Is a Hysterectomy Too Drastic to Treat Endometriosis?

Painful periods are never fun, but if you have endometriosis, they could also be a sign of a more serious underlying issue with your reproductive health.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition with many negative potential impacts on your reproductive health and wellness. And, endometriosis is fairly common. If you suffer from extremely painful periods or pelvic pain, endometriosis could be to blame.

At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, Dr. Mary Grace Bridges diagnoses and treats cases of endometriosis in new and existing patients. Dr. Bridges offers OB/GYN care from her locations in Odessa and Midland, Texas. While Dr. Bridges works with you to explore all of your treatment options, in some cases, she may recommend a hysterectomy.

The causes of endometriosis symptoms

Endometriosis occurs when patches of uterine tissue develop outside your uterus. For example, you could develop uterine tissue in your fallopian tubes, or around your cervix. When you go through your monthly menstrual cycle, hormonal changes cue uterine tissue to start to shed.

If you have uterine tissue located elsewhere than just in your uterus, you can end up suffering from debilitating symptoms when your monthly cycle occurs. Period pain can be a result of endometriosis. Or, you might feel pain in your pelvis. Endometriosis can also cause internal scarring or blockages that damage your fertility.

This condition can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life. The good news is, when it comes to endometriosis, you have treatment options available to address the underlying issue.

Hysterectomy for endometriosis

Dr. Bridges uses the most conservative treatment options available to address your endometriosis woes. In some cases, hormonal medications like birth control can give you relief from endometriosis pain and other symptoms. You can also use a pain management plan to address your symptoms. 

And, minor surgery may be able to remove stray patches of uterine tissue. A hysterectomy, or surgical removal of your uterus and/or ovaries and cervix, is the most intensive way to address your endometriosis. 

A total or partial hysterectomy is a significant and invasive procedure, and Dr. Bridges only recommends it as a last-resort treatment for endometriosis. Dr. Bridges may also recommend surgical removal of your ovaries or fallopian tubes, if needed. Removal of your ovaries results in menopause.

While hysterectomy is a drastic option, it may be your best strategy for managing endometriosis. Dr. Bridges talks to you about all of your treatment options, and discusses the impacts of your condition and any treatments on your fertility and reproductive health.

If you need a hysterectomy

At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, we take special care with surgical treatments like hysterectomy. Dr. Bridges uses minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible in hysterectomies. 

Often, your procedure can be completed using laparoscopy, a technique involving a small camera and only a few small incisions, speeding your recovery and reducing your risk of complications.

If you’re suffering from endometriosis symptoms like pelvic pain or painful periods, contact Dr. Bridges to learn more about your options going forward. Dr. Bridges provides a full range of treatments for endometriosis, including hysterectomy, at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin.

Schedule your initial consultation appointment online now, or call today to book.