As Danielle Collins prepared for her latest trip on the tennis circuit, her path to the French Open this year has been anything but typical. Since March, she has been sidelined due to a condition that brought immense pain and uncertainty: endometriosis. Eight weeks ago, Collins underwent surgery to address this condition, which included removing a cyst the size of a tennis ball from her ovary and alleviating pressure on her bladder and bowel.
Collins has been dealing with endometriosis symptoms since 2016, enduring severe pelvic pain and debilitating cycles that could last for weeks. Despite these challenges, she has shown incredible resilience and strength on the court, even defeating world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty earlier this year. Collins is determined to raise awareness about endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining begins growing outside the uterus, often causing intense pain and health complications. In Collins’ case, it led to years of undiagnosed pain and impacted her ability to play. Here are some quick facts about endometriosis:
- Prevalence: Affects an estimated 10% of women worldwide.
- Symptoms: Can include extreme pelvic pain, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
- Diagnosis Challenge: On average, it takes over seven years to diagnose due to a lack of awareness and the need for surgical diagnosis.
Collins’ story of resilience is a stark reminder of how difficult it can be for athletes to manage such conditions while performing at elite levels.
Message to Other Women
Beyond her own recovery, Collins is committed to helping others facing similar struggles. She encourages women experiencing painful symptoms not to dismiss them and to seek medical advice. “Painful periods are not normal,” she shares. “If you’re told otherwise, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.” Her own diagnosis came only after encouragement from a friend who also has endometriosis, and now Collins hopes to offer the same guidance to others.
Despite her ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis — another condition she has managed through dietary adjustments — Collins continues to find inspiration in her family’s determination. Watching her 82-year-old father still work through his own health challenges has driven her to pursue her tennis career with renewed commitment and resilience.