Adelaide Thunderbirds star Taylor Williams has shed light on her private battle with endometriosis in an exclusive chat with 9News.
The 24-year-old netball prodigy, known for her exceptional skills on the court, has been grappling with excruciating pain and various symptoms since the age of 15.
Despite her struggles, Williams kept her condition a secret for years, fearing the impact it might have on her flourishing netball career.
"I always struggled with painful periods, not really understanding my body as well as I probably should have, or even had the education and the understanding around what was happening to me," she said.
"Someone else could be in your position, so take the opportunity while you've got it, those things do go around in your head a lot.
"There are days I don't feel like doing anything or getting out of bed."
Endometriosis affects nearly one in every seven Australian women, with an average diagnosis time of 6.5 years.
Each year, over 40,000 women are hospitalised due to the condition, with pelvic pain being the most common symptom.
Fertility is also impacted for half of those affected.
Williams has become an advocate for endometriosis awareness, passionately encouraging others who may be suffering in silence to seek help and break the taboo surrounding the condition.
"It's not something that we speak about enough, in the general population, but also with athletes," she said.
"Sharing that and being able to talk about that, makes a huge difference."
