Actress and conservationist Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Australian crocodile hunter and wildlife educator Steve Irwin, has opened up about a person struggle of more than a decade. 24-year-old Irwin has long battled endometriosis, an illness in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus, also called the endometrium, grow outside the uterus, leading to severe pain and side effects. The illness also occasionally impacts fertility in women, and affects 10-15% of women overall.
Irwin recently underwent surgery to remove 37 lesions and a large ovarian cyst. She described the procedure and her path to a diagnosis in a lengthy Instagram caption. The story was paired with a photo of Irwin in the hospital shortly before the procedure.
Several famous women and Irwin’s family members offered support on her decision to undergo surgery, and her choice to share her journey publicly. Actress and comedian Amy Schumer commented “Thank you for sharing❤️.” Additionally, Irwin’s younger brother, 19-year-old Robert Irwin shared a tribute to his sister’s perseverance.
❤️ @BindiIrwin pic.twitter.com/l0WnSDH0iN
— Robert Irwin (@RobertIrwin) March 7, 2023
In the post, Irwin also thanked her friend Leslie Mosier for connecting her to better healthcare resources for endometriosis care. Mosier is the owner of one of the internet’s favorite dogs, Doug the Pug, and is based in Nashville. She also offered support for her friend in the comments, writing “Bindi you amaze me! Your strength is immeasurable and sharing your story will help so many who are suffering. I can’t wait to watch you thrive. I love you sweet sister ????????????.”
Irwin’s husband, Chandler Powell, applauded his wife’s difficult decision to go through the risky procedure. Powell wrote, “You are the strongest, toughest person I know. I love you and I’m so excited for this new chapter of life❤️.”
Fans of the Irwin family’s wildlife programming are offering their own words of encouragement. Many are starting conversations on the importance of awareness surrounding hormonal disorders in women and people with uteruses.
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Thank you to Bindi Irwin for sharing this. So many uterus owners are told similar things by doctors but that much pain is NOT NORMAL! https://t.co/bwvftgHjDf
— Andy McGinnis ???? (@AndyMcGinnis92) March 7, 2023
Others are pointing out how long it takes to even receive a diagnosis for endometriosis, and how Irwin’s painful decade long battle is common for people with this condition. Even with Irwin coming from a prominent family and having access to high quality medical care, some doctors did not recognize the extreme pain she was going through.
the avg. time to get diagnosed with endometriosis in the US is ten years – roughly how long bindi irwin has been dealing with this pain.
i’m glad she got the help she needed, but it hurts me how many have similar stories of their pain being ignored https://t.co/piec293A8y
— val & gus ???? (@theclowntownttv) March 7, 2023
If Bindi Irwin – who comes from a family with tons of resources and fame – couldn't get an endometriosis diagnosis in a timely manner or have her pain be validated for a decade, it's very telling of western medical practices and how they treat women
— Sarahtonin (@ScranSzitto) March 7, 2023
Women doctors and nurses are applauding Irwin for getting personal on her platform, believing that it could eventually lead to quicker diagnosis times across the board.
This story offers empathy and hope for women. Thank you @BindiIrwin https://t.co/ERLrqgxl1P
— Queen Eileen BA, BSN, RN, NCSN (@EileenSTJ) March 7, 2023
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Bindi Irwin underwent surgery for endometriosis ???????? I hope she feels better after a decade of being in pain and getting no answers. It frustrates me so much how that is the average assigned female at birth person's experience with this disease, its so fckn unfair
— ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? (@lilinkwell) March 7, 2023
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and many feel that Irwin chose to open up about her story at just the right time.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. So many of our friends live with Endo. Thank you @BindiIrwin for sharing your experience so others can be more aware. https://t.co/GHGg8THF9t https://t.co/LfDWYfFtZD
— Jessie Juwono (Pink Pirate Era) (@jessiejuwono) March 7, 2023
The Endometriosis Foundation of America currently offers further insight into the condition for those who think they may be experiencing symptoms. There is also a place to donate money to go towards education and research on the illness. These can all be found on endofound.org.
