Surgery for endometriosis
Average rating:
Sometimes an operation is advised to remove some of the larger patches of endometriosis. This may ease symptoms and increase the chance of pregnancy if infertility is a problem. If you have completed your family, and other treatments have not worked well, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and removal of the ovaries may be an option. This has a high chance of success for curing the symptoms.
Some general points about the treatment of endometriosis
- Severity and type of symptoms may influence the choice of treatment. Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms, and no treatment may be needed. If symptoms are mild, painkillers alone may be sufficient. Hormone treatments usually work well to ease pain, but do not improve fertility. Surgery may be needed if infertility is caused by endometriosis.
- Success of treatment and side-effects. Overall, the hormone treatment options all have about the same success rate at easing pain. However, some women respond to one treatment better than others. Also, the treatments have different possible side-effects. You may try one treatment, and it may be fine. However, it is not unusual to switch from one treatment to another if the first does not suit.
- Age and plans for pregnancy. Symptoms often improve during pregnancy. Also, the longer you have endometriosis, the greater the chance of reduced fertility. You may need to take this into account if you have plans for having children. If your family is complete, and symptoms are severe, then hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be a good option.
- Length of treatment. It may take a few months of hormone treatment to get full benefit. Do persevere for a few menstrual cycles if pain does not ease straight away. Danazol, gestrinone, and GnRH analogues are usually only advised for six months. Symptoms may be much improved after six months treatment, but may recur once treatment is stopped. Progestogens or 'the pill' are suitable for long-term treatment.
- Combinations of treatment. Surgery to remove most of the endometrial patches followed by hormone treatment may be better at long-term easing of symptoms than just surgery alone.
- Recurrences. Once the endometriosis has gone with treatment it may recur again in the future. Further treatment may need to be considered if symptoms recur.
- Previous page
- Next: In summary
Average rating:
janice martin, about 1 year
i am 55 had a hysterectomy in 1990,am being treated for interstitial cystitis,which is not cystitis.i had the hysterectomy because i suffered for years with endometriosis and salpengitis,i have just been told that the endometriosis is still in my pelvic area and around the bladder.i am in pain on a daily basis.at my age can this be got rid of ?
Report this comment