'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis (2024)

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis (1)

Ollie and Demi had a refreshingly candid conversation about endometriosis.Credit: Netflix

As Love Is Blind makes its big return to screens, this time with UK-based contestants, the dating reality TV series has shone a light on an important health issue for many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) people.

One of the show’s contestants, Demi — who sat in the pods talking to an array of eligible men on her quest for love — was refreshingly candid about her experiences of endometriosis and how it's impacted her dating life in the past.

One particular conversation with her fellow contestant Ollie is an important story and example of representation of the disease, inside and outside of romantic storylines on the show.

What is endometriosis?

According to charity Endometriosis UK, endometriosis “is the name given to the disease where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body”. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms: pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, fatigue, an increased risk of having difficulty becoming pregnant, and more.

SEE ALSO:

How to spice up your sex life when you have endometriosis

In the UK alone, around 1.5 million women and AFAB people are currently living with the condition. Demi, a contestant on Love is Blind UK, is one of them.

Love Is Blind UK makes space to talk about endometriosis

In episode 3, when Ollie asks Demi what’s stopping her from connecting with him emotionally, she explains how her endometriosis has been a barrier in past relationships.

"I’ve always wanted a family and to be a good mum," she tells him. "It’s hard for me to naturally conceive because I’ve got endometriosis."

"Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m enough which is really scary," Demi adds. "You really struggle each month – physically, mentally." She goes on to explain that fertility problems she has faced as a result of her endometriosis "really has ruined relationships".

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis (2)

Demi opened up about endometriosis on the third episode of "Love Is Blind UK."Credit: Netflix

These life-altering symptoms of endometriosis are so important to talk about with a partner, and receive support for. It’s a well-known fact that endometriosis is also under researched – making its representation in TV shows even more crucial for raising awareness and demanding change.

"Latest research shows that only 54 percent of people know what endometriosis is," Faye Farthing, head of communications at Endometriosis UK, tells Mashable. She adds that this directly impacts diagnosis times and awareness of symptoms — both crucial to improving treatment for and day-to-day experiences of the disease.

Specifically, Love Is Blind UK’s spotlighting of endometriosis and how it can impact people's experiences of dating and relationships is a fantastic step forward for raising awareness. But it's also crucial for teaching people without it about the romantic and intimate difficulties that people with endometriosis may face.

Mashable Top Stories

Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.

Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter

By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up!

Dating with endometriosis can mean challenging conversations

"Endometriosis can have a significant impact on people’s relationships," Farthing says. "It can be hard to start a conversation about your condition to a new partner, and it’s encouraging that this will be spotlighted on the new series of Love Is Blind, to show how open discussions can take place and the importance of highlighting your needs with a partner."

"This can be a really difficult conversation, and can be challenging for both the person with endometriosis and their partner."

SEE ALSO:

Orgasms trigger my endometriosis: The sex lives of people with endo

She adds that many with endometriosis report feeling isolated by their condition, feeling "frustrated at having to cancel social plans, and having an understanding partner is so incredibly important for those with the disease".

"Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves and shining a light on this not only helps remove the taboo associated with the disease and its symptoms, but also hopefully highlights how to have an open dialogue with a partner and the importance of being in a supportive relationship," Farthing says.

“Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves."

Another fantastic example of endometriosis representation in pop culture right now is author Coco Mellors’ latest novel Blue Sisters. Published in May 2024, it explores the lives of four sisters — one of whom sadly passes away (before the novel even starts, so don’t worry, no spoilers) after an accidental overdose from attempting to medicate the pain from her endometriosis. Mellors has spoken openly about her reasons for incorporating endometriosis so centrally into a storyline — and it has everything to do with representation and spotlighting the need for more time and money to be put into women and non-binary people's health issues.

"In my first book, I have a character that has epilepsy, and that was because my best friend has epilepsy and I have never seen in any work someone dealing with the realities of it in a way that wasn't defining their life, but it was in their life, and I felt endometriosis is quite a similar disease in some ways," Mellors told Cosmopolitan in an interview.

"It's just such an example for me of how male-centred the medical industry still is today, and how much women are expected to endure physically. It's a kind of lonely disease to be living with and I thought it felt true to this world that one of the sisters would have [endometriosis]."

It’s never been more important that endometriosis is talked about and recognised as a serious legitimate health condition — and watching storylines on TV and reading books about people and characters dealing with it can only further emphasise this.

