TV star Lacey Martin has bravely spoken out about her ongoing battle with a debilitating condition that previously caused her to faint on set. The 27-year-old, who shot to fame on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight, has been dealing with health issues largely unseen by viewers.
“I had moments on set when I had my period and was really suffering with my endometriosis – sometimes that makes it hard to film,” she told OK! last year in an exclusive interview. “I felt so bloated and heavy and weak. At one point, I actually fainted on set – but the crew and production and medics were amazing, they came running.”
Endometriosis is a chronic and painful condition, defined by the NHS as the occurrence of cells akin to those in the womb lining growing elsewhere in the body. This can lead to intense menstrual pain, substantial bleeding, and discomfort during intercourse.
Although Lacey was diagnosed at 20 years old, it allegedly took doctors ‘four whole years’ to reach that conclusion. Now, the Hertfordshire-born reality star is determined to use her voice to shine a light on this painful issue.
Lacey said previously: “They kept offering me the implant, or different ways to help with my flow, but it wasn’t working with my body. I felt depressed, because it had an impact on my life, on my relationship at the time – he was like,’ Why do you keep bleeding, what’s going on?’ I felt lost in my own body, like nobody was listening to me.
“[…]I thought it was normal for years, but obviously it wasn’t! I had a boyfriend for 10 years and it would affect our relationship, because I would have pain during or after sex, severe period pain, pelvic pain, severe blood loss – I’ve lost jobs in the past due to sickness and hospital visits. Employers weren’t understanding at all.”
Endometriosis can pose challenges when trying to conceive, but doctors have assured Lacey that she still has the potential to become a mother. While this might necessitate IVF treatment, she described hearing this news as ‘amazing’.
“I’ve spoken to my twin Paige for years about my worries, I also thought men might not even want to be with me, if I couldn’t have kids,” she continued. “And she’s actually said she would carry a baby for me, which is just incredible. She’s like my right arm and she said, should I ever need it, who knows – she would carry a child for me. She’s my best friend.”
Lacey is no longer dating Nathan, 24, from MAFS, but they did cross paths again at the reunion show last night. The episode is now available for viewing on Channel 4’s online streaming platform.
If you’re concerned you might have endometriosis, the NHS’ full list of symptoms are below
- Heavy periods, where you need to change pads or tampons every one to two hours, or you may bleed through to your clothes
- Pain when urinating or pooing
- Pain after or during sex
- Extreme fatigue
- Pain in the lower back or stomach
- Struggles with moods or anxiety
- Intensified period pain that stops you from doing everyday tasks/activities