by Dr. Sallie Sarrel<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I\u2019m 43 and I don\u2019t want a hysterectomy.<\/p>\n
There has been much controversy over the claim in the media that a hysterectomy cures endometriosis. Hysterectomy, while it has a role in treatment of pelvic pain and uterine disorders, does not cure endometriosis. For me, having a hysterectomy is a very involved decision. It is not so simple just to take the uterus because I am unable to have a child after all of endometriosis\u2019s damage.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]Being a pelvic floor physical therapist that specializes in endometriosis, I know all of the current research. I have seen patients soar after hysterectomies, and I have also seen them continue to suffer in pain and anguish. Because of my experience, I will admit that this makes me a challenging patient to work with.\n\nI am 43 with a long history of endometriosis. I have endured 5 very expensive surgeries. During one of those surgeries, I had an ovary removed without any previous discussion of its removal. I attempted to freeze eggs, multiple times, all to no avail, because when the ovary was removed, the other ovary failed.\n\nWhile I own a leading pelvic physical therapy practice for endometriosis care, I also live in constant pain \u2013 pain that has worsened since this past summer, pain that is so bad I miss work, cannot care for my mother who survived a stroke, and pain that prohibits me from any of my social and sporting activities.\n\nMultiple well-respected doctors have suggested that a hysterectomy will solve my issues. With my history; most doctors would perform a hysterectomy and call it a day. There\u2019s a catch though, for me and everyone else with a uterus: hysterectomy is a personal choice. As with any medical decision that you will need to make during your life, there are pros and cons.\n\nHere is why a hysterectomy may not be right for me for now (and why it may not be right for you, either):[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”blog-heading-style1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″]1. A hysterectomy does not cure endometriosis[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]Despite what some doctors say, hysterectomy does not fix endometriosis. This goes directly against modern concepts of endometriosis and feeds antiquated and equally unproven theories of retrograde menstruation. Endometriosis under a microscope has little to do with the actual lining of the uterus and probably even less to do with retrograde menstruation, or the backflow of menstrual blood through the tube. Remember all women experience some degree of retrograde menstruation, but all women do not have endometriosis. Hysterectomy may treat other conditions like adenomyosis, a condition that impacts the walls of the uterus that many women with endometriosis get. Hysterectomy may treat fibroids or other conditions. But, endometriosis is not one of those conditions. If you fully excise the endometriosis at its root, it is now thought that the disease does not persist.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”blog-heading-style1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″]2. A hysterectomy does not help certain types of pain[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]I see many women as patients whose cause of pelvic pain, while initially triggered by endometriosis, is no longer driven by endometriosis. Common diseases that go hand in hand with endometriosis include interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory bladder condition and pelvic floor dysfunction, a muscular issue. The nerves in the whole body often can become sensitized from the long-term presence of pelvic pain or endometriosis. Removing the uterus would do little to help with the pain caused by these other diseases. Even when we remove the disease through excision these other causes of pain remain.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]Treating the cause of pain is crucial. Hysterectomy was pushed onto me as one of the best treatments for my pain without acknowledging the role my three pelvic hernias may be causing, for example. Far too many doctors push hysterectomy as a solution to pelvic pain when they are not treating the true cause of the pain, and the woman continues to suffer.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”blog-heading-style1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″]3. The uterus serves a purpose[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]For some reason everyone seems to be telling me that since I am over 40, my uterus is useless. It seems like people feel like since my fertile years are over, I might as well find a garbage can to throw my uterus away\u2026 Except, being a pelvic physical therapist, I know that this isn\u2019t true.. The uterus and the uterine ligaments provide support against prolapse, or a falling out of the vagina, that aren\u2019t exactly replicated the same post hysterectomy. Modern surgical techniques do a wonderful job suspending the ligaments to provide all the support they can, but there is a risk for prolapse. I treat prolapse all the time in my practice, we can get good results with pelvic physical therapy but overall it is better to avoid the need for therapy in the first place. I don\u2019t want to live with the current amount of pain I am in, but I don\u2019t want to give up running or tennis or having a normal bowel movement either.\n\nWhen women opt to have a hysterectomy, they have to be willing to live with everything that is going to be absent. Certainty that you can endure everything the procedure might bring is crucial.