Country music legend Dolly Parton, who died this week at the age of 80, publicly shared her experience with endometriosis, a painful reproductive condition that impacted her ability to have children.
Parton announced her diagnosis with endometriosis in 1982 at age 36. The condition, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside of it, can lead to severe pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility in up to half of those affected. She described experiencing excruciating pain, hemorrhaging, and digestive issues that led her to cancel a major tour.
In 1984, Parton underwent a partial hysterectomy, a procedure to remove her uterus. While this helped alleviate some symptoms, it meant she could no longer become pregnant.
"I can't have children physically," Parton told Gloria Steinem in 1987. "I love children. I don't know that it also wasn't God's will, you know, for me not to have kids. I mean, I try to look at things in a way that I can put them in a proper place because somebody has to be out there doing something to entertain other people’s children."
Endometriosis is a significant health issue, with the CDC estimating that six to ten percent of reproductive-aged women in the U.S. are affected. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 24, and 35 and 49. Approximately 25 to 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility due to damage to pelvic organs or necessary treatments like hysterectomies.
The disease causes endometrial tissue to grow on organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, and bladder. During a menstrual cycle, this tissue thickens and bleeds, but with no outlet, it can form scar tissue, known as adhesions. These adhesions can cause pelvic organs to stick together or become fused, leading to cysts, obstructions, and blocked fallopian tubes, thus hindering conception.
Common symptoms include extremely painful menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, abdominal and back pain, pain during intercourse, and digestive problems. Factors increasing risk include a family history of endometriosis, longer menstrual periods, and never having given birth, which experts believe is linked to prolonged estrogen exposure.
Recent data indicates a rise in endometriosis diagnoses in the U.S., with Epic Research reporting a 32 to 42 percent increase between 2017 and 2024. The largest increase, 44 percent, was observed in women over 49. Clinicians attribute this trend to increased awareness and the wider availability of advanced diagnostic tools like pelvic ultrasound and MRI scans.
Treatment options for endometriosis vary, with hormonal birth control sometimes prescribed to manage hormone levels and menstruation. In more severe cases, a hysterectomy may be considered to reduce symptoms.