Keeping my Ovaries???

I am wondering how many women have had problems with adenemyosis after having their uterus removed but kept their ovaries. Or if there are many women out there who kept their ovaries and haven't had any problems since surgery. I would really like to keep my ovaries but my doctor recommends taking them to prevent reoccurence of adenemyosis or developing endometreosis. My ovaries are currently fine the only problem I have is the adenemyosis in my uterine wall.

btrfly,

My dr suspects Adenomyosis, too. I thought that Adenomyosis was just something that only affected the uterus. Also, I thought that the only way to confirm Adenomyosis is after a uterus is removed and sent for pathology. I am also interested in the answers you get.

Good luck, God bless.

I just had a LVAH on oct 7th. The doc suspected adenmyosis, he sd that they cannot tell for sure until after a hyst and pathology is done. He removed my uterus and cervix. I ?? the cervix removal and he sd that he removes it purely as a precaution for cervical cancer. I did keep my ovaries. I am only 42, not sure how old you are? the doc did not even mention ovary removal. If you have your ovaries removed you go into what is cld surgical menopause & then you have to decide about HRT. Have you gone for a second opinion? From what I understand you can only get adenmyosis in your uterus, hence in the "uterine wall" so once the uterus is removed, no more adenmyosis. Maybe I am misunderstanding something though.
By the way, I did have adenmyosis. Looking forward to the end of my recovery.
I'm not sure if i helped at all.

It is not possible to get a "recurrence" of adenomyosis once the uterus is removed. By definition, adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus only. The cervix, btw, is part of the uterus, not a separate organ, so most times if you have a pathological condition affecting the uterus, such as adenomyosis, the DR will recommend not trying to keep the cervix.

As for endometriosis after a hyst in which the only pathology is adenomyosis, I've not heard that that is a risk. However, in the sense that both can be contributed to by estrogen dominance, I suppose it is possible to have endo later IF some endometrial cells are left behind at the time of surgery.

s,
-Linda

((btrfly))

For what it is worth, even with a diagnosis of endometriosis, it is not absolutely necessary to have the ovaries removed. I had my hysterectomy because of very definite endo and I still have both of my ovaries--per my GYN and endometriosis specialist.

While a hysterectomy is a cure for adenomyosis, it is not a cure for endometriosis, with or without an oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).

You might want to read through our Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Resources to learn more about both conditions before making any decisions. I would also strongly encourage you to seek at least a second opinion about what is best for you.

Thank You all so much for your words!! I thought the same thing...I know that Adenomyosis only affects the uterus so why remove ovaries?? I will definitely talk more to my doc about this and fight to keep my ovaries. I noticed that a couple of you said something about removal of the cervix and she has said nothing about that to me. I will be looking into a second opinion. I am only 27 but done having kids. The doc did a diagnostic laproscopy and told me I had Adenomyosis and a small fibroid. I am currently trying different oral contraceptives cuz doc wants to wait for hysterectomy.

((btrfly))

I am guessing your doctor assumed you would know that removing the uterus includes removing the cervix since the cervix is the bottom portion of the uterus and not a separate organ.

Be sure to keep a list of all of your questions and concerns to take with you to your second opinion appointment!

s

I did not know that. I thought I have read posts about having the uterus removed but keeping the cervix. I will definitely make a list of questions to ask my doc. Thank You So Much Weiser!!! I am learning so much from this site and so thankful that there are others out there that will listen and know how I am feeling. It has been so hard to find a doc that doesn't tell you your pain is normal or in my head. The doc I have just recently found does seem genuinely concerned for me and has helped me but I still would like to get a second opinion.

Glad to help!

The cervix can be left, however, there is no clear line telling a surgeon where to cut in order to leave only the cervical portion of the uterus since it is not a separate organ.

One of the concerns with leaving the cervix is that the endometrium that lines the uterus can also involve the cervix. If any of that endometrial lining is left with the cervix, it can cause mini periods each month if the ovaries are also left. Additionally, adenomyosis could exist in the endometrium that gets left with the cervical portion of the uterus. Thus you could continue to experience pain and cramping!

You might find it helpful to read through our page about the various types of hysterectomies before your appointment:

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_opt2.htm

Talk to each physician about all the pros and cons of each choice and which could be best for you!

I am 25 and had my hyst 2 months ago today for suspected adeno. As it turned out I had endo and adeno. The pathology did not confirm adeno - if you are currently on hormonal contraceptives this may happen to you too, and this does not mean you don't have it - just that it's hiding.

As others have said adeno can't come back once the uterus is gone. However if your pain is due to a different cause like endo, then yes it can return if the doctor is unable to remove it all at the time of surgery.