Before she was doing a “Verzus” battle with fellow singer Brandy, the talented Monica was on the road to recovery after undergoing surgery for endometriosis–a disease she didn’t know she had until two weeks before the surgery. During surgery, doctors had to remove two cysts, a few fibroids, and a hernia.
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is most commonly found on other organs of the pelvis.
Endometriosis is more common in women who are experiencing infertility than in women who are fertile, but the condition does not necessarily cause infertility.
Most women with endometriosis have no symptoms. However, when women do experience signs and symptoms of endometriosis they may include:
– Pelvic pain that may worsen during menstruation
– Painful intercourse
– Painful bowel movements or urination
– Infertility
Pelvic pain during menstruation or ovulation can also be a symptom of endometriosis, but may also occur in normal women.
Although, the exact cause of endometriosis has not been identified, most scientists agree that endometriosis is exacerbated by oestrogen; a hormone involved in the thickening of the endometrium and appears to promote the growth of disease implants. Studies show that the risk of endometriosis is seven times greater if the disease has affected a first-degree relative.
The R&B singer revealed her diagnosis via her Instagram page in 2017. She shared a photo of herself with lilac-colored hair and wearing a pink dress and apparently on her way to perform.
Monica wrote in the caption of the photo, “In life we have to count it all joy and know the unplanned may be in his plan. May 30th I had an almost 8 hour surgery to remove my endometriosis (which I didn’t know I had until two weeks prior), 2 cysts, fibroids & a hernia that all were making me very sick.”
“I’ve known something was wrong but I also knew victory [and] better health would be near again!!”
After the post, Monica shared that she, along with Mary J. Blige and others performed at LL Cool J’s daughter’s wedding.