SI Swimsuit Model Gigi Robinson Recalls Painful Battles With Endometriosis: ‘Nobody Believed Me’

It took years to figure out what was causing Gigi Robinson crippling pain every month.

The social media influencer, who was a 2022 SI Swim Search finalist, was diagnosed with endometriosis in December.

The condition, in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, affects an estimated 176 million women between the ages of 15 and 44. An exact cause is unknown, and symptoms can include excessive bleeding, severe menstrual cramps in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvic area, as well as fatigue and even infertility.

Gigi Robinson, a model and social media influencer, was diagnosed with endometriosis in December. (Samantha Sybo)

According to endometriosis.org, the only way to diagnose endometriosis with certainty is through laparoscopy, a minor operation.

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“I thought it was my body reacting to my cycle,” the model told Fox News Digital. “That’s what the doctors suspected… And I always had bad back pain — horrible, horrible, horrible, horrible back pain — three weeks a month. And in the last six to eight months I’ve had a lot of pain in some ways that I just didn’t even know was possible. I thought, ‘This is so awful.’”

The 24-year-old said she met with several different doctors to find out what was going on. She said only one suspected it was endometriosis and recommended laparoscopic surgery. A cautious Robinson postponed the proceedings. Despite the possibility of finally getting relief, the thought of going under anesthesia frightened her.

Gigi Robinson underwent laparoscopy, the most common way to diagnose endometriosis. (Samantha Sybo)

“I got a little medical scared,” she admitted. “I wanted to be sure if I was doing the surgery on purpose… But we did and we established [endometriosis]. It was very interesting to understand all that.”

“Something I always talk about is … being your own best lawyer,” Robinson explained. “What would your mom, spouse, or best friend say to the doctor if they saw you in so much pain? That’s how you need to talk about yourself… I’ve downplayed my pain a lot… I was like, ‘Don’t you, don’t all women hurt sometimes?’ I just thought it was normal… But now I see a glimmer of hope.”

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Robinson has recovered from the surgery. However, she noted that the experience left her with “anger and frustration.”

Gigi Robinson said it was years before she was diagnosed with endometriosis. (Samantha Sybo)

“It’s like nobody believed me, I was right,” she explained. “I kept fighting for myself. I kept pushing and it still took so long. [But] I’m in a place where I can finally, hopefully, heal. I’m beginning to feel like doing certain things doesn’t hurt anymore when it used to. And that’s huge… It was great. I feel great today. [After the surgery]it took me two and a half weeks to feel like myself again.”

In 2022, the social media influencer was chosen from thousands of submissions to be flown to the Dominican Republic and photographed by acclaimed photographer Yu Tsai. (Getty Images)

In 2022, Robinson was selected from thousands of entries to be flown to the Dominican Republic and photographed by acclaimed SI swimsuit photographer Yu Tsai. Her photo was featured in the 2022 issue, which featured cover girls Kim Kardashian, Maye Musk, Ciara and Yumi Nu.

Robinson described the experience as “one of the greatest joys of my life”.

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“It’s honestly given so many people — so many women — hope,” she said. “It’s changing the way we look at bodies, and we’re embracing bodies in all industries, especially in areas as intimate as swimming. It showed me posing there without going on a crazy diet or doing all the body sculpting… We only had 10 days to prepare, by the way [for it]… I wanted to make a mark and show that when you’re dealing with a health issue, a mental health issue, or a body image issue, you can show yourself as you are, wear the damn bikini and love it and have fun hat and feel super sexy and hot. And I feel like I’ve succeeded.”

Robinson noted that the experience allowed her to raise awareness about how to manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The connective tissue disease causes chronic pain and predisposes to bruising and injuries that are slow to heal. Robinson was diagnosed when she was 11 years old.

“It’s sparked this wave of acceptance within the chronically ill community to be who you are and to be okay with that,” Robinson said of posing for the magazine. “And it’s just been amazing to get some of that messaging from people around the world. There was a moment when I felt like I had to do this, and I did it… [The issue was] the true manifestation of being there, speaking, using my voice. And I made it. I’m really grateful that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit saw that in me.”

Gigi Robinson was a finalist in the 2022 SI Swim Search. (Samantha Sybo)

The first swimsuit issue came out in 1964. It was a launch pad for models like Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Kate Upton and Ashley Graham.

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Over the years, the issue has tried to stay fresh with painted bikinis, oversized models, unedited photos, tiny bathing suits, amputee models, older models, and the addition of professional athletes and celebrities in relationships.

In 2018, the issue paid tribute to the #MeToo movement by posing nude with gymnast Aly Raisman and model Sailor Brinkley Cook with words like “Every voice matters,” “Survivor,” and “Abuse is never okay.”

Gigi Robinson hopes her story will encourage others to seek answers from their doctors. (Samantha Sybo)

Today, Robinson hopes to use her platform to spread awareness about a personal health struggle that many women can relate to. Olivia Culpo, who previously appeared in SI Swimsuit, has also opened up about her struggles with endometriosis.

As part of her healthy lifestyle, Gigi Robinson has given up alcohol — and she doesn’t miss it. (Samantha Sybo)

“I think in general we’re becoming more and more comfortable talking about health issues and normalizing them online,” Robinson explained. “And in doing so, I think it gives people a responsibility with the platform to share it [their experiences] because it makes others feel less alone in their journey. And it might also inspire them to take direct action to get help. It could potentially lead to a diagnosis… We have to trust our intuition, right? My intuition told me to keep going no matter what. And I did, even if it took so long. Endometriosis can affect your fertility and your relationships. That’s why I think it’s important to talk about something so personal, intimate and serious. It will allow others to feel less alone and struggle for answers. And that applies to all health issues.”,

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These days, Robinson looks forward to a healthier, happier future. About two years ago she decided to stop drinking.

Gigi Robinson said she was determined to seek answers after battling painful endometriosis every month. (Samantha Sybo)

“I just thought, ‘I don’t know if I really need this in my life,'” she recalled. “If I’m already dealing with all these health issues, I don’t want to make them worse. I don’t want to put my body in a state of stress. It felt like I was gaining even more control over my health, although I’ve never had a problem with alcohol, to begin with. [But] it’s not good for your gut health and it’s not good for your body… Think about how you feel when you’re hung over… Why would I expose my body to it if I don’t have to? It was a personal decision. I did it for a month and then three… It just felt… I’d much rather have a mocktail and enjoy everyone’s presence intentionally and honestly and have clear conversations… I’d say if you’re soberly curious, give it a go out of.

“It feels liberating to talk about my experiences,” said Robinson. “I hope that others will also feel encouraged to use their voice.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.