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”blog-heading-style1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″]4. Research is beginning to demonstrate we need that uterus for many reasons[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]If adenomyosis is present, if there is actual disease, infection, or injury to the uterus itself, I understand the value of a hysterectomy. But for endometriosis, hysterectomy does little to treat the disease. Research shows that hysterectomy does however, increase cardiac risk, stroke risk and has limited connections to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s as well. Even with the ovaries present, there may be a decrease in estrogens, which can cause many problems including depression.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”blog-heading-style1″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″]5. Hysterectomy is a personal decision[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]Even through all the recent backlash in the media about hysterectomy, I applaud women for making the decision they believe is right for their own bodies. My support for the population I treat and I am a part of will never waiver. The most important thing is that women are fully informed and prepared to make the right decision for their bodies, and ready to handle the effects of whatever decision they make.\n\nIt can be a scary decision, and I support any woman who suffers from endometriosis and whatever choice they make as they try to find their way to wellness. What I don\u2019t support is the medical machine trying to push women into procedures they may not need, especially when it may or may not fix the pain.\n\nHysterectomy does not treat endometriosis, it treats uterine disorders. Just like I respect the brave women who have taken the leap and chosen hysterectomy, it is time to respect those of us who don\u2019t.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”||on||||||”]Dr. Sallie Sarrel<\/a> is a Pelvic Physical Therapist in New York and New Jersey and endometriosis advocate who has the disease herself. She is known to lecture around the world on the importance of pelvic physical therapy an adjunct to excision surgery for endometriosis care. She is also a USTA National Tennis Champion and a woman seeking relief from her life altering pelvic pain and endometriosis. You can reach Sallie directly at salliesarrel@yahoo.com.<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”|700|||||||”]Hey Endo Sisters and supporters! When you shop Be Prepared Period, you can feel good knowing you\u2019re supporting a business that supports Endometriosis research. Shop using the link below, and we\u2019ll donate 5% of proceeds to the Endometriosis Research Center. This offer applies all year round \u2013 so you can give back while you order your monthly supplies.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.0.11″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Endo_Fundraising_Donation_CTA.jpg” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/idevaffiliate\/idevaffiliate.php?id=148″ url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.1″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”||on||||||”]Psst! Think you might have Endometriosis? Our free guide helps to separate fact from fiction. Click below to download it![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Endometriosis-Guide-CTA.jpg” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/endometriosis-guide\/” url_new_window=”on” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″ text_font=”|800||||||#ffffff|” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”|||10px|false|false” border_width_all=”9px” border_color_all=”#404040″ text_text_align=”center”] RELATED RESOURCES<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”QUIZ: ARE YOU A PERIOD PRO?” url=”https:\/\/bepreparedperiod.outgrow.us\/are-you-a-period-pro” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ARE-YOU-A-PERIOD-PRO-QUIZ.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″]Whether you\u2019ve just gotten your period, or you\u2019ve been menstruating for a while, there\u2019s a lot to learn about your body. Take the quiz to find out how much you know about Aunt Flow.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”PERIOD 2GO KITS” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/period-kits\/period-kit-to-go” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/period-kit.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”]You can’t always plan for your period, but you can always be prepared for its surprise arrival. Make sure you’re ready for when you spot the signs with our super cute and discreet 2GO Kits![\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”TIPS FOR PARENTS & GIRLS SERIES” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/puberty-and-menstrual-tips-for-parents-and-girls-series” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/TIPS-FOR-PARENTS-GIRLS-SERIES.jpg” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ global_module=”9626″ saved_tabs=”all”] BPP\u2019s weekly email series will provide you with the tools you need to confidently prepare for the time ahead.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”BETTER YOUR PERIOD ACTION GUIDE” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/better-your-period-action-guide” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/BYP-Action-Guide.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″]This FREE action guide not only shares the benefits of tracking your cycle, but provides a weekly checklist on how to optimize each phase of your cycle.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”MENSTRUAL SELF CARE GUIDE” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/menstrual-self-care-guide” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/menstrual-self-care-guide.