Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It may also involve removal of the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and other surrounding structures. Usually performed by a gynecologist, hysterectomy may be total or partial.
There are different kinds of hysterectomy depending on how bad the case is. It's important to discuss with your doctor what the plan is. You could even ask for a copy of your surgical report.
Hysterectomy is an aggressive treatment for Endometriosis but can be known to be effective in easing the pain associated with Endometriosis. Despite the good results after the surgery, it does not cure the disease and there is the risk of endometrial tissue to grow again.
- Partial hysterectomy is removal of the upper part of the uterus.
- Total hysterectomy removes the whole uterus and cervix.
- Radical hysterectomy removes the whole uterus, tissue on the sides of the uterus, the cervix, and the top part of the vagina.
Hysterectomy is an aggressive treatment for Endometriosis but can be known to be effective in easing the pain associated with Endometriosis. Despite the good results after the surgery, it does not cure the disease and there is the risk of endometrial tissue to grow again.
Recurrence of Endometriosis after hysterectomy
Please see section on Recurrent Endometriosis here.
“A high recurrence rate of 62% is reported in advanced stages of endometriosis in which the ovaries were conserved. Ovarian conservation carries a 6 fold risk of recurrent pain and 8 folds risk of reoperation. The decision has to be weighed taking into consideration the patient’s age and the impact of early menopause on her life style. The recurrence of endometriosis symptoms and pelvic pain are directly correlated to the surgical precision and removal of peritoneal and deeply infiltrated disease. Surgical effort should always aim to eradicate the endometriotic lesions completely to keep the risk of recurrence as low as possible,” concluded the authors of the study “Recurrence of endometriosis after hysterectomy” about the results of the surgery."
Sex after hysterectomy
You will be advised not to have sex for around four to six weeks after having a hysterectomy. This should allow time for you to heal and any vaginal bleeding to stop. You will experience some changes in your body, give your body time to get used to the change. After your doctor clears you to be sexually activate again go slow when having intercourse the first few times.
You may experience some of the following after a hysterectomy:
You may experience some of the following after a hysterectomy:
- Vaginal dryness
- Change in sensation or orgasm
- Change in sex drive
- Bleeding after sex
- Weight gain
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