Endometriosis After Hysterectomy: Symptoms, Causes & Management

In the United States, 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year. Eighteen percent of these procedures are due to endometriosis. As many as 40 percent of women who have a hysterectomy to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis will experience symptoms again after 5 years.

Ovulation

• The women who have been able to keep their ovaries after a hysterectomy may experience pain during ovulation.

Sexual Activity

• Similar to before having a hysterectomy, endometriosis after a hysterectomy can cause pain during or after sexual activity.

Spotting

• Many women who have had their uterus removed, but their cervix and ovaries are in tact, may experience spotting or bleeding, especially around the time they would normally have a period.

Bowels

• Endometriosis could attach itself to the bowel, causing pain during bowel movements.

Other

• Many of the endometriosis symptoms after a hysterectomy are the same or similar to the symptoms before having the procedure. They can include lower back pain, pelvic pain, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.