Sumona Chakravarti’s Endometriosis Surgery at 38 Highlights a Silent Disease Many Women Ignore

Television actress Sumona Chakravarti has revealed that she underwent surgery for endometriosis at the age of 38 after silently living with the condition for years. Her story is now encouraging thousands of women to recognize that severe period pain should never be ignored.

As a physiotherapist, I have seen firsthand how chronic pelvic pain affects not only physical health but also confidence, work productivity, sleep, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Many patients arrive after years of silently enduring symptoms, assuming they are “part of being a woman.” By then, recovery often becomes more challenging.

The encouraging news is that endometriosis can be managed effectively when diagnosed early. With appropriate medical care, physiotherapy, and long-term lifestyle strategies, many women are able to reduce pain, improve function, and return to activities they enjoy.

This article explains what endometriosis is, why it is often missed, when surgery becomes necessary, and how rehabilitation—including physiotherapy—can support recovery.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus. These abnormal growths may develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder, or, in rare cases, even beyond the pelvis.

Unlike normal uterine lining, this tissue has no natural way to leave the body during menstruation. Over time, repeated cycles of inflammation can lead to:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Scar tissue (adhesions)
• Ovarian cysts (endometriomas)
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

One of the biggest misconceptions is that endometriosis is simply “bad period pain.” In reality, it is a complex medical condition involving hormonal, immune, and inflammatory processes. Symptoms vary widely—some women experience severe pain with minimal visible disease, while others have extensive disease but relatively mild symptoms.

According to global health organizations, endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, making it one of the most common gynecological disorders worldwide. Despite this, diagnosis is often delayed by several years because symptoms are normalized or mistaken for other conditions.

Doctor Explains

“Pain Is Common During Menstruation—but Debilitating Pain Is Not Normal”

One of the most common misunderstandings I encounter in clinical practice is the belief that every woman should tolerate severe menstrual pain.

In my clinical experience, many patients say things like:

“Everyone in my family has painful periods.”

or

“I thought this was just how my body works.”

Unfortunately, these assumptions delay proper medical evaluation.

From a rehabilitation perspective, chronic pelvic pain doesn’t remain confined to the reproductive organs. Over time, many women develop secondary problems such as muscle guarding, pelvic floor dysfunction, lower back pain, hip stiffness, altered walking patterns, and reduced physical activity due to fear of triggering pain.

Clinically, I often observe that women who have lived with untreated pelvic pain for years also experience decreased core muscle activation. The body naturally compensates for pain by changing posture and movement patterns, which can contribute to persistent discomfort even after medical treatment.

Why This Problem Is Becoming More Common

Although endometriosis itself is not a new disease, awareness and diagnosis have increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, modern lifestyles may amplify the impact of chronic pelvic pain on daily living.

Urban Indian women today often spend long hours sitting at desks, commuting in traffic, or working from home with limited movement. Extended sitting can increase pelvic muscle tension, contribute to lower back discomfort, and reduce overall physical activity. While these factors do not cause endometriosis, they can worsen pain perception and functional limitations in those who already have the condition.

Students preparing for competitive exams, IT professionals working on laptops for hours, and women balancing careers with household responsibilities may ignore recurring symptoms because they are constantly busy. Many rely on painkillers every month instead of seeking evaluation, assuming the discomfort is temporary.

Early Warning Signs of Endometriosis

One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is that its symptoms can be different from one woman to another. Some experience severe pain from adolescence, while others develop symptoms gradually in their late 20s or 30s. In some cases, the condition is discovered only during an infertility evaluation or surgery performed for another reason.

In my clinical experience, patients rarely come to a physiotherapy clinic saying, “I think I have endometriosis.” More often, they describe persistent lower back pain, hip discomfort, pelvic heaviness, or pain that seems to worsen around their menstrual cycle. This is why looking at the complete pattern of symptoms is so important.

Don’t Ignore These Signs

Seek medical evaluation if you experience any of the following:

• Period pain that prevents normal daily activities
• Pelvic pain lasting beyond menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Severe pain during bowel movements or urination during periods
• Repeated need for painkillers every month
• Difficulty becoming pregnant after trying for an appropriate period
• A sudden worsening of symptoms that were previously manageable
• Persistent pelvic pain despite routine treatment

Many women normalize these symptoms because friends or family members have similar experiences. However, pain that significantly disrupts life deserves proper medical assessment.

Hidden Dangers Most People Don’t Realize

Endometriosis is often thought of as a condition that causes painful periods. In reality, its effects can extend far beyond menstruation.

Chronic Pain Can Change the Nervous System

Persistent pain may lead to changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals, a phenomenon known as central sensitization. As a result, even light pressure or normal movements may become painful over time.

In clinical rehabilitation, this means recovery may require more than treating the pelvic organs alone. Addressing muscle function, movement patterns, and pain education becomes equally important.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction

One surprising pattern I frequently observe is excessive tightness in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles naturally contract in response to pain as a protective mechanism. When they remain tense for months or years, women may experience:

• Pain while sitting
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel
• Persistent pelvic heaviness

Targeted pelvic floor physiotherapy can often help reduce muscle guarding and improve function.

Adhesions and Reduced Mobility

Inflammation from endometriosis may lead to scar tissue that restricts the normal movement of pelvic organs. This can contribute to ongoing discomfort and stiffness.

Reduced Physical Activity

Many women avoid walking, exercising, or participating in recreational activities because they fear triggering pain. Over time, reduced activity may lead to decreased muscle strength, lower cardiovascular fitness, weight changes, and reduced confidence in movement.