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”]With a self-care practice, you’ll find opportunities to slow down, recharge, and take care of your body.\nWe’re all about finding ways to go with the flow to add a little love to your time of the month.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”MENSTRUAL CUP 101″ url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/menstrual-cup-101\/” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/menstrual-cup-101.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″ saved_tabs=”all”]Menstrual cups have a long list of benefits that include: 12 hour protection, holds more than a super tampon, safer, better for the environment and the cost $avings!! Learn more![\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”HORMONE BALANCING TEA FOR CRAMPS & HOT FLASHES” url=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/other-products\/cramp-tea” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/HORMONE-BALANCING-TEA-FOR-CRAMPS-AND-HOT-FLASHES.jpg” _builder_version=”3.15″ header_text_color=”#ec2288″ background_color=”#404040″ background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_width_all=”20px” border_color_all=”#404040″]Herbal tea, an all-natural, safe and effective way of reducing or eliminating menstrual symptoms that plague women on a regular basis.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb url=”https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JVBU8C4RM9TRJ&source=url” url_new_window=”on” image=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Donate-to-PeriodTalk-blog-version.png” _builder_version=”4.0.11″ background_color=”#404040″ background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JVBU8C4RM9TRJ&source=url”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_slider _builder_version=”3.16″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#75c043″ button_bg_color=”#ffffff” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_border_radius=”0px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”15px||15px|” button_border_color_hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius_hover=”0px” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_radius__hover=”0px” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][et_pb_slide heading=”Explore More Period Tips & Articles” button_text=”Click Here” button_link=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/period-tips-to-ease-discomfort\/” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”3.16″ background_color=”#ec2288″ button_on_hover=”on” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section]\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Dr. Sallie Sarrel I\u2019m 43 and I don\u2019t want a hysterectomy. There has been much controversy over the claim in the media that a hysterectomy cures endometriosis. Hysterectomy, while it has a role in treatment of pelvic pain and uterine disorders, does not cure endometriosis. For me, having a hysterectomy is a very […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" specialty=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||0px||false|false\" custom_css_main_element=\"color:#333;\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" specialty_columns=\"2\" _builder_version=\"3.25\" custom_padding=\"|||\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Hysterectomy_Endo.jpg\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]by Dr. Sallie Sarrel\n\nI\u2019m 43 and I don\u2019t want a hysterectomy.\n\nThere has been much controversy over the claim in the media that a hysterectomy cures endometriosis. Hysterectomy, while it has a role in treatment of pelvic pain and uterine disorders, does not cure endometriosis. For me, having a hysterectomy is a very involved decision. It is not so simple just to take the uterus because I am unable to have a child after all of endometriosis\u2019s damage.\n\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]Being a pelvic floor physical therapist that specializes in endometriosis, I know all of the current research. I have seen patients soar after hysterectomies, and I have also seen them continue to suffer in pain and anguish. Because of my experience, I will admit that this makes me a challenging patient to work with.\n\nI am 43 with a long history of endometriosis. I have endured 5 very expensive surgeries. During one of those surgeries, I had an ovary removed without any previous discussion of its removal. I attempted to freeze eggs, multiple times, all to no avail, because when the ovary was removed, the other ovary failed.\n\nWhile I own a leading pelvic physical therapy practice for endometriosis care, I also live in constant pain \u2013 pain that has worsened since this past summer, pain that is so bad I miss work, cannot care for my mother who survived a stroke, and pain that prohibits me from any of my social and sporting activities.\n\nMultiple well-respected doctors have suggested that a hysterectomy will solve my issues. With my history; most doctors would perform a hysterectomy and call it a day. There\u2019s a catch though, for me and everyone else with a uterus: hysterectomy is a personal choice. As with any medical decision that you will need to make during your life, there are pros and cons.