BBC presenter Emma Barnett has shared that she underwent a hysterectomy and surgery for endometriosis shortly before her documentary on the condition was broadcast. Barnett, 41, explained on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that her recent absence was due to being hospitalized for the surgery.
"I made a programme on endometriosis on BBC Two and ended up being in hospital for endometriosis," Barnett stated. "So yes, I've been recuperating, shall we say, from surgery for endometriosis and a hysterectomy to boot."
Barnett's announcement followed the publication of a blog post where she detailed the "hysterectomy I never wanted to have." She described the experience as "totally surreal" to be in the hospital on the night her documentary aired in June, managing to watch only the final 10 minutes.
"Some 48 hours before the documentary aired - I had undergone a near-5 hour surgery and somehow found myself lying in bed recovering from extensive endometriosis surgery, a hysterectomy and a gallbladder removal," she wrote in her blog. She characterized this as a "triple threat."
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, which Barnett has described as causing "bone-grinding, life-altering pain." It affects an estimated one in 10 women, and there is currently no known cure. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. According to Endometriosis UK, a hysterectomy performed alongside the removal of endometriosis can help reduce the risk of the condition recurring.
Barnett also noted in her blog that she suspected adenomyosis, a condition treatable by hysterectomy, might have been a significant cause of her pain. An ultrasound performed while she was filming the documentary's final scene revealed a problem with her gallbladder, making the surgery urgent.
She expressed hope that the surgery has been effective, adding, "Early indications are that the pain is very much improved - although I am still healing from the surgery itself so that also feels uncertain and frightening to admit - even to myself."