Actor Lili Reinhart has spoken candidly about her recent diagnosis of endometriosis, using her platform to highlight how often the condition is misunderstood, misdiagnosed and dismissed — even by medical professionals. The Riverdale star revealed in an Instagram post shared over the weekend that she was officially diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery, after years of seeking answers for chronic pain.
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“Last week, I was officially diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery,” Reinhart wrote. She went on to detail the long and frustrating medical journey that preceded her diagnosis, explaining that she was previously told her symptoms had no cure.
“Last year, I saw a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. I was told there was no cure—and no lasting relief—for my symptoms.” Reinhart said she endured repeated hospital visits and consultations without endometriosis ever being seriously considered. “Three hospital visits. Multiple urologists and gynecologists. And not one of them seriously considered endometriosis as the underlying cause of what I was experiencing.”
It was only after working with pelvic floor therapists that the possibility was raised. “It wasn’t until I worked with two different pelvic floor therapists that the word endometriosis was even mentioned to me as a possible source of my pain.” She explained that she had to push for further testing herself. “I pushed for an MRI on my own, which led to a diagnosis of adenomyosis.” From there, Reinhart sought out a specialist and chose to undergo surgery — despite conflicting medical advice.
“From there, I met with an endometriosis specialist who helped me decide that laparoscopic surgery was the next step I wanted to take—while, at the same time, another gynecologist told me I ‘probably didn’t have endo’ and should just go on the pill.” Reinhart said trusting her instincts ultimately made the difference. “I’m glad I trusted my body and listened to my gut and will continue advocating for others to do so.”
She also highlighted how widespread delayed diagnosis remains. “Endometriosis is an extremely misunderstood disease, leaving often a 4–11 year gap between symptoms and a definitive surgical diagnosis. It’s estimated 1 in 10 people with uteruses have endo according to the World Health Organization.”
In Ireland, those figures are starkly reflected. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 women live with endometriosis — equating to more than 155,000 people nationwide. Advocacy groups have repeatedly warned that Irish patients face long waiting times for diagnosis, limited access to specialist care, and a lack of public awareness around the condition’s severity. Endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, painful periods, fertility issues and bowel or bladder symptoms, yet diagnosis often requires laparoscopic surgery — contributing to years of uncertainty for patients.
By sharing her experience so openly, Reinhart joins a growing number of public figures using visibility to challenge stigma and medical dismissal, encouraging patients to advocate for themselves and push for better recognition, research and care.