Common Mistakes Women Make

Despite increasing awareness, several common misconceptions continue to delay diagnosis and treatment.

Delaying Medical Evaluation

Many women tolerate severe symptoms for years, believing that painful periods are normal. Early evaluation may lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective management.

Self-Medicating Every Month

Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief but should not become the only strategy for managing recurring severe pain. Persistent reliance on medication without evaluation may delay appropriate care.

Recent Research

Research over the past decade has transformed our understanding of endometriosis.

One of the most striking findings is that diagnosis is often delayed by 7–10 years from the onset of symptoms. During this time, many women consult multiple healthcare providers before receiving a definitive diagnosis.

Emerging research also suggests that endometriosis is more than a gynecological condition. It involves complex interactions between the immune system, nervous system, hormones, and inflammatory pathways. This may explain why some women experience fatigue, widespread pain, or symptoms that extend beyond the pelvis.

Another important development is the growing recognition of pelvic floor physiotherapy as part of comprehensive care. Recent clinical studies indicate that individualized physiotherapy—including pelvic floor muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining—may help reduce pain and improve daily function in selected patients, particularly when combined with medical management.

Sumona Chakravarti’s Health Journey: A Reminder That Persistent Period Pain Should Never Be Ignored

Actress Sumona Chakravarti recently shared that she underwent surgery for endometriosis after living with the condition for years. After taking a break from social media for nearly two months to focus on her physical and emotional recovery, she said the experience changed her perspective on life. She explained that despite trying to manage the condition, it had progressed to the point where surgery became necessary, and she expressed gratitude to her medical team for their care during recovery.

Her story has resonated with many women because it highlights a common reality: endometriosis often remains undiagnosed for years. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for “normal” menstrual pain, leading many women to delay seeking medical attention until the condition significantly affects their daily lives.

While every patient’s experience is unique, Sumona’s journey is an important reminder that persistent pelvic pain deserves proper medical evaluation rather than being accepted as something to simply endure.

A Physiotherapist’s Perspective on Recovery

One common misconception is that surgery marks the end of the journey. In reality, recovery often continues for weeks or months afterward.

In my clinical experience, many women recovering from endometriosis surgery benefit from a structured rehabilitation plan that focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and gradually rebuilding confidence in daily activities. Chronic pain can cause muscles around the abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvic floor to become tense and protective. Even after successful surgery, these muscles may continue to contribute to discomfort if they are not addressed.

Rehabilitation may include:

• Gentle breathing exercises to reduce abdominal guarding
• Gradual walking and mobility exercises
• Core muscle retraining
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy when appropriate
• Postural education
• Progressive strengthening as healing allows

The goal is not only to recover from surgery but also to help women return comfortably to work, exercise, family responsibilities, and the activities they enjoy.

Perhaps the most important message from Sumona Chakravarti’s experience is one of awareness: severe, recurring pelvic pain should never be dismissed as “normal.” Early consultation with a qualified healthcare professional can lead to timely diagnosis, more treatment options, and, in many cases, a better quality of life.

Myth vs Fact

Myth	Fact
Painful periods are always normal.	Mild discomfort can occur, but severe pain that interferes with daily life should be medically evaluated.
Endometriosis only affects fertility.	It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, bowel or bladder symptoms, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.
Surgery permanently cures endometriosis.	Surgery can relieve symptoms and remove visible disease, but recurrence is possible. Long-term follow-up is important.
Exercise makes endometriosis worse.	Appropriate, individualized exercise often helps improve mobility, muscle function, and overall well-being.
Young women cannot have endometriosis.	Symptoms often begin during adolescence or early adulthood, although diagnosis may be delayed.
Normal ultrasound always rules out endometriosis.	Some forms of endometriosis are not visible on routine imaging. Clinical assessment remains essential.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding soaking pads rapidly
• Fever with pelvic pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Difficulty passing urine or stool accompanied by severe pain
• Fainting or signs of shock
• Severe pain after surgery that is worsening rather than improving

Conclusion

Endometriosis is a chronic condition, but it is not something women should simply “live with.” Early recognition, appropriate medical evaluation, and individualized treatment can significantly improve quality of life.

As a physiotherapist, I have seen many women regain confidence in movement and daily activities when rehabilitation is combined with appropriate medical care. Recovery is often a journey rather than a single event, and progress may come gradually through consistent treatment, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can endometriosis be cured permanently?

There is currently no guaranteed permanent cure, but symptoms can often be managed effectively with medical treatment, surgery when appropriate, and long-term follow-up.

2. Does every woman with endometriosis need surgery?

No. Many women improve with medication, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitation. Surgery is recommended only in selected situations.

3. Can physiotherapy help?

Yes. Physiotherapy may reduce pain related to muscle tightness, improve posture, restore movement, and support recovery after surgery.

4. Is pregnancy a treatment for endometriosis?

No. Pregnancy is not considered a treatment, although some women experience temporary symptom improvement during pregnancy.

5. Can endometriosis come back after surgery?

Yes. Symptoms or lesions may recur, which is why ongoing follow-up with your healthcare team is important.

References

• World Health Organization. (2023). Endometriosis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
• National Institutes of Health. Endometriosis. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri
• European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. (2022). ESHRE Guideline: Endometriosis.
• Zondervan, K. T., et al. (2020). Endometriosis. The Lancet, 395(10227), 730–748.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin: Management of Endometriosis.