Full Breakdown
Katja Snoeijs Opens Up About Endometriosis Diagnosis and Its Impact on Her Football Career
3/26/2026, 11:43:23 PM
Diagnosis Journey and Symptoms
Katja Snoeijs, a 29-year-old striker for Everton and the Netherlands national team, faced a significant health challenge when she experienced severe abdominal pain during a match last season. This pain, which she described as "stabbing," led to her being substituted at half-time against West Ham. Recognizing that her symptoms were not typical menstrual cramps, Snoeijs sought medical help and was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately one in ten women in the UK. The average wait for diagnosis is nearly nine years, but Snoeijs received her diagnosis within a year.
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the lining of the womb grow in other areas of the body, causing inflammation and chronic pain. Snoeijs recalled moments of intense pain that affected her performance on the pitch, including an incident where she could not run during a national team session. Despite her struggles, she initially dismissed her symptoms as normal, stating, “I didn’t want to be weak, so I wanted to try to push through.”
Treatment and Recovery
After consulting with various medical professionals, including Everton's club doctor and private gynecologists, Snoeijs underwent keyhole surgery to treat her endometriosis. The procedure revealed more endometriosis than anticipated, but doctors were able to remove a significant amount. Reflecting on her decision to have surgery during her career, Snoeijs noted, “It went really well... my recovery went really smoothly.”
She emphasized the importance of understanding one's body and seeking help when symptoms interfere with daily life. “It’s crazy that it takes so long to get the right diagnosis,” she remarked, hoping that her openness would encourage other women to seek medical attention.
Advocacy and Support
March is recognized as Endometriosis Action Month, and Snoeijs has used her platform to raise awareness about the condition. Following her social media posts about her experience, she reported an increase in supportive conversations among her teammates, many of whom have also struggled with similar issues. Emma Cox, the chief executive of Endometriosis UK, praised Snoeijs for her willingness to speak out, highlighting the challenges elite athletes face when dealing with such a condition.
Cox stated, “While period pain is normal, if that is interfering with your day-to-day life, we’d say go and seek help from a doctor.” Common symptoms of endometriosis include pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and fatigue, among others.
Looking Ahead
As Snoeijs prepares for the upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool, she remains focused on both her health and her performance. She expressed pride in overcoming her medical challenges, stating, “Hopefully that will motivate people that go through the same.” Her message to women experiencing similar symptoms is clear: “Trust your own feeling and your own body... Even with a condition like this, it doesn’t need to impact your sport career.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whenever it’s there, it goes from zero to a hundred.” — Katja Snoeijs, Everton Striker
- “It makes me proud to think what I was able to reach with those kind of challenges,” — Katja Snoeijs, Everton Striker
- “ Emma Cox, the chief executive of Endometriosis UK, says: “We’re incredibly grateful and thankful for Katya for speaking out.” — Emma Cox, Chief Executive of Endometriosis UK
- “ There is a bigger public health focus on her mind, though, as she concludes with a passionate message to any women who think they may have endometriosis: “Trust your own feeling and your own body.” — Katja Snoeijs, Everton Striker
