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.
Treatment for endometriosis is usually with medications or surgery. The approach you and your doctor choose will depend on the severity of your signs and symptoms and whether you hope to become pregnant.
Generally, doctors recommend trying conservative treatment approaches first, opting for surgery as a last resort.
Pain medications
Your doctor may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve, others), to help ease painful menstrual cramps.
If you find that taking the maximum dose of these medications don’t provide full relief, you may need to try another approach to manage your signs and symptoms.
Hormone therapy
Supplemental hormones are sometimes effective in reducing or eliminating the pain of endometriosis. The rise and fall of hormones during the menstrual cycle causes endometrial implants to thicken, break down and bleed. Hormone medication may slow endometrial tissue growth and prevent new implants of endometrial tissue.
Hormone therapy isn’t a permanent fix for endometriosis. You could experience a return of your symptoms after stopping treatment.
Hysterectomy
In severe cases of endometriosis, surgery to remove the uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy) as well as both ovaries may be the best treatment. A hysterectomy alone is not effective — the estrogen your ovaries produce can stimulate any remaining endometriosis and cause pain to persist. A hysterectomy is typically considered a last resort, especially for women still in their reproductive years. You can’t get pregnant after a hysterectomy.
Conservative surgery
If you have endometriosis and are trying to become pregnant, surgery to remove as much endometriosis as possible while preserving your uterus and ovaries (conservative surgery) may increase your chances of success. If you have severe pain from endometriosis, you may also benefit from surgery — however, endometriosis and pain may return.
Monica is now, of course, doing well, but monitoring her body and still singing. She killed it the other night when singing with Brandy on Instagram and the “Verzus” battle.
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