Shamita Shetty’s Endometriosis Comment Has Reignited an Important Medical Conversation

When actress Shamita Shetty revealed that a doctor once advised her to “have a baby to cure endometriosis,” her response—“Where do I find a man?”—quickly caught public attention. Beyond the humor, her experience reflects a belief that many women have encountered during consultations.

The discussion is important because endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, yet myths surrounding the condition continue to circulate. One of the most persistent misconceptions is that pregnancy permanently cures the disease. Current medical evidence does not support that claim.

Many women delay seeking proper treatment because they assume painful periods are normal or believe symptoms will disappear after marriage or childbirth. Unfortunately, postponing evaluation can allow the condition to progress, increasing the risk of chronic pelvic pain, fertility challenges and reduced quality of life.

Understanding what endometriosis really is—and what treatments actually work—is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.

What Happened?

Shamita Shetty recently shared that she was once told by a doctor to have a baby as a treatment for endometriosis. Her candid response highlighted the practical and emotional problems with such advice.

While pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms in some women because ovulation and menstrual cycles pause during pregnancy, it does not eliminate endometriosis lesions or permanently cure the condition. Symptoms often return after pregnancy or once menstrual cycles resume.

Modern gynecological guidelines emphasize that treatment should be tailored to a woman’s symptoms, age, fertility goals and overall health—not based on the assumption that pregnancy is a universal solution.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths can develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel or bladder.

Although this tissue resembles the uterine lining, it behaves differently. During each menstrual cycle, it responds to hormonal changes, which can lead to inflammation, irritation and scar formation. Over time, this may result in adhesions that bind pelvic organs together and contribute to ongoing pain.

The condition affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, making it one of the most common gynecological disorders. Despite this, diagnosis is frequently delayed because symptoms are often dismissed as routine menstrual discomfort.

Not every woman experiences the same symptoms. Some have debilitating pain, while others discover the condition only during fertility evaluations. This variation is one reason why individualized assessment is so important.

Doctor Explains: Why the Pregnancy Myth Persists

The belief that pregnancy cures endometriosis has been repeated for decades, but it oversimplifies a complex disease.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes suppress ovulation and menstruation. For some women, this may temporarily reduce pelvic pain. However, temporary symptom relief should not be mistaken for a cure. The underlying disease can remain present, and symptoms may recur after childbirth or when menstrual cycles restart.

Current international guidelines recommend evidence-based management strategies that may include pain-relieving medications, hormonal therapies, laparoscopic surgery in selected cases, fertility treatment when appropriate, pelvic floor physiotherapy and long-term follow-up.

Women should never feel pressured to become pregnant solely as a treatment for endometriosis. Decisions about pregnancy are deeply personal and should be based on individual life circumstances rather than outdated medical myths.

For anyone experiencing persistent pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps or pain during intercourse, seeking evaluation from a qualified gynecologist is the most appropriate next step.

Why Does This Myth Still Exist?

The advice that “having a baby will cure endometriosis” has been passed down for decades. Before modern imaging, hormonal therapies, and evidence-based guidelines became widely available, some clinicians noticed that certain women experienced temporary relief from pain during pregnancy. Over time, this observation was mistakenly interpreted as a permanent cure.

Today’s evidence tells a different story. Pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms because ovulation and menstrual cycles stop for several months, but it does not remove endometriosis tissue. Once hormone levels return to their usual pattern after childbirth, symptoms can recur. International guidelines emphasize that treatment should be individualized rather than relying on pregnancy as therapy.

Why Endometriosis Is Being Diagnosed More Frequently Today

Endometriosis itself is not necessarily becoming dramatically more common, but awareness and diagnosis have improved. At the same time, several modern lifestyle factors may influence symptom severity or delay diagnosis.

Many women today spend long hours sitting at office desks, studying on laptops, or working from home. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to muscle tightness, pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain, which may worsen the discomfort associated with endometriosis. Poor posture and prolonged sitting do not cause endometriosis, but they can amplify musculoskeletal pain around the pelvis and lower back.

