Janel Parrish Opens Up About Endometriosis Journey to Inspire Others

Actress Janel Parrish, best known for her role as Mona Vanderwaal in the hit series “Pretty Little Liars,” has bravely shared her personal health struggle with endometriosis. In a heartfelt Instagram post on December 19, the 37-year-old actress revealed she was recovering from her second surgery overall, but first excision surgery for the condition. “I want to share my story in the hopes that it can help others dealing with this very painful and isolating disease,” Parrish wrote with candor. Her five-hour surgical procedure was deemed successful, marking a significant milestone in her health journey. By speaking openly about her experience, Parrish joins the growing movement of celebrities using their platforms to destigmatize discussions around women’s health conditions that have historically been dismissed or misunderstood.

Endometriosis affects approximately one in ten women worldwide yet often goes undiagnosed for years due to normalization of pain and lack of awareness among both patients and healthcare providers. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, sometimes spreading as far as the lungs and shoulders, causing symptoms that can severely impact quality of life. These symptoms include debilitating menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, infertility. Through her post, Parrish emphasized the importance of specialized care, noting that “excision surgery is the gold standard for treating endometriosis.” Her advocacy comes at a crucial time when many women still struggle to have their pain taken seriously by medical professionals, often enduring years of suffering before receiving proper diagnosis and treatment.

In her message to followers, Parrish struck a balance between acknowledging the challenging reality that endometriosis has no cure while offering hope through proper treatment options. “Please please please speak to a specialist if you can,” she urged fellow sufferers, whom she affectionately called “endo sisters.” This sense of community is vital for those battling chronic conditions, where feeling understood can be as important as medical intervention. Parrish also took time to express gratitude for her support system during recovery, particularly thanking her husband Chris Long for being “there every step of the way,” as well as friends and even her dogs Kleo and Moose for being “the best dog nurses.” Her message concluded on an optimistic note, expressing thanks to her medical team and looking forward to being “back on my feet and stronger than ever in 2 weeks and ready to take on 2026.”

The actress’s health journey runs parallel to a successful career spanning theater, television, and film. While many fans recognize Parrish from her compelling portrayal of the complex character Mona in “Pretty Little Liars” or her role in the popular “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” film series, her artistic roots actually began on Broadway. “My first job ever was as Little Cosette on Broadway in Les Misérables,” Parrish revealed in a 2023 interview with Us Weekly. She initially believed her career would focus on theater, but life had different plans, leading her toward television and film opportunities instead. This career pivot meant that singing—once central to her identity as a performer—became less prominent in her professional life. “I thought that’s where the course of my life was going to take me, and as fate had it, it led more toward TV and film, and as that happened, I did less and less singing,” she explained, admitting it became “a little bit of a fear and a vulnerability.”

Beyond her acting career, Parrish’s personal life has included meaningful milestones alongside her health challenges. In 2018, she married Chris Long in a beautiful Hawaiian ceremony after becoming engaged in October 2017. The couple’s relationship, which began a year before their engagement, has evidently provided Parrish with crucial support during difficult times. Before their wedding, Parrish told People magazine that they planned to write their own vows, candidly predicting, “We are probably both just going to cry like babies… I ugly cry, so it’s not going to be cute photos, but it’ll be a beautiful memory.” This willingness to embrace vulnerability and authenticity seems characteristic of Parrish, whether discussing her wedding emotions or her health struggles with endometriosis.

Parrish’s decision to speak openly about her endometriosis diagnosis and treatment represents more than just a personal health update; it’s part of a larger movement to transform how we understand and address women’s health issues. By using her platform to educate others about endometriosis and the importance of specialized treatment, she contributes to breaking down the silence and stigma that have historically surrounded women’s reproductive health. Her message balances honesty about the difficulties of chronic illness with hope for better management through proper care. As Parrish looks forward to recovery and returning “stronger than ever,” her story reminds us of the importance of raising awareness “until there is a cure” while ensuring those suffering know they’re “not alone.” Through her advocacy, Parrish demonstrates how personal vulnerability can translate into public strength, potentially helping countless others facing similar battles feel seen, understood, and empowered to seek the care they deserve.