[Doctor Rich, in an Australian accent]
What in the endometriosis is going on down under? Crikey. What do The Crocodile Hunter and curing endometriosis (two of my favorite things!) have to do with one another?
Is that Australian? I think I sounded like Peppa Pig for a minute there…
Don’t have time to read this post? Watch the video here instead!
Hey, everyone! Welcome back! For those of you that know and love the Doctor Rich Channel, we use humor on our channel and in our videos. But today I want to talk about a very serious topic. We have an inspiring story to share with you. It’s about Bindi Irwin, an incredible and famous conservationist and television personality in her own right. She recently publicly shared her personal battle with endometriosis (as many brave celebrities have done in recent years), creating more awareness and hope for millions of women that suffer with this condition.
Let’s dive into her heartfelt journey, understand why this is so important — and what you can do now.
[Clip of Bindi Irwin’s GMA interview begins to play.]
Bindi Irwin [emotionally]:
It’s been a long journey. It’s been a long ten years.
When I got out of surgery, the first thing he said to me was, “How did you live with that much pain?” And that validation — I’m going to get emotional — that validation meant so much to me.
I had MRIs, I had ultrasounds, I had CT scans… just, you name it. I was checked for everything. And the scariest thing was that there were no answers.
Doctor Rich:
And Bindi’s story is all too common, which is why awareness is so important! Many patients suffer for years going to doctors that are not familiar with the condition. They get a host of studies, scans, tests — all of which come up negative — because in virtually every case, you can’t identify endometriosis on an imaging study. You need to find a specialist in endometriosis, and we’ll include a link in the description for specialists that you can find in your area.
We work constantly on our channel and in my practice to help raise awareness around this painful, terrible condition. Now, it should not be lost on us that Bindi is a celebrity, and she also was dismissed, couldn’t find a diagnosis, and had to go out of the country to find a specialist that could adequately treat her condition.
Now, I recently also had a video conference with a patient from Sydney, Australia who’s going to fly to the US for me to perform her endometriosis surgery. And it’s only through a creation of greater awareness, which is amplified when celebrities share their stories, that we can truly help all the women suffering with this condition.
Bindi Irwin:
We’re so lucky to have Grace [Bindi’s daughter]. So many women can’t fall pregnant because of problems with endometriosis.
Doctor Rich:
Infertility is another important topic. This is extremely common in women who have endometriosis. Not only does it prevent women from getting pregnant in many circumstances, it can also lead to severe pregnancy complications like pain, miscarriage, and preterm delivery.
Bindi Irwin [in an informal update video after her surgery]:
My health now is night and day. It took a while to recover because it was such an extensive surgery. They took out thirty-seven lesions — and now I’m a completely new person! Maybe my story resonates. Maybe if you’ve gone through undiagnosed unbelievable pain, you will be able to say, “Hey, that girl has symptoms similar to mine. Maybe this is what’s wrong with me.”
Doctor Rich:
And a lack of familiarity of the condition by your practitioner does not mean that YOU have to suffer the gaslighting of the medical industry! You can empower yourself to find a specialist extensively practiced and skilled in the treatment of endometriosis (like Bindi did), and find a recovery that is a life-changing experience on the other side.
Bindi Irwin [continuing in her update video]:
I’m very thankful to be on the other side of excision surgery, and I can officially say that I’m finally feeling better — which is fully extraordinary, and something that I actually never thought I’d be able to say!
Doctor Rich:
Her message was clear: You are not alone, and there is hope! Bindi’s journey is a reminder of the importance of advocacy, compassion, and support for those living with endometriosis. Her courage in sharing her story publicly is both empowering and inspiring.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the strength it takes to speak out about personal struggles — and the positive impact it can have. Thank you, Bindi, for being a beacon of hope for everyone.
Bindi Irwin [speaking from a podium at the 2024 Blossom Ball]:
This might be too much information… but I’m about to start my period. And I’m able to stand here in high heels?! Are you kidding me?! Oh my goodness!
For most of my life, my period meant debilitating agony — with no end in sight. The Blossom Ball is a beacon of hope for so many. And I’m accepting this tremendous honor on behalf of every person who’s been affected by endometriosis.
Specialists Near You Finding an Endometriosis Specialist (endo-resolved.com)
