Sacha Parkinson has taken to Instagram to share her experience with Endometriosis after undergoing surgery.
Coronation Street actress Sacha gave a detailed and gruelling account of the build up to her surgery and what life is like with the condition.
Sacha, who played Sian Powers in the popular soap, explained: 'I had excruciating period pains growing up, often resulting in me taking days off school. I had constant lower back pain and for the last 3 years, a constant dull ache that felt like I had period pains every single day.
'My anxiety was through the roof, I was always fatigue, I found I was irritable for no reason and it hurt to have intercourse. Yeah, I said it, SEX! Which come on, really fucking sucks! I wondered if it was all in my mind and I'm certain my partner at the time thought so too, until I was diagnosed.'
One in 10 women are said to suffer with the condition but diagnosis is often slow. Sacha's revelation comes ahead of Endometriosis Awareness Week, which starts 3rd March and goes on until Sunday 11th March.
The actress continued: 'After surgery and the recovery process, I felt like a completely new person! You don't realise at the time how much the constant aches and feeling drained can strip elements of your personality.'
Sacha also revealed that her mum suffered with the condition and resulted in her having a hysterectomy aged just 24.
She said: 'Sadly my beautiful, amazing momma had to have a hysterectomy at just 24 YEARS OF AGE!! Can you believe that?! Fortunately she already had me! (Though she may say unfortunately 🙈) My mum had no choice but to have surgery as it had been undiagnosed for years and her condition became too severe.'
Sacha had surgery to remove cysts from inside her ovaries last April as well as spots that had grown around her womb. She said the surgery had changed her life and that she hoped they hadn't returned though she was warned it was likely.
Her fans flooded the post with thanks and well wishes with several praising the actress for her bravery. One wrote: '@sachalparkinson had my surgery last week. Thanks so much for being brave and sharing your story. 🙌🏻 xxx'.
