Far more common than is acknowledged even by most doctors.
I had a close friend who suffered from it for years until it was recognized by a gynecologist who had herself suffered from the condition.
After a consultation, the gynecologist recommended a complete (and I do mean complete) hysterectomy in her case.
Please, do not read on if you are sensitive to a frank discussion of women's health issues.
To be successful, all of the tissue would have to be removed, because, even a small patch of hormone sensitive cells left anywhere in her body could cause a re-occurrence. As you know, misplaced uterine tissue is the definition of endometriosis. In that way, it is similar to some cancers.
She had the surgery done with the understanding that she would have to take hormones for the rest of her life to moderate the chances of a re-occurrence and the easiest way to provide these hormones was simply to take birth control pills. Which, as far as I know, she still does. I've read the pill becomes unnecessary after aging takes a person beyond the natural age of menses cessation because the other hormone producing glands stop their cycles.
Her surgery was a success in that during the time I knew her afterwards she no longer experienced any episodes of endometriosis.
It would have been good if she'd had some counseling. She was raised in a very strict religious orthodoxy and although she wasn't practicing, it was clear those edicts were grating on her conscience. To be honest, I could've used some counselling, too. But, seriously, it's a sad fact in the US, there's nobody to talk to. Especially, in the right-wing Hell we were living in.
End of frank discussion.
Please, know there are people out here who believe you should have the care and support you need available and free.
= new reply since forum marked as read