Urban Indian lifestyles also play a role. Busy schedules, long commutes, work stress and limited sleep often lead women to ignore recurring menstrual pain. Many rely on painkillers every month without seeking medical evaluation, assuming severe cramps are simply part of being a woman.

Another reason more cases are being identified is the increasing use of high-quality transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic MRI. Recent clinical guidance supports earlier, less invasive diagnosis instead of delaying treatment while waiting for surgery in many cases.

Hidden Dangers Most Women Don’t Realize

One of the biggest dangers of endometriosis is diagnostic delay. Research has shown that many women live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis, allowing inflammation and scar tissue to progress.

Untreated or poorly controlled endometriosis may lead to:

• Chronic pelvic pain that interferes with work and daily activities.
• Pain during sexual intercourse, affecting intimate relationships.
• Difficulty conceiving in some women.
• Formation of ovarian endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”).
• Adhesions that cause pelvic organs to stick together.
• Fatigue, anxiety and reduced quality of life.

Persistent pain can also affect sleep, concentration and emotional well-being. Living with ongoing symptoms may contribute to depression or social isolation, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and appropriate treatment.

Common Mistakes Women Often Make

Many women unintentionally delay appropriate care because of common misconceptions.

Waiting for Symptoms to “Go Away”

Severe menstrual pain is often dismissed as normal. However, pain that disrupts school, work or daily activities deserves medical attention.

Depending Only on Painkillers

Over-the-counter pain medicines may reduce discomfort temporarily, but they do not address the underlying condition. Recurrent pain should prompt a proper evaluation.

Believing Pregnancy Is a Cure

Choosing to become pregnant is a deeply personal decision. It should never be viewed as a treatment for endometriosis because current evidence does not support pregnancy as a cure.

Following Social Media Advice

Online remedies, restrictive diets or herbal supplements promoted without scientific evidence may delay effective treatment. Always discuss treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional.

Ignoring Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Chronic pelvic pain often causes muscles around the pelvis to become tense and overactive. Addressing these muscle changes through physiotherapy may help improve function as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Causes and Risk Factors

Researchers are still working to understand exactly why endometriosis develops, but several factors appear to increase the likelihood of the condition.

A family history of endometriosis increases risk, suggesting a genetic component. Women who began menstruating at an early age, have shorter menstrual cycles or experience heavy periods may also have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.

Hormonal influences, particularly estrogen, play an important role because endometriosis lesions respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Immune system dysfunction and inflammatory processes are also believed to contribute.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, prolonged sitting or poor posture have not been proven to directly cause endometriosis. However, inactivity, chronic stress and inadequate physical activity can worsen pain perception, reduce mobility and contribute to secondary musculoskeletal problems.

Importantly, endometriosis is not caused by anything a woman did wrong, and it should never be dismissed as “just bad period pain.”

Early Warning Signs

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some women experience severe pain despite relatively small areas of disease, while others have minimal symptoms.

Common early signs include:

• Severe menstrual cramps that worsen over time.
• Persistent pelvic pain between periods.
• Lower back pain around menstruation.
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse.
• Pain while passing urine or stool during periods.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Difficulty becoming pregnant.

As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more frequent, less predictable and more disruptive to everyday life.

Don’t Ignore These Signs

Seek medical evaluation if you notice:

• Period pain that prevents you from attending work or college.
• Pelvic pain lasting beyond menstruation.
• Pain that is not relieved by routine pain medication.
• Recurrent painful intercourse.
• Blood in urine or stool during menstruation.
• Infertility despite trying to conceive.
• Symptoms that continue to worsen over several months.

Early assessment can shorten the time to diagnosis and allow treatment to begin before complications significantly affect quality of life.

Research highlights

Recent international guidelines have shifted away from the traditional belief that surgery is always required to diagnose endometriosis. Increasingly, clinicians are encouraged to combine a detailed history, physical examination and imaging to make an earlier diagnosis and start treatment sooner.

