Personal stories about surgical treatment of endometriosis
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Choosing hysterectomy to treat endometriosis
Barbara, age 35: I have had pain before and during my period for years. I tried nonprescription and prescription medications to control the pain. Nothing was working. Because my pain was so bad, my doctor suggested that I consider a hysterectomy. I didn't like the thought of surgery but had to do something about the pain. Since I'd already had two children, I had the surgery. It has been 6 months now, and I am glad I had the surgery.
Choosing laparoscopy and ablation to treat endometriosis
Lucia, age 42: Endometriosis made me miserable for a week to 10 days every month. Since my husband and I have three children and did not want any more, I decided it was time to take action to get rid of the pain. I decided that ablation made the most sense, because I wanted to keep my uterus and ovaries. My doctor talked with me about the discomfort and risks of having the wall of the uterus treated with a laser. Frankly, it didn't take more than a week to recover, since the incisions were so small. But you know, after a year or so, the pain started coming back. I'm going to have to rethink my options now. Even though my sister has had long-lasting relief from ablation, it's not for me.
Choosing not to have a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis
Connie, age 35: My periods were really painful about 5 years ago. I went to my doctor, and he asked a lot of questions about my periods and did an exam and some tests. When all the tests came back normal, he said endometriosis might be the cause of my pain. He suggested a hysterectomy but did say that endometriosis can grow back in other places. I still wanted to have a child, so I said no hysterectomy. Fortunately, I did get pregnant, and ever since having my baby my periods have been so much better!
Harriett, age 39: My doctor told me endometriosis might be causing my painful periods. I'd never even heard of it before. She told me all about endometriosis and the treatments I could try. She suggested I try taking birth control pills and using ibuprofen before and during my period. It took a couple of months of using this system, but now I hardly have any pain. I am glad I didn't have surgery.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Ralph Poore Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: August 1, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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