\n\nHere is why a hysterectomy may not be right for me for now (and why it may not be right for you, either):[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=\"blog-heading-style1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]1. A hysterectomy does not cure endometriosis[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]Despite what some doctors say, hysterectomy does not fix endometriosis. This goes directly against modern concepts of endometriosis and feeds antiquated and equally unproven theories of retrograde menstruation. Endometriosis under a microscope has little to do with the actual lining of the uterus and probably even less to do with retrograde menstruation, or the backflow of menstrual blood through the tube. Remember all women experience some degree of retrograde menstruation, but all women do not have endometriosis. Hysterectomy may treat other conditions like adenomyosis, a condition that impacts the walls of the uterus that many women with endometriosis get. Hysterectomy may treat fibroids or other conditions. But, endometriosis is not one of those conditions. If you fully excise the endometriosis at its root, it is now thought that the disease does not persist.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=\"blog-heading-style1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]2. A hysterectomy does not help certain types of pain[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]I see many women as patients whose cause of pelvic pain, while initially triggered by endometriosis, is no longer driven by endometriosis. Common diseases that go hand in hand with endometriosis include interstitial cystitis, an inflammatory bladder condition and pelvic floor dysfunction, a muscular issue. The nerves in the whole body often can become sensitized from the long-term presence of pelvic pain or endometriosis. Removing the uterus would do little to help with the pain caused by these other diseases. Even when we remove the disease through excision these other causes of pain remain.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]Treating the cause of pain is crucial. Hysterectomy was pushed onto me as one of the best treatments for my pain without acknowledging the role my three pelvic hernias may be causing, for example. Far too many doctors push hysterectomy as a solution to pelvic pain when they are not treating the true cause of the pain, and the woman continues to suffer.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=\"blog-heading-style1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]3. The uterus serves a purpose[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]For some reason everyone seems to be telling me that since I am over 40, my uterus is useless. It seems like people feel like since my fertile years are over, I might as well find a garbage can to throw my uterus away\u2026 Except, being a pelvic physical therapist, I know that this isn\u2019t true.. The uterus and the uterine ligaments provide support against prolapse, or a falling out of the vagina, that aren\u2019t exactly replicated the same post hysterectomy. Modern surgical techniques do a wonderful job suspending the ligaments to provide all the support they can, but there is a risk for prolapse. I treat prolapse all the time in my practice, we can get good results with pelvic physical therapy but overall it is better to avoid the need for therapy in the first place. I don\u2019t want to live with the current amount of pain I am in, but I don\u2019t want to give up running or tennis or having a normal bowel movement either.\n\nWhen women opt to have a hysterectomy, they have to be willing to live with everything that is going to be absent. Certainty that you can endure everything the procedure might bring is crucial.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=\"blog-heading-style1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]4. Research is beginning to demonstrate we need that uterus for many reasons[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]If adenomyosis is present, if there is actual disease, infection, or injury to the uterus itself, I understand the value of a hysterectomy. But for endometriosis, hysterectomy does little to treat the disease. Research shows that hysterectomy does however, increase cardiac risk, stroke risk and has limited connections to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson\u2019s and Alzheimer\u2019s as well. Even with the ovaries present, there may be a decrease in estrogens, which can cause many problems including depression.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=\"blog-heading-style1\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]5. Hysterectomy is a personal decision[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"]Even through all the recent backlash in the media about hysterectomy, I applaud women for making the decision they believe is right for their own bodies. My support for the population I treat and I am a part of will never waiver. The most important thing is that women are fully informed and prepared to make the right decision for their bodies, and ready to handle the effects of whatever decision they make.\n\nIt can be a scary decision, and I support any woman who suffers from endometriosis and whatever choice they make as they try to find their way to wellness. What I don\u2019t support is the medical machine trying to push women into procedures they may not need, especially when it may or may not fix the pain.\n\nHysterectomy does not treat endometriosis, it treats uterine disorders. Just like I respect the brave women who have taken the leap and chosen hysterectomy, it is time to respect those of us who don\u2019t.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" text_font=\"||on||||||\"]Dr. Sallie Sarrel<\/a> is a Pelvic Physical Therapist in New York and New Jersey and endometriosis advocate who has the disease herself. She is known to lecture around the world on the importance of pelvic physical therapy an adjunct to excision surgery for endometriosis care. She is also a USTA National Tennis Champion and a woman seeking relief from her life altering pelvic pain and endometriosis. You can reach Sallie directly at salliesarrel@yahoo.com.