Lucia Loi, girlfriend of footballer Marcus Rashford, has publicly shared her ongoing battle with endometriosis. The 28-year-old influencer posted an emotional account on Instagram on Friday, describing a recent instance where the condition prevented her from attending a friend's birthday celebration.
Loi explained that she had initially hesitated to speak out but felt compelled to do so after experiencing anger over the limited treatment options and lack of research for endometriosis. "Last night, though, I felt so much anger at the fact that so many women go through this while there are so few effective treatment options and the condition remains so under-researched," she wrote. She indicated her intention to share personal strategies that have provided some relief.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This tissue reacts to hormonal changes each month, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes the formation of scar tissue. Common symptoms include severe menstrual pain, pain during or after intercourse, and issues with bowel or bladder function. The exact cause is unknown, but potential factors include genetics, immune system responses, or environmental exposures. Current treatments focus on managing pain and improving quality of life, which may involve hormone therapy or surgery.
Loi's disclosure drew supportive comments from others, including Sasha Attwood, girlfriend of Jack Grealish, who wrote, "Love you special girl." Many expressed encouragement, commending Loi for speaking out and acknowledging her potential to help others.
Rashford and Loi have a long history, having first dated at age 15 while attending Ashton on Mersey school in Greater Manchester. Their relationship has seen periods of both togetherness and separation, including a brief split in 2021 and a reunion confirmed in early 2022. Rashford proposed in May 2022 during a trip to Hollywood. Loi has frequently been seen supporting Rashford at football matches, including World Cup events in Russia and Qatar, and has recently been with him in America as England competes in the 2026 World Cup.