Hysterectomy – A Cure for Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful condition affecting 1 in 10 women in the UK. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, pain, and sometimes infertility. For women who have exhausted all other treatment options, hysterectomy may be suggested. But the question remains: Is hysterectomy a cure for endometriosis?
At Chelsea Well Woman, we believe in personalised care and helping women understand all their options before making such a significant decision.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed, particularly if there’s ongoing pain or concern about ovarian involvement. There are several types of hysterectomy depending on how much tissue is removed:
- Total hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus and cervix.
- Subtotal (partial) hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus but leaving the cervix.
- Radical hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, cervix, part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues (rare for endometriosis).
Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Can Hysterectomy Cure Endometriosis?
The simple answer is: not always. Hysterectomy may alleviate symptoms, especially if the uterus is affected by adenomyosis (a related condition). However, endometriosis involves tissue growing outside the uterus — on the ovaries, bowel, bladder, or pelvic walls. If this tissue is not removed during surgery, pain and symptoms can persist even after hysterectomy.
Furthermore, if the ovaries are left intact, hormonal activity can continue to stimulate any remaining endometrial tissue. For some women, removal of the ovaries along with the uterus (a surgical menopause) may significantly reduce the chances of recurrence, but it also brings on early menopause and associated symptoms.
For a detailed look at endometriosis, visit our Endometriosis page.
A Personalised Approach to Endometriosis Treatment
Every woman’s experience with endometriosis is unique. For some, a hysterectomy may provide long-awaited relief — for others, it may not address the root cause. That’s why our team at Chelsea Well Woman offers in-depth consultations to help you make informed, confident decisions.