<\/a>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" text_font=\"|700|||||||\"]Hey Endo Sisters and supporters! When you shop Be Prepared Period, you can feel good knowing you\u2019re supporting a business that supports Endometriosis research. Shop using the link below, and we\u2019ll donate 5% of proceeds to the Endometriosis Research Center. This offer applies all year round \u2013 so you can give back while you order your monthly supplies.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Endo_Fundraising_Donation_CTA.jpg\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/idevaffiliate\/idevaffiliate.php?id=148\" url_new_window=\"on\" use_overlay=\"on\" overlay_icon_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0)\" hover_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.4)\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.4.1\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" text_font=\"||on||||||\"]Psst! Think you might have Endometriosis? Our free guide helps to separate fact from fiction. Click below to download it![\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Endometriosis-Guide-CTA.jpg\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/endometriosis-guide\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" use_overlay=\"on\" overlay_icon_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0)\" hover_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.4)\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\"][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"3.25\" custom_padding=\"|||\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" text_font=\"|800||||||#ffffff|\" text_text_color=\"#ffffff\" text_line_height=\"1.8em\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" custom_padding=\"|||10px|false|false\" border_width_all=\"9px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\" text_text_align=\"center\"] RELATED RESOURCES<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=\"QUIZ: ARE YOU A PERIOD PRO?\" url=\"https:\/\/bepreparedperiod.outgrow.us\/are-you-a-period-pro\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/ARE-YOU-A-PERIOD-PRO-QUIZ.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\"]Whether you\u2019ve just gotten your period, or you\u2019ve been menstruating for a while, there\u2019s a lot to learn about your body. Take the quiz to find out how much you know about Aunt Flow.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"PERIOD 2GO KITS\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/period-kits\/period-kit-to-go\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/period-kit.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\" saved_tabs=\"all\"]You can't always plan for your period, but you can always be prepared for its surprise arrival. Make sure you're ready for when you spot the signs with our super cute and discreet 2GO Kits![\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"TIPS FOR PARENTS & GIRLS SERIES\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/puberty-and-menstrual-tips-for-parents-and-girls-series\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/TIPS-FOR-PARENTS-GIRLS-SERIES.jpg\" _builder_version=\"4.0.11\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\" global_module=\"9626\" saved_tabs=\"all\"]\n\nBPP\u2019s weekly email series will provide you with the tools you need to confidently prepare for the time ahead.\n\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"BETTER YOUR PERIOD ACTION GUIDE\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/better-your-period-action-guide\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/BYP-Action-Guide.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\"]This FREE action guide not only shares the benefits of tracking your cycle, but provides a weekly checklist on how to optimize each phase of your cycle.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"MENSTRUAL SELF CARE GUIDE\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/menstrual-self-care-guide\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/menstrual-self-care-guide.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\" saved_tabs=\"all\"]With a self-care practice, you'll find opportunities to slow down, recharge, and take care of your body.\nWe're all about finding ways to go with the flow to add a little love to your time of the month.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"MENSTRUAL CUP 101\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/menstrual-cup-101\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/menstrual-cup-101.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\" saved_tabs=\"all\"]Menstrual cups have a long list of benefits that include: 12 hour protection, holds more than a super tampon, safer, better for the environment and the cost $avings!! Learn more![\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=\"HORMONE BALANCING TEA FOR CRAMPS & HOT FLASHES\" url=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/other-products\/cramp-tea\" url_new_window=\"on\" image=\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/HORMONE-BALANCING-TEA-FOR-CRAMPS-AND-HOT-FLASHES.jpg\" _builder_version=\"3.15\" header_text_color=\"#ec2288\" background_color=\"#404040\" background_layout=\"dark\" custom_margin=\"0px||0px|\" custom_margin_tablet=\"\" custom_margin_phone=\"\" custom_margin_last_edited=\"on|desktop\" border_width_all=\"20px\" border_color_all=\"#404040\"]Herbal tea, an all-natural, safe and effective way of reducing or eliminating menstrual symptoms that plague women on a regular basis.[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb url=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/cgi-bin\/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JVBU8C4RM9TRJ&source=url\" url_new_window=\"on\" 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