Comedian's Backstage IVF Struggle Leads to Endometriosis Diagnosis
At 8 p.m., a sold-out audience eagerly awaited the start of a comedy show, unaware that the performer was backstage, grappling with a personal medical crisis. At 8:05 p.m., Candice Guardino, doubled over in pain with a heating pad taped to her lower back, attempted to steady her hand to inject an IVF trigger shot into her stomach, already bruised from weeks of hormone treatments. The crowd laughed and sipped drinks, while she silently prayed for relief from the pain radiating across her hips and spine, hoping to stand upright under the stage lights.
When she asked the stage manager for a five-minute delay, he rolled his eyes, assuming it was for cosmetic reasons. Upon seeing the needle, his jaw dropped, likely suspecting drug use. In a way, she was using drugs—just not the recreational kind. This moment was part of a desperate attempt to conceive, driven by a recent diagnosis at age 34 that her eggs were "running out," prompting immediate IVF treatment.
A Decades-Long Battle with Unseen Pain
This struggle was not new; it had roots in nearly two decades of unexplained symptoms. At 16, Candice sought medical help for excruciatingly painful periods that sometimes left her unable to stand. Doctors dismissed it as normal, prescribing birth control to manage the pain. Her mother agreed, hoping it would help. For 17 years, she remained on the pill, but the pain never fully disappeared—it merely became quieter, while new symptoms like a swollen belly, fibroids, exhaustion, brain fog, and low hormone levels emerged.
Each doctor visit yielded similar responses: "It's hormonal" or "This is just what women go through." These statements were not intentionally dismissive but reflected a lack of awareness about conditions like endometriosis. The IVF cycle initiated backstage that night failed, with no eggs growing or retrieved. This failure spurred Candice to seek answers more aggressively.
The Turning Point: A Shocking Diagnosis
A fertility specialist noticed abnormalities in her ovaries, particularly the right one, and referred her to a surgeon in New York City. An MRI revealed a dermoid tumor engulfing her right ovary and extending toward her chest cavity. The surgeon also suspected endometriosis, a condition Candice had never heard of, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing fertility issues and severe pain.
When asked if she was in pain, Candice simply replied, "Always." Within 24 hours, she underwent surgery lasting over 90 minutes. The procedure removed the dermoid tumor, several fibroids, stage 3 endometriosis spread across her reproductive organs, and endometrial tissue covering parts of her bowels and appendix. Suddenly, years of confusing symptoms made sense—the menstrual pain, stabbing sensations during bathroom use, exhaustion, and swelling.
Hope Amid Financial and Emotional Struggles
After surgery, the doctor delivered hopeful news: "Your eggs aren't bad. They were just being suffocated. I saved your ovary. You'll be pregnant one day." Candice burst into tears, overwhelmed with relief. Her husband, who had waited anxiously, was briefed on the findings and future prospects. However, the financial reality was harsh; insurance often does not fully cover such surgeries, draining their bank account rapidly.
Despite this, Candice felt fortunate to finally have an answer. Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet many go undiagnosed for years or decades, told their pain is normal and prescribed birth control as a solution. Women often endure silently, smiling through meetings, powering through presentations, and performing onstage while pain radiates through their bodies, with the world unaware of their hidden struggles.
A Joyful Outcome and Ongoing Advocacy
Years later, Candice heard her baby's first cry, a moment that made every surgery, injection, bruise, and backstage breakdown meaningful. These were not random hardships but part of her unique path. She continues to live with endometriosis, managing pain through diet, stress management, and collaboration with knowledgeable doctors.
She shares her story to reach other women told their pain is "just normal," urging them to keep asking questions, advocate for themselves, and search for answers. Candice emphasizes that they are not alone in this journey. As a writer, performer, and fertility advocate, she uses humor and storytelling to explore themes of family, resilience, and finding light in life's hardest moments.
