August 19, 2025, 10:45 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women. The pain can be so severe that women are unable to walk. Model Barbara Palvin also suffered from endometriosis. On Instagram, the 31-year-old shared how she suffered for years and underwent surgery. Since then, her condition has significantly improved.
Model Barbara Palvin on Severe Pain, Heavy Bleeding, Sleepless Nights
“For several years, I’ve been struggling with difficulties related to my period,” begins Hungarian model Barbara Palvin in her Instagram post. She lists: “Fatigue, severe pain, heavy and irregular bleeding, sleepless nights on the bathroom floor.” She thought it was “just the way it was” for her.
Regular gynecological check-ups contributed to this belief, where she was told everything was fine. The situation began to change when she was finally advised to see a specialist for endometriosis.
Barbara Palvin Relieved After Endometriosis Surgery: “Finally More Comfortable Periods”
“I thought if I had endometriosis, I would know,” says Palvin. “But as it turns out, endometriosis cannot be diagnosed through general examinations.” Three months after visiting the specialist, she underwent surgery.
The surgery, according to her, helped significantly. She is grateful for having undergone the procedure. Palvin, who chose to share photos of herself in a hospital bed and of her abdominal bandages, describes how her health issues have greatly improved since the surgery: “I finally have more comfortable periods,” she shares with her 20.5 million Instagram followers.
“Now I know the difference,” Palvin continues, wanting to encourage other women to seek help early if they experience similar symptoms. This is to avoid a long-term suffering story like hers. “If you suspect you might have endometriosis, I recommend getting it checked out,” the 31-year-old appeals to her followers.
Worldwide, 10 Out of 100 Women of Childbearing Age Are Affected by Endometriosis
In endometriosis, cysts, lesions, and inflammation develop on the ovaries, intestines, or peritoneum. Endometriosis can also affect fertility: In 40 to 60 percent of women who are involuntarily childless, the condition is the cause. Worldwide, about ten out of 100 women of childbearing age are affected.1
The diagnosis of endometriosis marks the end of a long period of uncertainty and doubt for patients, bringing relief in finally knowing the source of their symptoms—this assessment was shared with us by Anja Moritz, managing director of the Endometriosis Association Germany e.V., in another context.
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Various Treatment Approaches—Lack of Treatment Often Worsens Symptoms
Various treatment approaches can alleviate symptoms to improve the quality of life for those affected. They range from pain medication to hormonal treatment and, if there is a desire for children, surgery, which involves the surgical removal of endometriosis lesions and cysts.
Untreated endometriosis typically leads to increasingly severe symptoms. “Endometriosis lesions, which can grow throughout the body and lead to cysts and inflammation, can cause lasting damage to organs, resulting in further symptoms,” Anja Moritz previously told FITBOOK. Adhesions in the intestines can lead to life-threatening bowel obstructions, and growths near nerves can damage them and lead to movement restrictions.
Expert: Those Affected Should Demand Treatment
Moritz advises affected women “not to be brushed off.” As difficult as it may be, those affected must “demand their treatment and should always seek another opinion if in doubt.”