Emerging guidance also recognizes that management should be multidisciplinary. In addition to medications and surgery when appropriate, physiotherapy, psychological support and pain management strategies can play an important role in improving quality of life for women living with chronic pelvic pain.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from current evidence is that pregnancy should not be presented as a cure for endometriosis. While some women experience temporary symptom improvement during pregnancy, modern guidelines emphasize individualized treatment based on symptoms, fertility goals and personal preferences rather than outdated assumptions.

Diagnosis: How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is that there is no single blood test that can confirm the condition. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests and, in selected cases, minimally invasive surgery.

A gynecologist will begin by asking detailed questions about your menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, fertility plans and family history. The pattern of symptoms often provides valuable clues.

Medical History

Your doctor may ask:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Is your pain limited to your periods or present throughout the month?
• Do you experience pain during intercourse?
• Have you noticed painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation?
• Are you planning pregnancy?

Physical Examination

A pelvic examination may identify tenderness, nodules or enlarged ovaries. However, a normal examination does not rule out endometriosis, particularly in its early stages.

Imaging Tests

Modern imaging has significantly improved early diagnosis.

Transvaginal ultrasound is often the first imaging test because it can identify ovarian endometriomas and some forms of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

For complex cases, doctors may recommend pelvic MRI, which provides a more detailed assessment of disease extent and helps with surgical planning.

Gold Standard Diagnosis

Historically, laparoscopy with biopsy was considered the gold standard because it allows direct visualization and tissue confirmation.

However, recent international guidelines encourage earlier diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging, reducing unnecessary delays in treatment. Laparoscopy is now reserved for selected patients when imaging is inconclusive, symptoms are severe or surgery is already being considered.

Treatment: There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

One of the most important messages women should know is that endometriosis can often be managed successfully, even though there is currently no universal cure.

Treatment depends on several factors:

• Age
• Severity of symptoms
• Fertility goals
• Extent of disease
• Previous treatments
• Personal preferences

Management usually involves a multidisciplinary team that may include a gynecologist, pain specialist, physiotherapist, psychologist and fertility expert.

Medical Treatment

Doctors may recommend:

Pain Relief

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce menstrual pain in some women, particularly when started early in the menstrual cycle.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal medications help suppress ovulation and reduce stimulation of endometriosis tissue.

Options include:

• Combined oral contraceptive pills
• Progestin-only therapy
• Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)
• GnRH agonists or antagonists in selected patients

These treatments aim to reduce pain and slow disease progression rather than permanently eliminate the condition.

Surgery

Surgery may be considered when:

• Pain remains severe despite medication
• Large ovarian endometriomas are present
• Fertility is affected
• Deep infiltrating endometriosis involves nearby organs

Whenever possible, surgeons aim to remove endometriosis lesions while preserving healthy tissue.

The Role of Physiotherapy

Many people are surprised to learn that physiotherapy can be an important part of endometriosis management.

While physiotherapy does not remove endometriosis lesions, it helps address the muscular, joint and movement problems that often develop because of chronic pelvic pain.

Women with persistent pain frequently develop protective muscle tension. Over time, this may lead to:

• Pelvic floor muscle overactivity
• Hip stiffness
• Lower back pain
• Abdominal muscle guarding
• Reduced mobility
• Pain during movement or intercourse

A specialized pelvic health physiotherapist can identify these secondary problems and develop an individualized rehabilitation program.

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Management

Treatment may include:

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Persistent pain often causes pelvic floor muscles to remain in a constant state of tension.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on:

• Muscle relaxation
• Breathing coordination
• Gentle stretching
• Neuromuscular retraining
• Pain education

Manual Therapy

Manual techniques may help improve soft tissue mobility and reduce muscle guarding around the pelvis, hips and lower back when clinically appropriate.

Exercise Therapy

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve overall function and may reduce pain sensitivity.

