A FORMER model, whose body and career have been ruined by endometriosis, has launched a bid to get the condition spoken about in our schools.

Carla Cressy, 25, of Danescroft Close, Leigh, has started an online petition to raise awareness among young women – in the hope of stopping them enduring what she has.

She wants endometriosis, and its signs and symptoms, to form part of school’s sex education classes.

Carla said: “If I knew the signs of endometriosis I would have pushed for a diagnosis years ago.

“I had never even heard of what endometriosis was until I was diagnosed last year. I was always told it was all in my head and made to feel stupid.

“I knew when I was bleeding for over 21 days heavily and fainting in crippling pain something wasn’t right.”

Carla added: “If endometriosis talks are given to students in schools when teaching sex education it will give young women a chance to have knowledge of endometriosis.

“My endometriosis is so severe that it’s now taking surgeons months to plan and prepare the best way to operate.

“Raising awareness and helping other women is the only focus I have now and it is keeping me from going insane.”

Carla’s petition currently has more than 280 signatures.

Once it reaches 10,000 the Government has to respond to it.

If it gets more than 100,000 signatures the petition will be considered for debate in parliament.

Carla was scheduled to talk about her condition at several schools in Southend, but is now too sick to do it.

She said: “I’m due another major surgery any time now to defuse my organs and hopefully keep the endometriosis at bay for a few months.

“It’s a huge operation which takes between four-six hours.

However it has been made clear to me that there is not a cure and it may return again. And if this doesn’t work which is just a 50/50 chance as there is no cure I will need to consider a full hysterectomy or a womb transplant.”

She added: “I feel endometriosis needs more awareness – especially among women aged 14-18.

“When I was diagnosed I wasn’t clear on what it was and now I’m at the final stage of it with a frozen pelvis there is little online I’ve managed to research.

“I’ve had an awful journey so far and I have more major surgeries to come but I am still learning about this myself. If other women can reach out and speak about this there will be more of an understanding and awareness.”

To sign Carla’s petition, go to petition.parliament.uk/petitions/202334