wasn’t,” Irwin says in a video posted to the World Health Organisation’s Instagram page.
“Some days it was unbearable. I’d cancel plans. I’d lie awake at night wondering if this was just part of being a woman. I kept being told the pain was in my head, that it was just part of life.”
“It wasn’t until I had surgery that I finally got answers. Doctors found 37 lesions and a large cyst. That moment, finally being heard, was life changing.”
The campaign featuring Irwin is being run in collaboration with Adil Cader’s Talking Foreign Affairs initiative.
Endometriosis is a painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Globally, it affects about 190 million people.
On average, it takes women between seven and 10 years to get a diagnosis.
“This disease can cause extreme pain, infertility and disrupt every part of your life, yet many people don’t get the care they need,” Irwin says in the video.
“There’s no cure for endometriosis, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in your quality of life.”
Adil Cader, Talking Foreign Affairs Founder and Celebrity Diplomacy Specialist, said Irwin has been a powerful champion in breaking the stigma around endometriosis.
“Not many people realise this, but we later found out the interview we recorded turned out to be just hours before Bindi was rushed into emergency surgery in New York in May. That says a lot,” Cader says.
“Despite being in pain, she went ahead with it — a clear sign of how deeply she cares”
Irwin had been in the US for a gala honouring her late father, Steve Irwin. During the surgery, Irwin also had 14 endometriosis lesions removed. This comes after she had 37 endometriosis lesions and a cyst removed two years ago.
“It was a pleasure working with Bindi. In campaigns like this, authenticity matters — and Bindi embodies that. She’s a tireless advocate, and it’s essential to elevate voices like hers,” Cader said.
“Many people look up to her, whether from her childhood TV appearances, her conservation work, or her time on Dancing with the Stars. When someone like Bindi speaks out, it resonates deeply with those facing the same challenges. It gives them real hope.”
So does Bindi have any advice for women and girls who think they may have endometriosis?
“If you’re experiencing symptoms, severe pain, fatigue or heavy periods, don’t suffer in silence,” she says.
“Talk to a healthcare provider, ask questions, push for answers, and if you’re supporting someone through this, please listen, believe them.
“Emotional support is just as important as medical care.”