EXCLUSIVE: BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty gives HEARTBREAKING REASON why she skipped major HOSPITAL surgery

Naga Munchetty revealed competitiveness made it it hard to discuss a health condition that left her in agony for decades. The BBC Breakfast presenter made a candid admission about continuing with work despite her ongoing health woes. The broadcaster recently revealed she found it difficult to open up about her chronic health condition while working at the BBC because of fears she would be seen as “weak”.

The 50-year-old endured painful and heavy periods including vomiting, fainting and severe pain every two and a half weeks for more than three decades before being diagnosed with adenomyosis in 2022. Adenomyosis occurs when the lining of the womb grows into the muscular wall, causing debilitating pain and heavy periods. It is believed the condition can affect around one in 10 women, according to the NHS.

Speaking at a Women’s Health event at the Cheltenham Literary Festival the presenter said she declined undergoing surgery and having a hysterectomy – the only known cure.

Naga explained it was because she could not afford to take six weeks off work to recover, the Telegraph reports.

“I was worried I wouldn’t be up to scratch after being off air for so long,” she explained “Legally, if you present with a health crisis, you have to be supported. But the fact is I’m a journalist in a highly competitive environment… being seen to be weak is a concern.”

“And asking for help constantly is a concern. Women have periods, do you want me to go into work […] sit on the breakfast sofa and say I’m sorry I’m not going to be up to scratch today I’m in a lot of pain. I’m not going to get ahead.”

Before her diagnosis, Naga underwent sterilisation in 2019 in a bid to manage her symptoms, after a contraceptive coil fitted two years earlier left her “screaming in agony”.

The on-screen star, who is married to husband James Haggar, said she and her husband did not want to have children.

Naga currently presents BBC Breakfast from Thursday to Saturday alongside Charlie Stayt.