Endometriosis Pain

A hysterectomy can be performed as a last resort to treat severe endometriosis pain. Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine lining, called the endometrial stroma, is found on other parts of the reproductive system such as in the rectal-vaginal septum, the Pouch of Douglas, the cul-de-sac, the uterosacral ligaments, the pelvic sidewall, the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries.

Hysterectomy is used as a treatment for severe endometriosis pain if alternative treatments have failed. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where the uterus is removed, although other reproductive organs such as the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes may also be removed.

There are four main types of hysterectomy that may be performed for the treatment of endometriosis pain. One is total hysterectomy where both the uterus and the cervix are removed. Subtotal hysterectomy is the removal only of the uterus, with the cervix left intact.

Other types of hysterectomy are the bilateral oophorectomy where the ovaries are removed in addition to the uterus and cervix, and the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy where both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are also removed. This is preferred method of treatment. Ovaries produce estrogen that promotes the proliferation or growth of the endometriosis after the uterus is removed. Therefore, a woman will more than likely continue to experience pelvic pain if the ovaries are not removed along with the uterus.

Hysterectomy is performed by making an incision on the abdomen or the vagina. A laparoscope may also be used with a vaginal technique. A vaginal or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy results in shorter recovery periods and hospital stay time.

It is believed that the removal of the organs with the disease will cure the patient of endometriosis pain. However, this may not necessarily be the case. Remember, the removal of the ovaries presents the best chance for the cure of endometriosis pain. However, even this is may not be enough if the endometriosis has spread to organs outside the uterus.

Hysterectomy renders a woman barren and may cause menopause to begin if the woman isn’t in the menopausal stage yet. Hormone replacement therapy may also be required in order to replace the estrogen that the removed ovaries produced. However, estrogen induces endometriosis, which can result in the recurrence of endometriosis pain.

You should then be careful when considering a hysterectomy for the treatment of your endometriosis pain. Hysterectomy has some permanent implications, and it may not provide complete treatment in the end. Thoroughly discuss your alternatives with your doctor best of all, maintain a good health and have a healthy lifestyle to be in a better position to combat this disease.