Bindi Irwin Opens Up About Her 13-Year Battle with Endometriosis

Bindi Irwin has shared her journey of healing from endometriosis and has called for an end to the stigma surrounding women's health issues.

Bindi Irwin, the Australian conservationist and television personality, has recently disclosed her struggle with endometriosis and the overwhelming pain it caused her for over 13 years. In a heartfelt update shared on social media, Irwin expressed her relief at feeling "genuinely healing" and "slowly gaining my strength back."

Since revealing her decade-long battle with the chronic condition in 2023, Irwin has emphasized the importance of dismantling the stigma associated with women's health. The 27-year-old recalled feeling "utterly ashamed" when her pain was dismissed as "just part of being a woman." With a following of 5.7 million on Instagram, Irwin's post has sparked renewed conversations about endometriosis, a condition that affects approximately one in ten women and can lead to severe pain and infertility.

In her latest Instagram update, the conservationist urged young girls and women to not feel isolated in their pain, stating, "We need to take away the stigma of talking about women's health. It's time to have open discussions and make change on a global scale." Her original post about endometriosis received over 1.1 million likes, while her recent message garnered around 260,000.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes, leading to debilitating symptoms including extreme discomfort during menstruation, sexual intimacy, and other daily activities. Irwin has undergone two surgeries over the years, which involved the removal of 51 lesions, a cyst, and her appendix.

Reflecting on her journey, Irwin stated, "I can function in everyday life without wanting to throw up or pass out from the pain." She expressed the negative emotional toll her health struggles had taken on her, sharing that as a young adult she felt weak and lesser due to the lack of understanding surrounding her condition.

Irwin, the daughter of the late Steve Irwin, continues to uphold her father’s legacy as she manages Australia Zoo alongside her mother and brother. Married to Chandler Powell and the mother of a daughter named Grace Warrior, Bindi has opened up about her health challenges in order to inspire change and raise awareness for women's health issues.