Endometriosis can be incredibly painful. According to the Mayo Clinic, endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. The cells that grow outside the uterus continue to behave like uterine cells. These cells produce the same thickening membrane that results in a period every month. However, with endometriosis, the blood has nowhere to go, so the blood becomes trapped, leading to scar tissue. For some women, endometriosis can impact other bodily organs. Women who suffer from endometriosis suffer from sometimes severe pain. Endometriosis can also lead to infertility, painful intercourse, and pain during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, some women may not even be aware that they suffer from the condition because some women simply associate pain with their menstrual cycle. If you suffer from extreme pain during your period, you may want to speak to your gynecologist about possible causes.
For some patients, the only way to relieve the pain of endometriosis is through hysterectomy. While hysterectomy is certainly not the first option when it comes to treating the condition, for women who have exhausted other options, it may be the best solution to alleviating pain. The New York Times recently reported that the actress and writer, Lena Dunham recently underwent a hysterectomy procedure at age 31, after spending many years living with painful endometriosis.
Dunham has often written about her struggle with endometriosis. Dunham’s path is similar to the one other women take. The choice to have a hysterectomy often comes after many years of struggling with alternative treatments that don’t involve surgery.
Younger women who suffer from endometriosis may have a harder time finding doctors willing to perform a hysterectomy. Younger women may not have had children yet, and a hysterectomy procedure will make it impossible for a woman to carry children in the future. Dunham, for example, was required to see two therapists to ensure her doctor that she was of sound mind to give consent for the procedure.
Yet, for some younger women, infertility or fertility problems are already an issue due to their medical conditions and many women find the pain of these condition difficult to bear. It can interfere with a woman’s everyday activities, ability to work, and ability to enjoy life. According to the National Women’s Health Network, doctors tend to try alternatives to hysterectomy, especially for women between the ages of 18 and 35.
A hysterectomy is not a medical procedure that should be taken lightly. It comes with medical risks and a recovery period. However, certain types of hysterectomy procedures can lead to a faster recovery and lower risk. For example, Dr. Shakiba at Women’s Pelvic Surgery performs the robotic hysterectomy procedure. This procedure allows for greater precision, lower risk of complications and blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. If you are considering undergoing a hysterectomy, consider reaching out to Women’s Pelvic Surgery. We can review your medical history and help you understand the options available to you. Visit us at https://www.womenspelvicsurgery.com/
