A significant number of women suffer from endometriosis; some with symptoms so severe that they turn to hysterectomy as a solution for their pain. While hysterectomy may be appropriate in some cases, it does not always cure the underlying problem. There are other less drastic procedures which a woman may want to explore prior to making the decision to have a hysterectomy.
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue (endometrium) that lines the uterus thickens and grows in places other than the uterus. The condition can be extremely painful as well as highly inconvenient. It may cause heavy vaginal bleeding at any time during the month, not just during a womans menstrual cycle. In addition, endometriosis can lead to uterine adhesions, in which the uterus itself becomes stuck to other organs such as the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. Untreated endometriosis can eventually lead to problems with the entire reproductive system, including infertility.
Symptoms of endometriosis vary widely both in type and severity. They occur primarily prior to the start of a womans period but may rear their heads at any time. While vaginal bleeding outside of the normal period is...