Related Stories

  • How to spice up your sex life when you have endometriosis
  • Orgasms trigger my endometriosis: The sex lives of people with endo
  • Daisy Ridley reveals struggle with endometriosis and sends a positive message
  • The gender health gap makes people's lives hell
  • How Netflix's reality shows made streaming a lot less lonely

Don't call it "benign"

Endometriosis UK is campaigning for healthcare professionals to stop using the word "benign" when referring to the disease, as well as other gynaecological conditions. The term can mean very real, often debilitating symptoms are underestimated, deprioritised, and ignored. Calling endometriosis "benign" stinks of medical misogyny, and lessens the perceived impact of diseases that affect so many women and non-binary people.

We see the impact of the lack of awareness around endometriosis in author Sally Rooney’s debut novel Conversations With Friends and its TV adaptation. Protagonist Frances (played onscreen by Alison Oliver) has endometriosis, and struggles to be diagnosed and treated appropriately throughout the series. Frances experiences debilitating pain and excessive bleeding that she dismisses as "just her period". Then, when she does consult a medical professional, she is accused of having unprotected sex and is dismissed with a prescription of the contraceptive pill — a common tale. Eventually, she is diagnosed with endometriosis, but not after some wrong turns lead to her suffering from her symptoms for longer. Conversations With Friends perfectly encapsulates the importance of representing the realities of misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis when it comes to conditions like endometriosis.

"Endometriosis care urgently needs to improve," Farthing says. "Not only does diagnosis in the UK take on average eight years and 10 months, but gynaecology waiting lists in England have grown faster each month than any other elective specialty in percentage terms and are now over double the size they were prior to the pandemic."

Campaigning for change, Endometriosis UK is calling for the UK government to commit to an average diagnosis time target for endometriosis, to recognise it as a common and chronic disease, and adjust menstrual wellbeing education to reflect this. More than that, more research and funding is needed "as part of an investment into women’s health" to discover better treatment, pain management, and a cure.

Representation of endometriosis on TV and in books...can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change.

The sharing of endometriosis stories, on screen and otherwise, can help create real change, Farthing says. "We often hear from patients who have felt ignored and dismissed, and seeing other people’s experiences can be incredibly validating, and shows that you are not alone in what you are experiencing and that this is a disease that can have a huge impact on people’s lives."

So, representation of endometriosis on TV and in books — whether it’s on Love Is Blind UK, a bestselling novel or another form of pop culture — can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change.

"Onscreen stories of endometriosis can go a long way in improving public awareness," Farthing says. "Driving public awareness is key to ensuring everyone recognises the symptoms of the disease and how to seek help."

How to watch: Love Is Blind UK is now streaming on Netflix.

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis (3)

Charley Ross

Writer

Charley Ross is a freelance interviewer and feature writer covering film and TV, sex, relationships, health, empowerment and politics. As well as her work for Mashable, she has written features for GLAMOUR, Stylist, Grazia, Radio Times, Cosmopolitan, Elle, The Independent, Time Out London and Refinery29. Her interviews have also appeared in Vogue and Vogue India.

Recommended For You

Barbieland has new residents, as Mattel unveils first blind Barbie

The launch includes new, more accessible packaging for all dolls.

By Chase DiBenedetto

How to watch 'Love Island UK' season 11 online for free in the U.S. (or anywhere)

Watch the 11th season of the hit reality show from anywhere in the world.

By Joseph Green and Christina Buff

I love snooping on my cat with Petkit's camera-enabled automatic feeder

It uses AI to detect when your cat is around.

By Christianna Silva

'National Anthem' trailer teases a queer love story in rural America

"It's the greatest rush of adrenaline...like a first kiss."

By Sam Haysom

Trailer for Palme d'Or winner 'Anora' teases an unexpected love story

'Scream's Mikey Madison stars.

By Belen Edwards

More in Entertainment

Hurricane Debby track shows Florida landfall near. See the path online

Hurricane Debby strengthened as it neared shore Monday morning.

By Mashable Team

How to watch the spectacular Perseid meteor shower in 2024

One of the year's best celestial displays is here.

By Mike Pearl

U.S. government plane snaps intense footage inside mighty Hurricane Beryl

A record-breaking storm.

By Mark Kaufman

Creature with giant eggs filmed thousands of feet undersea

Lurking in the depths.

By Mark Kaufman

Where the northern lights will be visible thanks to the solar flare

Tonight's forecast calls for auroras.

By Mike Pearl

Trending on Mashable

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 10

Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #426.

By Mashable Team

Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 10

Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer to "Wordle" #1148.

By Mashable Team

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 10

Stuck on any of the clues? We have the answers you need.

By Mashable Team

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 9

Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #425.

By Mashable Team

NYT Strands hints, answers for August 10

Every hint, nudge and outright answer you need to complete today's NYT Strands puzzle.

