Article: Undiagnosed Pelvic Pain? Endometriosis? Hysterectomy a Cure?

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Article: Undiagnosed Pelvic Pain? Endometriosis? Hysterectomy a Cure?
If you have suffered with unexplained pelvic pain and hysterectomy has been suggested as the "cure", keep exploring your options with a physician.

There are many reasons for unexplained pelvic pain with endometriosis at the top of the list.

A common myth is that a hysterectomy will cure endometriosis.

A hysterectomy will stop a woman from menstruating. This also stops menstrual cramps. Removing the uterus, however, has no effect whatsoever on endometriosis. If the endometrial implants are responsible for symptoms (pain with intercourse, diarrhea, painful bowel movements, painful or frequent urination) and they are not removed along with the uterus, the symptoms will not change.

Similarily, removing the ovaries and leaving endometrial implants behind is not likely to do anything but throw the patient into menopause, possibly creating a whole new set of problems.

When a hysterectomy is performed for endometriosis, removing the endometrial implants along with the uterus can give the patient the best possible chance for relieving her symptoms. The HysterSisters always suggest preserving the ovaries if possible, particularly in the younger patients.

Hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries does not cure endometriosis.

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.