Article: Endometriosis - Can Endo Return After Hysterectomy?

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Article: Endometriosis - Can Endo Return After Hysterectomy?
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 endo 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, endo 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:

	Quote:
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 hyst for endo, 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 hyst, you would likely want the most skilled doctor you could find to do the surgery so that as much endo as possible is recognized and removed. If you decide to have your ovaries removed, you would also benefit a doctor who is very knowledgeable regarding endo and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). Although estrogen feeds endo, hormones are beneficial for many aspects of our overall health including the functioning of the heart, bones, skin, eyes, libido, etc.

If the endo returns after surgery, more than likely you will notice because of pelvic pain, bloating, or change in bowel movements; the symptoms will probably be similar to what you experienced prior to your hyst. But if you experience pelvic pain or bowel issues, that would not necessarily mean that endo is the culprit. It is easy for endo patients to assume that any pain from the bottom of the rib cage to the thighs must be endo, but there can be a whole range of conditions that can cause pain in this area of the body.

It’s important to remember that not all women have problems with endo 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 endo after surgery, there is also no guarantee that it won't be endo-free, 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.