Dr. Stanley West is the author of The Hysterectomy Hoax, published in January, 1994 by Doubleday. In it he explains why 90 percent of all hysterectomies are unnecessary, and describes all the treatment options available to every woman, no matter what age.
Questions?
Contact Dr. West. He will answer you promptly
I was especially pleased that [Dr. West] took the time to do a phone consult with me at a moment's notice…[He is] a person that gives others hope, even from afar!
–Shonna Mackelprang, Charleston
What a blessing to have a doctor as competent and compassionate as Dr. West! I feel better than ever and still hope…[to] have a child in the near future!
–Natonya, New Jersey
The greatest blessing for me is that the pain and suffering for all those years is over, and my uterus is still completely intact!!
–Merdene Dunmore, Brooklyn, NY
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue from inside the uterus implants itself in surfaces surrounding the uterus.
Every month when the uterus contracts to squeeze out the endometrial lining during menstruation, some tissue and blood is propelled backward through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. Through laparoscopies, doctors have observed that this backflow probably occurs among all women. However, it does not always cause problems.
Most women's bodies are able to resist the implantation of endometrial tissue in surfaces surrounding the uterus. In other women, there are varying degrees of resistance, leading to anything from mild to severe endometriosis.
Most commonly, endometrial implants lodge either in a pouch-like area behind the uterus called the cul de sac and/or around the fallopian tubes. Endometrial tissue can also attach itself to the ovaries. If it does, the monthly blood flow becomes trapped, leading to the formation of a cyst called an endometrioma. When the endometrial tissue is forced into the wall of the uterus and takes root, the condition is called adenomyosis. The blood and tissue shed each month become trapped in the wall. Adenomyosis can be extremely painful and may cause heavy bleeding or infertility. The condition is often indistinguishable from fibroids.
Current medical thinking holds that women with endometriosis have some immunological defect that renders them incapable of rejecting implantation of misplaced endometrial tissue. In other words, their immune systems are unable to mount a defense against the implants.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Symptoms of endometriosis occur cyclically around the beginning of menstruation. Severe cramps are the most common problem. They usually begin sooner and last longer than garden-variety menstrual cramps. The pain can be so intense that it simply is not possible to conduct business as usual. Many women also experience nausea, heavy menstrual bleeding, vomiting, pain during sexual intercourse, and bouts of syncopy (fainting).
Fertility and Endometriosis
Two types of drugs are the mainstays of endometriosis treatment today. They are Danocrine and two newer medications, Lupron and Synarel, which are called GnRH agonists. All three of these drugs have the same effect: They induce a temporary menopause by blocking estrogen production. Since the endometrial tissue requires estrogen to grow, endometriosis is temporarily halted.
The more advanced the endometriosis, the more likely it is that a woman’s fertility will be affected. Women with endometriosis tend to have higher than normal rates of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage.
Treating Endometriosis
Remarkable new drugs as well as some very sophisticated surgical techniques have made it possible to eradicate endometrial implants and associated adhesions simply and quickly. However, even the latest approaches have their limitations. None will put a permanent end to the problem. There is nothing we can do to insure that endometriosis does not recur after successful drug treatment and/or surgery. Until we can eliminate the risk of recurrence once and for all, a woman prone to endometriosis may need repeated courses of drug treatment and/or repeated surgery.
The Latest Drugs
Two types of drugs are the mainstays of endometriosis treatment today. They are Danocrine and two newer medications, Lupron and Synarel, which are called GnRH agonists. All three of these drugs have the same effect: They induce a temporary menopause by blocking estrogen production. Since the endometrial tissue requires estrogen to grow, endometriosis is temporarily halted.
Surgery
Two types of drugs are the mainstays of endometriosis treatment today. They are Danocrine and two newer medications, Lupron and Synarel, which are called GnRH agonists. All three of these drugs have the same effect: They induce a temporary menopause by blocking estrogen production. Since the endometrial tissue requires estrogen to grow, endometriosis is temporarily halted.
The big advantage to treating endometriosis with surgery rather than drugs is that adhesions or endometriomas, which can be the source of so much of the pain, can be removed. Eliminating them often provides more relief than months of drug treatment. Eliminating them can also increase the likelihood of successful conception and pregnancy. The surgery can be done laparoscopically, which means short recovery times (one or two weeks) and a short stay – one day or night in the hospital. However, in more severe cases, opening the abdomen is recommended. This surgery involves a small bikini line incision, involves a four or five day hospital stay and a month or more recuperating at home.