It’s estimated that up to 6 ½ million American women are dealing with endometriosis. When it comes to Black Americans, though, the numbers are less concrete because of how few Black women get diagnosed. Even if you have been diagnosed, it’s essential to know what to ask your doctor before deciding to have surgery.
10 Critical Questions For Your Doctor
1. What are my surgical treatment options?
There are two main surgeries for endometriosis – one more invasive than the other. Laparoscopic surgeries use small cuts to access the abnormal tissue that needs to be removed. A hysterectomy, on the other hand, is a major surgery that involves the removal of the uterus and sometimes, the ovaries as well as the fallopian tubes.
2. What is the goal of this surgery?
Your doctor’s end goal will help to determine which surgery they recommend. It’s typical to suggest a less invasive surgery for those who have moderate symptoms they need to alleviate. If your symptoms are severe and aren’t responding to other forms of treatment, your doctor might opt for more drastic surgery.
3. What are the side effects of this surgery?
Every surgery will have side effects and will have a bearing on your decision. For example, a hysterectomy that only removes your uterus will affect your fertility. If they remove your ovaries as well, then it will be the same as going into menopause. That means you’re likely to need hormone replacement therapy.
RELATED: 5 Ways To Find A Great Endometriosis Specialist
4. Will this cure my endometriosis?
Unfortunately, even drastic surgery doesn’t have a 100% success rate for endometriosis. Some people have had their symptoms return afterward. This question will allow you to have a frank discussion with your doctor about the odds of that happening to you and what to do about it.
5. How do I need to prepare for the surgery?
Depending on the procedure, there are a few things you may need to do to ensure that you’re prepared. The list includes not smoking for at least three weeks before the procedure, not eating after midnight the day before surgery, and not taking certain medications like blood thinners.
6. What should I expect after the surgery?
Your recovery time will depend on the type of surgery as will the amount of pain to expect. Your doctor should be able to give you a timeline of what to expect and the signs that something is wrong.
7. What if my symptoms return or get worse?
As noted before, some people have had their endometriosis symptoms return after surgery. Sometimes, additional surgery is the answer but other doctors recommend hormone therapy instead. Ask your doctor about their plan.
8. What will happen if I choose not to have surgery?
Not everyone wants to undergo surgery so it’s good to know what risks are involved if you decide to delay having it.
9. Will this procedure affect my fertility?
Statistics state that most women get diagnosed with endometriosis in their 30s so it’s understandable that you might