Cut it off and put a band aid on it- Hysterectomy

AP Photo Dario Lopez-Mills

Dear Lucy,

    I'm seriously pissed.  I went to the doctor for the umpteenth time today to talk to him about pain management for my endometriosis.  He acts like because I don't want to have a hysterectomy (I want kids!), that my pain must not be that bad.  I wonder if he was having man pain and someone told him to cut it off and put a band aid on it, would he comply?  Anyway,  I'm wondering if you have any suggestions.  I feel like the endometriosis is ruining every aspect of my life. - Betty

For the readers out there: Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium is found outside of the uterus. 

Dear Betty,

Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis.  Endometriosis can cause pain and infertility.  Those two problems can wreak havoc on a variety of areas in a person's life.  I hope to offer some possible solutions for those issues.    

Infertility

Endometriosis is the number one cause of female infertility. However, not all with endometriosis will have trouble conceiving.   It is dependent on the severity of the disease.  Unfortunately, the longer you wait to get pregnant, the harder it may be. Pregnancy success rates are significantly higher up to nine months following a laparoscopy.  Laparoscopies are used to remove endometriosis (which may clear out the fallopian tubes), scar tissue, and cysts.  Dr. Nezhat of Stanford Hospital specializes in surgeries for patients with endometriosis. If this is not effective, women with mild endometriosis can sometimes become pregnant by artificial insemination.  Those with more severe endometriosis may opt for In vitro fertilization. 

Pain

For some, endometriosis causes debilitating pain.  This can effect work, school, friendships, and relationships.  Pain is caused by adhesions, cysts, or blockage of the colon or ureters.  This can cause bladder infections, yeast infections, painful bowel movements, abnormally painful periods, and pain during sex.  Unfortunately, too many doctors accuse endometriosis sufferers of being hypochondriacs or drug seekers.  It is extremely important to not settle with a doctor, but to keep looking until you find one that will listen to you and take your concerns/complaints seriously.  Birth control is often recommended for those with mild to moderate endometriosis.  Those with a more severe case are often prescribed Lupron, or some other medication that puts the body through a temporary menopause.  They work by depriving the body of estrogen which dries up the active endometriosis.  This is a temporary relief, but not a cure.  Some women who are tired of dealing with the pain, multiple surgeries, or other treatment options, have hysterectomies.  It is important (and devastating) to note that some women that have had hysterectomies still experience pain.  Pain clinics can be especially beneficial (to find one near you go to pain.com).  Finally, some women find relief with alternative remedies such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and drastic changes in their diets. 

If you have questions regarding this topic, or suggestions for future articles, send an email to lucymlogan@gmail.com