Actor Shamita Shetty has shared her experience of living with endometriosis, revealing that years of severe pain and delayed diagnosis left her struggling emotionally. Speaking on a recent podcast, she said the condition caused constant pain that was initially dismissed as normal menstrual discomfort, leading to depression before she finally received the correct diagnosis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects nearly 190 million women and girls of reproductive age worldwide, making it one of the most common yet frequently misunderstood gynecological conditions.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. These abnormal tissue growths can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and other nearby organs.
Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, causing inflammation, pain, scarring, and, in some cases, fertility problems.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person but commonly include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Pain while urinating or during bowel movements, especially during periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fatigue
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Many women also experience bloating, digestive discomfort, and lower back pain.
Why Diagnosis Is Often Delayed
One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is that its symptoms are often mistaken for normal period pain or other digestive and reproductive conditions.
The WHO notes that diagnosis can take anywhere from four to twelve years because symptoms differ widely and are frequently overlooked.
Shamita Shetty’s Experience
Shamita Shetty revealed that despite undergoing routine gynecological tests, including Pap smears, her symptoms continued without a proper diagnosis.
She said the persistent pain became so intense that it affected her mental health, especially while she was also dealing with perimenopause. Believing the pain was simply part of being a woman delayed her search for answers until the correct diagnosis was finally made.
Can Endometriosis Be Treated?
Although there is currently no permanent cure, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Depending on the severity, doctors may recommend:
- Pain-relief medications
- Hormonal therapy
- Lifestyle and dietary changes
- Physiotherapy
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial tissue
- Fertility treatment for women facing conception difficulties
Early diagnosis and medical intervention can significantly reduce complications and improve long-term health outcomes.