Amy Schumer has shared a video on Instagram revealing that she has undergone surgery to remove her uterus and appendix due to painful endometriosis.

“If you have really painful periods you may have #endometriosis”, Amy wrote on her Instagram post yesterday.

The 40-year-old comedian shared a video to Instagram, revealing more details, “It’s the morning after my surgery for endometriosis and my uterus is out. The doctor found 30 spots of endometriosis he removed. He removed my appendix because the endometriosis had attacked it.”

Her husband, who was filming her speaking, let out a belch during the video, and then Amy continued, ““There was a lot of blood in my uterus and I’m sore and I have some gas pains, but other than that I already feel that my energy…” The video abruptly ends there.

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The comments were filled with support from her fans, fellow celebs and other endometriosis sufferers. Top Chef host, Padma Lakshmi wrote, “Thank you so much for sharing your endo story. Over 200 million women worldwide suffer with this. Hope you feel better soon!”

Will and Grace star Debra Messing added, “Oh my goodness, 30?! So happy they are gone and you won’t have that pain anymore. Heal well Am!”

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Specialist Endometriosis site Jean Hailes explains, “Endometriosis, pronounced end-o-me-tree-oh-sis (or just endo), is a progressive, chronic condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus (the endometrium) are found in other parts of the body. It most commonly occurs in the pelvis and can affect a woman’s reproductive organs.”

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms of endometriosis can be very different for every woman. While some women have no symptoms, others may have many symptoms and severe pain. Also, the severity of the symptoms may not reflect the severity of the condition. The symptoms that women experience, and the severity of those symptoms are often related to the location of the endometrial tissue rather than the amount of cells growing.

CAN WE PREVENT ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Unfortunately, endometriosis can’t be prevented but according to Jean Hailes a woman is less likely to develop endometriosis if she reduces the number of menstrual cycles she has during her fertile years. This includes factors like taking the oral contraceptive pill, having children (the change of getting endometriosis can decrease with each pregnancy), being younger during her first pregnancy, extended breastfeeding and/or regular exercise (for more than four hours in a week).

Are you a fellow endometriosis sufferer?