Programs often include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Core stabilization exercises
• Hip strengthening
• Flexibility training

Exercises should be tailored to the individual’s symptoms and tolerance.

Postural Correction

Many women unknowingly adopt protective postures because of pain.

Improving posture can reduce unnecessary strain on:

• Lumbar spine
• Sacroiliac joints
• Hip muscles
• Pelvic floor

Myth vs Fact

Myth	Fact
Pregnancy cures endometriosis.	Pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms but is not a permanent cure.
Severe period pain is normal.	Pain that interferes with daily life should always be medically evaluated.
Only older women get endometriosis.	It commonly affects women during their reproductive years.
Hysterectomy cures every case.	Some women continue to have symptoms even after hysterectomy, depending on disease extent.
Exercise makes endometriosis worse.	Appropriate exercise often improves function and reduces pain.
Endometriosis always causes infertility.	Many women with endometriosis conceive naturally.

Illustrative Patient Scenario

A 31-year-old software engineer visited a pelvic rehabilitation clinic after living with severe menstrual pain for nearly seven years.

Initially, she believed painful periods were simply part of normal life. She managed symptoms with painkillers each month and continued working despite increasing discomfort.

Over time, she developed persistent lower back pain, painful intercourse and difficulty sitting through long office meetings.

Following evaluation by a gynecologist, imaging confirmed endometriosis. Alongside medical treatment, she began pelvic floor physiotherapy focusing on breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, gradual strengthening and posture correction.

Over several months, her pain became more manageable, daily activities improved and she regained confidence in exercising regularly. While her endometriosis required ongoing medical follow-up, rehabilitation helped her improve function and quality of life.

When Should You See a Doctor Immediately?

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

Sudden, severe pelvic pain unlike your usual symptoms.

Heavy vaginal bleeding causing dizziness or fainting.

Persistent vomiting with severe abdominal pain.

Fever associated with pelvic pain.

Blood in urine or stool that is new or worsening.

Difficulty passing urine or stool accompanied by severe pain.

Rapidly enlarging abdominal swelling.

Conclusion

Shamita Shetty’s candid remarks have reignited an important conversation about one of the most misunderstood gynecological conditions.

Current medical evidence is clear: pregnancy is not a cure for endometriosis. While some women may notice temporary symptom improvement during pregnancy, long-term management should be based on individualized medical care rather than outdated myths.

The encouraging news is that treatment options have improved considerably. Earlier diagnosis, modern hormonal therapies, minimally invasive surgery when appropriate, pelvic health physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications allow many women to lead active, fulfilling lives.

If persistent period pain, pelvic discomfort or fertility concerns are affecting your daily life, don’t dismiss them as “normal.” Seeking timely medical evaluation can make a meaningful difference in symptom control, overall health and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can pregnancy cure endometriosis?

No. Pregnancy may temporarily reduce symptoms in some women because ovulation and menstruation stop during pregnancy, but it does not permanently cure endometriosis.

2. Is severe period pain normal?

Mild discomfort during menstruation is common, but pain that interferes with work, school or daily activities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

3. Can endometriosis affect fertility?

Yes. Endometriosis can make it more difficult for some women to conceive, although many women with the condition become pregnant naturally or with fertility treatment.

4. What is the best test for diagnosing endometriosis?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, pelvic examination and imaging such as transvaginal ultrasound or MRI. In selected cases, laparoscopy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

5. Can physiotherapy help endometriosis?

Yes. Pelvic health physiotherapy may help reduce pelvic floor muscle tension, improve mobility, manage chronic pain and enhance overall function. It is used alongside medical treatment rather than as a replacement.

References (APA Style)

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2026). Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis. https://www.acog.org
2. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). (2022). ESHRE Guideline: Endometriosis. https://www.eshre.eu/guideline/endometriosis
3. World Health Organization. (2023). Endometriosis Fact Sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
4. National Institutes of Health. Endometriosis. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri
5. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(13):1244–1256.