Explore All of Your Options for Unexplained Pelvic Pain
If your doctor has recommended a hysterectomy for unexplained pelvic pain, you may want to keep exploring your options with a physician. There are many reasons for unexplained pelvic pain with endometriosis and interstitial cystitis (IC) at the top of the list. Neither of those conditions are cured with a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy will stop a woman from menstruating. This also stops menstrual cramps. Removing the uterus, however, may have no effect on conditions that exist outside the uterus including endometriosis and interstitial cystitis. If the endometriosis 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. If IC is responsible for your symptoms (urinary frequency, urgency, and severe lower abdominal or perineal pain), the condition needs treated specifically to try to alleviate the inflammation and allow the mast cells in the bladder to heal. Trauma can increase symptoms so a hysterectomy could intensify your symptoms.
Similarly, removing the ovaries and leaving endometriosis behind is not likely to do anything but throw the patient into menopause, possibly creating a whole new set of problems. Hormonal issues can also negatively impact IC.
When a hysterectomy is performed for endometriosis, removing the endometriosis implants along with the uterus can give the patient the best possible chance for relieving her symptoms. The HysterSisters always suggest preserving the ovaries if possible, particularly in the younger patients.
There are also many other non-gynecologic problems that could cause pelvic pain.
- Addiction or substance abuse problem
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Chronic appendicitis
- Chronic interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder infection)
- Depression
- Lumbar disk disease
- Diverticulitis (intestinal inflammation)
- Fibromyalgia
- Hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Scoliosis and posture-related problems
Browse through the HysterSisters Diagnosis Articles for newly diagnosed GYN medical conditions that may lead to a hysterectomy or other surgery. Learn about your diagnosis: Fibroids, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, abnormal uterine bleeding, painful pelvic area and more.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Unexplained Pelvic Pain
