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Oliva Culpo‘s feed is a usually perfectly curated mix of selfies, bikini pics, and OOTDs.
However, the model switched things up on Thursday by posting a series of pictures from the hospital, sharing with fans that she had recently undergone surgery for her endometriosis.
Culpo explained, “Yesterday I had surgery for my endometriosis…Not a very glamorous post but I felt like I needed to share this to create more awareness around this disease.”
Keep reading for what else she had to say!
Culpo's caption continued, clarifying her condition for any of her curious followers:"Endometriosis is a condition where tissue from the uterine lining decides to grow in other random parts of your body, causing pain. This can interfere with fertility and overall health and honestly - happiness."
Culpo also explained how endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose as it often is not visible on an ultrasound.
She added, "To top things off it is excruciatingly painful but nearly impossible to see through an ultrasound (unless you have endometrioma/chocolate cysts on your ovaries- that’s what I had). I have been in agony for years around my period and I was misdiagnosed countless times by doctors."
"'Just take Tylenol every day,' 'ultrasound looks normal,' 'I think you just need to rest more, periods are always uncomfortable for people,' etc. I know a lot of people out there in the Endo community are familiar with these diagnoses which is why I am so passionate about this. Painful periods are not normal!!!" she continued.
She also spoke directly to others with endometriosis, saying that she understands not only the painful symptoms, but the other lonely feelings that come up when dealing with this diagnosis.
Culpo wrote, "To anyone out there who has endometriosis, I understand the depression, and overall loneliness that can occur with a condition that is so painful yet so hard to be interpreted by other people outside of the body. It’s hard when chronic pain is not validated and you don’t get an answer or understanding. To my Endo warriors, I will continue to spread more awareness around endometriosis so that your symptoms can be validated. You are not alone and you are so strong !!!!"
Culpo also thanked her doctor, Dr. Vilasagar, and the hospital staff at Atrium Health.
Many of Culpo's celebrity friends showed their support.
Hannah Ann Sluss, who appeared on the latest season of The Bachelor, wrote, "Prayers for a smooth recovery."
Brooks Nader, who you've probably seen on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, "Such a brave girl! Adore u liv."
Victoria's Secret model Dev Windsor also commented, writing three prayer emojis under Culpo's post.