By Mashable Team

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis (2024)

FAQs

'Love Is Blind UK' gets real about endometriosis? ›

Demi opened up about her endometriosis, which she said, 'really has ruined relationships' as it could make fertility difficult. In turn, he confided in her about his ADHD. 'I've always wanted a family and to be a good mum. It's hard for me to naturally conceive because I've got endometriosis,' she told Ollie.

Is Love is Blind UK real? ›

Some of the most dramatic moments in Love Is Blind come from the wedding days, so it's no wonder that fans cannot wait for the final lot of episodes. But these lavish ceremonies are not just for the show, as some might believe, as Netflix has confirmed that the weddings in Love Is Blind UK are actually legally binding.

What is the concept behind Love Is Blind? ›

The show promotes itself as a social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in person. The series has gained a large viewership and received mostly positive reviews by critics.

Is Love Is Blind set up? ›

Though Love Is Blind is certainly staged in that the situations the participants are in are set up in a certain way to provoke certain responses, the things the people in the show say and do aren't scripted.

What is the premise of Love Is Blind? ›

The show is notorious for its outlandish premise, where participants date, “fall in love” and get engaged all without seeing one another. The couples only finally meet four weeks before their weddings.

Do the people on Love Is Blind pay for it? ›

The Love Is Blind season 4 couples stayed at the luxurious TRS Yucatán Hotel in Playa del Carmen. And the show even pays for the basics of the weddings, including the venue, food, and music if the couple decides to go through with the wedding.

Are the relationships in Love Is Blind real? ›

While the participants, cities, and even the glowing blue wall may have changed over time, the answer remains the same: yes. And we have the love stories to prove it, as many of the couples who've said “I do” (and one who took an even more, well, unconventional approach) have gone the distance.

Does Love Is Blind pay for the ring? ›

If the rings are chosen from the "Love Is Blind" collection, then they are paid for by the show. Coelen confirmed that couples are allowed to elevate their own bridal details if they want to spend out of pocket. "If they wanted to spend their own money, or try to enhance it within reason, we would certainly allow that.

What did Megan Fox say about Love Is Blind? ›

I didn't watch it, but I think in general, no one deserves to get bullied,” Fox said. “I don't think she deserved that. I think people went way too hard. I did see a picture of her.

Are the apartments in Love Is Blind staged? ›

Some fans question certain member's authenticity when it comes to staging houses. Creator Chris Coelen affirms that Love Is Blind is unscripted, emphasizing natural interactions between engaged couples in the pods.

Are the pods real in Love Is Blind? ›

Each pod is soundproofed (“Even if you're yelling in one pod, you can't hear it in another”), so the singles chat via a speaker. They're also each fitted with a glass roof, and Coelen says the studios are tall enough — about 40 feet high — that contestants can look up and daydream.

What's with the blankets on Love Is Blind? ›

Some are theorizing that the contestants' pods aren't insulated, which explains the abundance of blankets. “They look cold all the time and if it's not the blankets it's [the] jackets they hold over them,” another commenter wrote.

What mental disorder does Shayne have in Love Is Blind? ›

Shayne Jansen denied speculation that he took drugs while filming "Love Is Blind" season two. On "The Viall Files," he said he's done drugs in the past but didn't take any on the show. Shayne said he has "severe ADHD" and usually drinks eight espresso shots daily.

What do psychologists think of Love Is Blind? ›

Scientists say attraction is more arbitrary Hit reality TV show Love is Blind brands itself as a social experiment in our image-obsessed world — but psychologists say that love can be influenced by many different things.

What is the science behind Love Is Blind? ›

When we are engaged in romantic love, the neural machinery responsible for making critical assessments of other people, including assessments of those with whom we are romantically involved, shuts down. “That's the neural basis for the ancient wisdom 'love is blind',” said Schwartz.

Is the saying Love Is Blind true? ›

Rabbi Julius Gordon said, “Love is not blind. It sees more and not less, but because it sees more, it is willing to see less.” Once your head takes over, you start to become more aware of the traits you ignored in the beginning of your relationship.

Do Love Is Blind contestants get married for real? ›

So, what's the deal for Love Is Blind? It turns out the LIB marriages *are* genuinely legally binding, according to the show's creator. Series producer Chris Coelen previously told Bustle in 2020, "If they choose to get married, yes, it's a legally binding marriage." There you have it!

Are Sabrina and Steven still together? ›

Are Love Is Blind UK's Sabrina and Steven still together? As of the end of episode nine it all seems to be going well for Sabrina and Steven, and in the trailer for the final set of episodes there doesn't seem to be any alarm bells ringing for their wedding day.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 6135

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.