Endometriosis - Can Endometriosis Return after a Hysterectomy?

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Endometriosis - Can Endometriosis Return after a Hysterectomy?

Endometriosis - Can Endometriosis Return after a Hysterectomy?

From the Pre-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I am considering having a TAH/BSO for endo, but my doctor told me that it can come back after the surgery. Why go through all the struggle if it’s going to return?

It is true that endometriosis can return after a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Endometriosis occurs when cells from the endometrium make their way to the outside of the uterus and implant in various places such as the bladder, bowel, ovaries, and other areas of the pelvic cavity. In fact, endometriosis can implant just about anywhere in the body.

Unfortunately, there is no medically-proven cure for endometriosis at this time. There are many documented cases of endometriosis persisting despite a complete hysterectomy and oophorectomy.

The following study,
The Incidence of Endometriosis in Post-Hysterectomy Women, states, in part:
"Endometriosis will be found at laparoscopy in a significant number of women with chronic pelvic pain status post hysterectomy with or without BSO"

The decision to have a hysterectomy is a major one. We each have to consider our circumstances and our health situation. The best thing a patient can do is learn all she can about endometriosis, and the Endometriosis Resources here on the site are a good place to start.

If you are considering having a hysterectomy for endometriosis, Hystersisters.com members who have experienced this same condition advise you to get at least a second (or third and fourth!) medical opinion prior to scheduling surgery, and, if possible, consult with an Endometriosis Specialist. If there are any other treatment options available, you might want to try them first.

If you do decide to proceed with a hysterectomy, find the most skilled doctor available, one who can recognize and remove as much of the endometriosis as possible. If you decide to have your ovaries removed, you would also benefit from a doctor who is very knowledgeable regarding endometriosis and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Although estrogen feeds endometriosis, hormones are beneficial for many aspects of your overall health including the functioning of the heart, bones, skin, eyes, libido, etc.

If the endometriosis returns after surgery, more than likely you will notice because of pelvic pain, bloating, or a change in bowel movements; the symptoms will probably be similar to what you experienced prior to your hysterectomy. There can be a whole range of conditions that can cause pain in this area of the body.

It is important to remember that not all women have problems with endometriosis after their surgery. Each patient has to do what they feel is best for them, and hope for the best. While there is no guarantee that one’s future will free from endometriosis after surgery, there is also no guarantee that it won't be, either.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Terry Grogg, M.D. 4461 S Broadway Suite 200 Suite 200 Grove City OH 43123 614-875-0444	Byungyol Chun, M.D. Northern Essex Women's Health 360 Merrimack St Entrance G Lawrence MA 01843 978-557-9060	Marshall Bovelsky, M.D. 200 Banning St Suite 320 Dover DE 19904 302-674-0223
Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166	Jennifer Hayes, M.D. Visionary Centre for Women 2695 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL 33762 727-540-0414
Michele Cowling, M.D. 303 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville MN 55337 952.460.4000	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440	Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573

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