Everyday thousands of women find it difficult to get out of bed each morning as a result of the agonising pain caused by endometriosis, but despite one-in-ten women in the UK suffering from the invisible illness, very few people actually know what it is.
One woman has taken to social media to post a powerful message about the illness that might not be visible on the outside, but can be so incredibly debilitating inside.
Posting from the page, Nay - Endosister, Sinead Smythe shared a photo of herself having painted a visual representation of the pain caused by the illness on her torso.
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"Just because endometriosis is invisible. Doesn't mean it isn't there," she wrote.
"Imagine your own body going AGAINST YOU. Imagine a sort of cancer that won't kill you, but you will live with forever.
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"Imagine finding out there is no cure. Imagine knowing you will have to live with this for the rest of your life.
"Imagine constantly being told false information by professionals... 'have a baby it will cure you or 'have a hysterectomy it will cure you'.
"You are actually made to feel like this is your only option."
The woman went on to talk about how endometriosis, which is when the tissue that lines the womb (endometrium) is found outside the womb (such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes) can lead to infertility and can often result in anxiety and depression, too.
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"Pain that feels like fireworks are trapped exploding throughout your body. Pain that feels like a cat is trying to claw its way out of your abdominal," she detailed.
"Pain that feels like your organs are being carved out like a pumpkin on Halloween. Pain that makes you physically sick.
"Pain that feels forever lasting. To feel so horrific and no-one believes you because you don't look unwell.
"I hope this message is powerful."
The post, which has since been shared more than 2,000 times, was flooded with comments from women who live with illness and could relate to its sentiment.
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"Couldn't of worded it any better myself," one woman commented. "I've been in absolute agony the last two week again. What ever the doctor suggested I was doing anyways.
"Can't up my pain relief anymore and won't give me morphine. Sending me for a MRI scan now but I think that was just another fob off as well."
Another woman added: "Having a baby eased symptoms for me for almost one year, but four years later my symptoms are fully back if not worse.
"Pain management is the only help available. Nothing will cure it."
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/ Nay - EndrosisterTopics: Endometriosis, Life News, Real