MYTH!
The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) FAQ says:
I had a hysterectomy, so I am cured. Right?
“Wrong. Hysterectomy treats Endometriosis ONLY on the organs that were removed. Endometriosis implants also have no need for external sources of estrogen, so regardless of whether you are on HRT or not, if all disease was not removed, you may likely continue to experience symptoms. Request the ERC’s “Aromatase” and “Hysterectomy” Fact Sheets for more information on this topic.”
EndoAlert.org writes:
“Endometriosis grows outside the uterus. This means that removing reproductive organs will not remove the endometriosis. It can be an affective treatment for reducing many of the more painful symptoms of endometriosis such as painful or heavy menstruation but it is not a guaranteed way to get rid of the endometriosis. The most popular theory today puts forth that endometriosis occurs from a backup of menstrual fluid during a heavy period but many women experience retrograde menstruation and do not have endometriosis. Therefore, there’s no medical proof at this time that a hysterectomy can do more than relieve symptoms. In turn, there are many side effects of a hysterectomy and early menopause that should be considered before radical surgery”.
Dr. David Redwine, a notable endometriosis specialist and surgeon, writes:
“There has never been a biopsy-controlled study showing that menopause eradicates, destroys or cures endometriosis. Nor has there has ever been a biopsy-controlled study showing that removal of the ovaries eradicates, destroys or cures endometriosis. One of the oldest patients with endometriosis, age 78, was reported by Haydon.”
Read more about what Dr. Redwine has to say on the subject!
Dr. Andrew Cook, a notable endometriosis specialist and surgeon, writes:
“There is no question that endometriosis can be present in a woman who has undergone a hysterectomy and the removal of both ovaries (it’s even more likely if the ovaries remain). Performing a hysterectomy does not in itself treat endometriosis. It may reduce the chance of the future recurrence of endometriosis, and it may reduce non-endometriosis-related cramps, bleeding etc. But the key point is that endometriosis, for the most part, does not grow on the uterus: It grows behind the uterus, on the bowel, in the rectovaginal septum, in the pararectal spaces, under the ovaries, around the ureters, on the bladder, etc.”
Read more about what Dr. Cook has to say on the subject!
The WomensSurgeryGroup.com writes:
“Hysterectomy absolutely, positively will stop a woman from menstruating. Obviously, this also stops menstrual cramps. Removing the uterus, however, has no effect whatsoever on endometriosis. If the endometrial implants are responsible for symptoms (pain with intercourse, diarrhea, painful bowel movements, painful or frequent urination) and they are not removed along with the uterus, the symptoms will not change. Similarily, removing the ovaries and leaving endometrial implants behind is not likely to do anything but throw the patient into menopause, possibly creating a whole new set of problems.
“When a hysterectomy is performed for endometriosis, removing the endometrial implants along with the uterus give the patient the best possible chance for relieving her symptoms. We always try to preserve the ovaries if possible, particularly in the younger patients.
“Hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries does not, repeat does not, cure endometriosis.”
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