Shirlie Kemp: Endometriosis Battle ‘Worse Than Labour’ Left Her Bedridden

Shirlie Kemp Opens Up About Battling Endometriosis, Calls It ‘Worse Than Labour’

As the nation gears up for Sunday’s episode of Interior Design Masters, Shirlie Kemp takes the spotlight—not just for her interior design acumen but for her candid discussion about her struggles with endometriosis. The condition, which impacts over 1.5 million women across the UK, has left the Wham! singer grappling with chronic pain and a lengthy search for diagnosis.

In a revealing interview from 2023, Shirlie shared how her extreme discomfort was dismissed by medical professionals. “A male doctor once told me, ‘What a load of nonsense. She’ll get over it,’ before handing me pills that made me feel sick,” she recounted. Her journey took a significant turn when a female doctor finally named her condition, offering relief from years of relentless pain.

Shirlie’s experiences with endometriosis have been devastating. She describes periods of suffering that often left her bedridden, enduring “horrendous pain” since she was just 16. In a statement that resonates with many women, she noted that giving birth to her first child, daughter Harley Moon, was surprisingly manageable in comparison to her menstrual suffering. “When I went into labour, I thought to myself, this is not as bad as a period,” she said.

The reality of endometriosis wasn’t just physical; it also affected her family planning. After being informed about potential fertility issues, Shirlie felt the urgency to start a family, telling her husband Martin, “I’ve got to have a baby. I have a problem with my fertility.” Together, they welcomed two children, demonstrating resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Shirlie’s story aims to amplify awareness about endometriosis, recognizing its often-unseen toll on women’s lives. She has opened up about her struggles so that others may feel less isolated in their battles. Fans can catch her as she guest stars on Interior Design Masters, airing on Sunday, November 17, at 4:30 PM on BBC Two.