Monica recently shared details regarding the severity of her recent procedure to undergo a second surgery to “address her endometriosis” and the difficult realities those living with the disorder face.

The award-winning R&B artist had the courage to speak out about endometriosis to help women know they are not alone.

“Well, I had never heard of it [until] just four years ago when I was diagnosed. Endometriosis is extremely painful and women, monthly, feel like suffering is a part of the deal. But you find out — when you learn about endometriosis — that we shouldn’t be in excruciating pain, and you learn that every age can suffer from endometriosis.”

“So, once I was diagnosed, I initially had the first surgery, and it was not like the second — the second was very hard. I was in the hospital for a week, and I ended up having multiple blood transfusions. But now, being on the mend and recovering, I’ve become somewhat of an advocate because I want women to know what this disease is, and I want them to know that there is hope for them.”

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Monica posted clips of herself from her hospital bed following her most recent surgery. In them, she encouraged those with estranged parents to make amends, forgive, and let go of the pain, tying them to generational curses so our children can have “better than what we had.”

After her first “almost 8 hours” surgery to remove cysts, fibroids and a hernia in 2017, Monica said, “One thing I’ve learned throughout this particular journey is that you have to listen to your body, and you have to listen to your doctor, which means you have to know, respect and understand them; it’s a relationship that’s very important.”

Watch the full video below: